How to Use Mink Oil on Boot Leather
Mink oil protects leather boots from moisture, salt and other things that can damage them. It also softens the leather, making stiff work and hiking boots more comfortable to wear. As the name suggests, mink oil is obtained from the fatty hide of a mink. The mink oil that's sold to condition boots is mixed with beeswax, which maximizes the conditioning benefits. Tubs of mink oil paste are available at most shoe stores, sold alongside other waterproofing materials. Does this Spark an idea?
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Instructions
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1
Warm the boots with a hair dryer, or set them in front of a fire or over a heat vent for a few minutes. Heating the leather will help it absorb the oil.
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2
Spread the cloth over your fingers, and use them to scoop out enough of the mink oil paste to cover your fingers from the first knuckle to the tips. Rub the mink oil into the boots until it turns clear and begins to melt into the leather.
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3
Repeat step two, conditioning your boots one section at a time, until both boots have been covered with the paste.
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4
Wipe off any paste that got on the laces or soles of the boots.
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5
Allow the boots to dry overnight, and apply a second coat of mink oil following the directions above.
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Tips & Warnings
Mink oil may cause some leather to become slightly darker.
To apply the mink oil, a chamois cloth works well, or simply use a scrap of flannel from an old shirt. Paper towels will work if that's all you have.
Mink oil will not damage non-leather parts of your boots, so there's no need to be too careful about the application.
Reapply the mink oil every few months to keep your boots protected.
Mink oil can also be used to condition other leather products such as baseball gloves and leather clothing.
