How to Get Shiny Boots With Parade Gloss

Military personnel spend hours cleaning and polishing their boots.

If one thing is true of all military personnel it is that they always have very shiny boots. In the real world it is unlikely the same care and attention will be paid to everyday leather shoes and boots, but polishing is also a good way to maintain the quality of the leather and increase the lifespan of the footwear. Parade gloss polish is similar to standard show polish, but is made with paraffin.

Things You'll Need

• Parade gloss polish
• Lint free cloths
• Toothbrush
• Water

Instructions

1. Clean the boots before applying polish. anyAny dirt left on the shoe can be caught in the polish and might damage the leather. Wash the outside with a damp cloth and remove dried in dirt from the edge of the sole using a damp toothbrush.

2. Wrap a lint free cloth around your index finger and collect a large amount of polish from the tin on the cloth.

3. Apply to the toe cap of the shoe in a circular motion working the polish into the leather.

4. Dampen the cloth with some water to lubricate the polishing action. Water from the tap will be fine, although in the military they tend to use their own saliva. DO not add to much water, just enough to make the polishing easier.

5. Work your way around the entire shoe in this manner and then add a second and a third layer of polish still applying it in quite thick layers in a circular motion.

6. Reduce the amount of polish on subsequent layers, but continue to apply in the same manner. This reduction in the amount of polish will start turning the boots from the matt black waxy finish to a gleaming shine.

7. Remove the last of the polish with a cloth free of polish.

Tips & Warnings

• Outside of the military, this excessive layering of polish is not required, but the basic concept remains the same. Use a lot of polish to start then reduce until the leather gleams.

References

• Cadet Stuff: How to Spit-and-Polish