SKIP THE PIGMENT: WHEN TO USE NEUTRAL PRODUCTS
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- Опубліковано 27 вер 2024
- Show Featured: Allen Edmonds Hopkinson
The Elegant Oxford is a Clothing & Apparel Project Offering Premium Shoe Restorations, Patinas, & Artisan Shines for Quality Men’s Shoes.
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Such a strange UA-cam phenomenon: watching people shine shoes. I can’t get enough.
Thanks, Scott!
Same here. I love it!
It's addicting.
It's instant gratification and change....for all the things in the world we are unable to change right now
@@TheElegantOxford what products do you suggest when using neutral wax? what kind of neutral wax or cream. I use a neutral conditioner.
Although I have a few different colors for my creams I have also discovered neutrals to be cost effective especially when added coloring is not necessary. I also use Saphir's 'Pate de Luxe' neutral for toe high gloss shinning which works equally well and very versatile!
My mirror gloss is neutral and I use it for all colors as well. Works great!
Preston, I find your videos very enjoyable and believe it or not relaxing. It took by surprise with this particular video your comments about keeping the natural color of your shoes with being on a budget. Maybe I took it out of context, but when possible I keep the color of my shoes as close as their original color, but not necessarily because I’m on a budget. To be clear I do invest on products for my shoes to include neutral products, particularly those used in your videos. Thank you for the fantastic job you do.
I've always had a hard nuetral gloss for final polish. For some reason it just makes the shine pop. I go with a shoe cream to treat the leather, then a saphier color cream wax approprate for the shoe color and hit the toes and heals with a couple coats of neutral. Leather treated, color pigment to fix up any scuffs along with a good bit of wax from the cream wax and fihish with neutral for that pop. Job done. Saves you from needing a hard wax for all the different colors. Nice video as always.
This is perfect for me, just got my first pair of some quality florsheim ankle high shoes and never really shined shoes before and dont want to mess up the color. Thank you!
Thanks for watching Kevin!
I used same technique on one of my same color shoes to keep its tan, that I call it natural tan. As you mentioned I didnt want to hide that tan under pigment. Perfect job as always.
It definitely works. Some pairs deserve to stay the same color
Hey nice video, I have a few questions about neutral polish,
1. Can I apply it on my shoes that already have black shoe polish on them, or do I have to strip them completely of wax first.
2. Does the color matter, take for example I have a pair of dress shoes that are black, if I use a black pigment polish will I get a better shine, more outstanding shine, than the neutral polish.
3. Can you do a review on a brand of shoe polish called "shoe gear military gloss" I bought a can and I think that it nourishes that leather good, and it brings a nice mirror shine to my shoes and boots, it's like 3-4 dollars, and itd nice to see a comparison of that shoe polish with kiwi or saphire, and to also get an opinion from someone who's experienced.
Thank you for your time.
1. You so not need to strip off colored polish to apply neutral.
2. In my experience, colored waxes make it easier to get the mirror shine but neither will produce a higher quality shine. That being said using pigmented waxes can add a nice depth of color to the shoe. Navy wax on black shoes in particular, makes the black appear darker
Hello
Am a big fan of your channel, I really enjoy your meticulous work. I've been trying to look for videos on restoring boat shoes, unfortunately there aren't as good videos on UA-cam. Could you please do one on restoring a faded pair of boat shoes while maintaining the white stitching.
Saddle soap to clean, then Renovateur to restore it. If that doesn't bring them back to life, you would simply add shoe cream of the same color and buff with a fine chamois. I had this issue with Too Siders and the Renovateur alone (after the soap of course) brought the color back to life - you can see what it does just within the first 60 seconds of this video, it is magic.
just Subscribed great videos!!! Taking the process from great nyc shoe shiners from 20 years ago even, I came into habit of putting pigment colors on first- lil water on cloth rub it in than buff to an old matte shine, than finish up with a neutral for the mirror (changed on some overtime just use the Saphir pigment mirror shine to mirror) . Amazing educational videos keep them coming!!
Great for cowboy boot shafts. Avoids darkening stitching.
Thank you for the 1911
Ditch the brush at the end and use a 100% cotton t shirt or diaper. As an old Marine who spent years spit shining black leather boots and shoes.
Thanks Preston, you answered a question of mine, about pigment, the other day. Great to see a video about the subject. Gent.
I’m glad the video helped!
I only have 3 color polishes and creams: black, brown, and neutral.
Gorgeous natural patina on those shoes! I can understand why you used neutral cream and polish.
Beautiful results!
Thank you
Great videos... I'm binging on them and have found a new passion for taking care of my shoes as a result! There's one question I have -- have you tried the Saphir Renovateur Macadamia vs the classic, mink oil-based one? Have you noticed any differences? Thanks!
That was so beautiful I am astounded, thank you
That looks so great!
Those came out great.
Superb job! Only one question, you use the water on top of the ice cube but the alcohol is mixed in the bottom ,so what job the alcohol does?
The alcohol melts the wax, which in turn produces a high shine quicker
Amazing job - I really love the ice cube 'trick' ⭐️👌🏼
It works really well for me. I need a bigger ice cube tray
The Elegant Oxford Yeah 👍🏻 I will try this technique tomorrow. Great inspiration 😊👍🏻
The ice cube trick is an excellent idea. I have the “tap” water dispenser which I fill with ice water, but honestly think just using an ice cube would work equally as well, and save you $$$. But there is something so satisfying tapping that water dispenser! LOL
Good job 👍
Where did you find the Incolore 02 Neutral. FYI. Impressed with results of Saphir and bought over $200 of Saphir on Amazon.
Amazing! You’re ready for some good shines
Thank you so much for sharing this with as is simply tips to go Whit different pairs of shoes not bad idea keep it coming ✌️🤙
Thanks, David! Will do
man you are really into shining shoes
It’s my job so yeah 😎
@@TheElegantOxford ive never seen it done better not even close
I blew my whole shoe budget on pommadier in every color of the saphir rainbow and only picked up neutral pate de luxe :(
That’s ok, you are doing great
Do you have a video on shoe trees sounds stupid but are they one size fits most
hello there! How do you clean a pair of shoes which has 3-4 layers of wax on without using the Saphir Renomat? Is there a not so aggressive method? Thanks!
Hey Mr P.
Check out my latest video about it. Just use a hair dryer or a heat gun and melt it down and wipe it off. It’s gentle and easy. Just make sure you get it hot enough
Hi Preston, I have a new pair of black oxfords and the shopkeeper who sold them to me was quite knowledgable about shoes.
But he told me not to use Saphir Renovateur and asked why I would consider Pat Deluxe and that the shoes are ready to wear as is.
He instead gave me Saphir Black cream polish and mirror gloss.
I also read in a forum that renovateur is harsh because of its contents. Is this true? Is there any merit to their comments?
I don’t wanna dismiss this man as a mere salesman, he’s not as he was even nice enough to offer to show me how to shine my shoes.
I wanna do this right and it’s my first pair of good oxfords.
Please and thank you.
Come through with the production value of your video! From the thumbnails to the audio, we’re starting the year off right!
Thanks 🥔
I think I made a mistake/excessive with the saphir cream polish. I got black shoes, seen how The Elegant Oxford likes to use blue polish for the deeper/richer black. It was Christmas season so I thought I'd try red, and wanted the color richness and depth through the whole pair, heard wax should only be on the toe and heal, so I used cream, now the one shoe has a red/brown hue all over. I need these black for a wedding in May. Any suggestions?
That looks like my Church's shoes! I am surprised that you waxed the vamp where it will crease. Wouldn't shoe polish in the appropriate color be enough on that particular area?
Amazing video...
So relaxing good night...
😴 💤 🛏
Great video. I love neutral polishes, but my problem is I own several, thus defeating the point! Lol
Hey Preston- it seems like you’re doing mirror shines on other areas of the shoe now, including the vamp. I thought you said that was a no no, because the wax cracks. Have you changed your practice?
I have always mirror shined hard counter areas like the heel and sides. As long as you avoid flex points, you’ll be fine.
Your video shows that you added wax to the vamp area.
I have to admit that I prefer your old way of shining I tried your new way and I was not happy with the results I got
Use whatever method works best for you. There are countless ways to shine a shoe. Find what helps you achieve the fastest shine 👍🏻
The Elegant Oxford that’s part of the problem slow the process down you always seem to be in a hurry
Pretty sure it looks hurried bc he intentionally speeds it up to keep video length short. He has at least one video where he doesn't speed it up at all, if I remember. Look through his videos. It's 40 minutes long, so it should stand out. 👍
Well since this is my job, it’s in my best interest to finish orders as fast as possible. Faster works for my schedule the best but it still takes more than 20 minutes.
@@TheElegantOxford I love the results but I don't like how you get them so change your process to suit my preferences. So what if it impacts you financially because your process is slower...
.
.
.
.
(please read the above with all the intended sarcasm - bottom line this is your profession and your damn good at it without anyone's opinion on 'how' you do it.)
Hey Preston, I bought a pair of Meermin light brown monk straps, but when I tried to use the Renovetur, it seems like they darkened significantly. Then, following your and others advice, I polished them with the light brown Saphir cream polish, but now they are significantly different color than the matching belt, as in significantly darker. Any suggestions on how to get them back to that original color? or is it too late? I like the color now, but the matching belt is not so matching anymore, and I only used the Renovetur on the belt when I got it.
It's an art.
Thanks!
Simply Amazing!
Thank you!
I notice you use hands/rubber gloves to apply Saphir products to the shoes instead of cloth, chamois or dauber. Do you think this is a better method than cloth? And what about just bare hands without rubber gloves? Thank you.
I have a pair of Alden Indy boots with contrast stitching, would a neutral cream be a better choice so I don’t change the color of the stitching?
You made it shine like shell.
Thank you!
So cream is basically leather conditioner with a shine to it i got lost. My wife has pair of white leather pumps i want to bring back shine so whats the best product to make leather last and be moist and a bit of shine. Will cream work good for that application? Thanks
What do you think about owning coloured cream polish (black, browns etc..) and neutral wax polish?
excellent work
Thank you!
Hi preston ! Could you please make a detailed video of how to achieve mirror shine ! I have been a fan of your work ! And I am failing to achieve this shine ! Moreover saphir products are rarely available in local cities or online ! Please do guide if someone have kiwi or any homemade recipes to achieve this look
That’s a good idea
@@TheElegantOxford i am from India ! locally available is KIWI and Cherry Blossom . or any homebrew ideas !
Love the video Preston! I actually use nuetral wax on my cognac Alden 962s as well as my walnut McAllisters. It just saves the trouble of having to pull out several different waxes IMO, although I read somewhere it isn't good to use nuetral waxes long term for some reason.
I’ve never heard of a reason myself. I’ll keep an eye out though.
I heard that they can turn white in color.
But where can i get that shoe shiner in ugandan plz like wax cream to make my shoes best?
In your opinion what is the best high shine cotton chamois to use? Love watching your video and content. Alway has the best information.
Have you tried just using cotton balls that come in a bag from the drug store?
Sometimes in the women’s make up sections.
if i have a cigar shell cordovan and i use a saphir cordovan cream in whiskey color, will this lighten the color of my cigar colored shell? some part of the shoe darkened(patina) and i wanted to lighten it up so that it matches the rest of the cigar colored shell
What kind of wax did you use? Bee wax?
very good
What is best used to remove old wax from the toe cap of walnut strands without removing any of the factory finish??
A hairdryer to melt that wax off and wipe it away.
Can you still use colored shoe wax with neutral cream?
Indeed I second
Can a mirror shine be added to a women’s heel? Can the same techniques be used to preserve the appearance of heels?
Only if the heels are leather. Not on patent leather
I never seem to get the same shine from saphir neutral that I do the black. Which is frustrating.
I found color wax shines better for certain pairs too
Hi Preston,
If I was looking to put a mirror shine on some black Park Avenues for my wedding is it important to do a base coat of Pate De Luxe and then add Saphir Mirror Gloss?
Or do you think I could be alright with just one or the other? Thanks!!
Pat de luxe is enough. It’s my favorite
Are you not using to much of the creme? In all the other videos the use just a little
Got a quick question..... So I painted my closet and thought I covered my shoes......anyhoo, I've got speckles of paint on my shoes and cannot get them off.....please help!
That’s a rough one, Robert. I don’t know how to help other than to tell you to seek profesional help from a local cobbler
Is that the Hopkinson in walnut? I've heard Independence Collection walnut is darker than other AE walnut.
Yes, independence colors tend to be darker than normal. It’s just the leather they use.
Was the first jar the Saphir renovateur you used ? I thought that darkens leather ?
Would neutral be OK for black shoes too ?
That was Renovateur. Doesn't darken much at all. Use something like Bick 4 if you're worried about that.
I use neutral on my black shoes (until I get nicer black shoes and invest in a dark blue wax). Neutral can be used with any color.
Renovator only darkens the leather momentarily.
Yes, it would work for black too
Do you brush the rest of the shoe after the wax, or use a cloth as well?
Brush it.
Hello bro, I just recently started watching your videos and am very intrigued with your way of taking care of the shoes. I was just ordering all the things needed but am unable to get acetone. Is there any alternate to it?
Try Saphir renomat instead or use whatever girls use to remove nail polish.
@@TheElegantOxford Thanks, just ordered the renomat with the other products.
Womens nail polish remover is acetone
Looks like “dad” on the shoe trees. Are those your father’s shoes?
His shoe trees. They were the only ones big enough to fit this client’s shoes
From my personal experience, I can't recommend the use of neutral shoe cream and especially wax. For mainly two reasons. Neutral cream and even stronger neutral wax for example from Saphir Medaille D'or have quite a strong cleaning effect. It not only removes previously applied cream and wax but can also remove the original finish and colour of the shoe to some degree. This can happen with a normal application and no extensive rubbing on the leather with a cloth etc.. Another effect that neutral wax can happen is that when it drys, it generates a white surface and looks almost foggy. I mainly use neutral wax as a cleaner. For example, I apply regular cream on my sneakers and some of the blue, green etc. gets on my white soles. If I am not waiting for too long and simple take some neutral wax, it nicely removes the cream from the white soles without the need of a more aggressive cleaner. This works for Saphir neutral wax on Saphir Pommadier cream. If the Saphir neutral wax has the same effect on other creams I have not tested yet.
I’ve shined many hundreds of shoes at this point and have never had an issue with neutral products.
That’s just my experience though
@@TheElegantOxford Dear Elegant Oxford, I am not sure if you have primarily used Saphir Medaille d'Or products? If you did so, I am surprised you have never experienced it or heard about it. Since you have been on Mr. Allison's youtube channel, I send you the link from the Parisian Shoe Shine Method, where Mr. Allison explicitly mentions that the neutral wax is used as a cleaner and demonstrates it. Furthermore, after I have noticed it more than one year ago by myself, initially with the neutral mirror gloss, I contacted Avel the parent company of Saphir. They wrote me that they are aware that what I described in my comment can happen sometimes but solely with the neutral mirror gloss and the neutral saphir pate de luxe wax. The cleaning effect comes also without the water that Mr. Allison uses. ua-cam.com/video/5GHB5QLuyzg/v-deo.html
Do you work with Suede leather???
Yes but not often. I have a video about cleaning suede as well.
Should I be using gloves when using this product?
I used my finger and it worked fine. You can also you a cotton rag or a brush.
Do you need rubbing alcohol?
No
whats the first product you used? is it a cream?
Excellent product. I sell a fair bit of it.
Oh hey! You said "Médaille d'or" correclty. You used to insert an "i" in "d'or" which made it sound weird. Good vidéo, by the way.
Second
I used Saphir Renovateur on a pair of new never worn shoes and the color quickly came off, is this normal or did I do something wrong?
I used a cloth, I’m wondering if I should have used my bare finger tips or a glove
The renovateour does have small ammount of chemicals that remove color. I use bickmore 4. It does not remove color or darkens the leather.
Remember the old saying if it ain’t broke why fix it
don't fix it* 😜
Love your videos but they are too long
Play it at 2X speed and you’ll be golden
That is way too much
Too much of what?
The Elegant Oxford cream
First
Kromatizer you beat me!
Neutral polish is also good if you want to keep the scuffs rather than fill them in, for example on a pair of rugged boots. Or if you don't want to alter the patina on a pair of natural (i.e. undyed) colored shoes.
I'm watching this as I eat a greasy Whataburger, and I keep looking at the burger bun and the toe cap to compare the sheen on them. 😂 #greasybuns
Those are fighting words here in San Diego 😂😂😂 #TeamInnOut
@@TheElegantOxford its okay, there can only be one winner. 😎 #teamWhataburger
Jose Gonzalez the burger wins?😂
@@rayleeaustralia heck yeah! Sometimes it pains one to consume such delight. 😌
Oh, I miss Whataburger! You’re the man, Preston; but the Texas in me is turnin on ya!
I need to invest in some neutral cream and wax. Great results! I’m definitely liking the new way you’re shining the shoes!
Thanks, Doc!
Using neutral is like applying a clear coat over a rusted and faded car finish. For people who desire a patina look, it's honest and genuine. An artist can mimic a natural patina but, for some, only the genuine article will suffice.
Too true
Once you have done a complete regiment (leather conditioner, cream, and then wax), how do I maintain the shoe? Do I have to strip everything off and then re-apply or can I keep adding layers of wax every few months?
I'm also learning this skill but I remember that conditioning should be done rarely-for major cleaning (say 1 to 2 times a year). When it comes to adding cream and wax regularly, it's supposed to be "apply as needed", therefore it is your judgment call. So if you only have one pair of shoes which you use on a daily basis, then you might end up maintaining that (cream+wax) every week.
All those comments and opinions that says you shouldn’t use neutral, are stemmed from neutral synthetic wax like Kiwi and other cheap brands. These waxes doesn’t break down, are infused heavily with solvent that penetrates deep into the pores. It clogs and when the user stacks even more over time, it create those foggy look. Versus high end natural waxes and creams, huge difference! Plus many of these expensive polish products are also doubled duty as gentle cleaners, removing older waxes while infusing the leather with fresher waxes. How does that happen? Because substance of same kind sticks together, like how you remove tape marks on the wall by dabbing it with a fresh tape. Won’t old wax gets recycled back into the leather? Yes, but to a much much lesser degree coz they are already hardened, versus the fresh soluble waxes that will more readily infuse into the leather. If you use a cloth during the mirror shine you see those old wax transfer out into your cloth and if you don’t believe what I said, try to use those old wax on your cloth to polish your shoe, and you will find that won’t work as well, it is more gritty and grainy. Also another comment about absence of pigments in neutral wax makes it a cleaner that will reduce color - probably again stemmed from the kiwi days where high solvent infused synthetic wax, that may happen, especially on low quality corrected grain leather.
What do you think about fashion quality leather sneakers(Common Projects, Koio, Ace MArks etc)? I think you should do a video about maintenance that type of footwear
That’s a good idea
The Elegant Oxford I would love this, thanks!
I always get the white-ish wax on the crease of the shoe after using neutral cream polish from saphir. what do you suggest? thanks in advance! love your vid!
How do you get rid of the dark spots? I just bought a new pair of AE Fifth Avenue's in walnut and they have some really dark spots like these (1:35) and it's driving me crazy.
Quick question…. do I need colored waxes for shine if I already have a pigmented cream polish? Or can I get away with using a neutral wax over the cream polish
You can make patent leather obsolete
Wow thanks!
How often should old polish & wax be stripped off & reapplied?
Sometimes the natural look is the only look will suit..
So if you put one layer of wax polish where it creases it should be fine?
Totally used neutral stuff when I was traveling a lot and having to wear dress shoes every day. Made for easier packing. What you did here puts my efforts to shame. 😂 What can I say? Here to learn 🙌
Thanks! I’m sure you do great!
Hahah, yeah, I went through half the jar of creme de luxe trying to hydrate a really dry shoe (and it still could use a bit more).
It's definitely better used as a top up.
Isn't he using a bit to much in this video do u think?
Is neutral the way to go if you want to bring out more of a natural patina over time? I can’t imagine it would be great for covering scratches and such.
Yes it would be. You’re right, it doesn’t cover small scuffs or scratches.
I have a relatively new pair of Thursday Captain Boots and use Tarrago shoe cream in the boot's color, Brandy, but they do not offer Brandy with their shoe polish. A neutral polish by Tarrago is a better way to go. Up to the present, I have only used KIWI products due to my experience of serving in the US Army going back to the 1980s. I am now moisturizing my shoe wear with Black Rock leather treatment and slowly moving away from KIWI. I have not tried Saphir products but am tempted to do so with my other shoes. I sent you an email last week with some questions and hope you can respond over the next week or so. I do thank you for assembling these professional videos on leather maintenance.
Btw I don't think using polish is recommended for Thursday Captains as they are a "greasy" leather boot. I believe using Saphir oiled leather lotion is what Preston recommends
@@samuel96860 I use Black Rock to moisturize the leather and have also been applying shoe cream. I am not using shoe wax on them. I appreciate your response.
Also, Collonil 1909 or Terrago creams? Thanks
Collonil 1909
Nice glass toe, keep on doing great work buddy.
Thanks! #glasstoe!
Thanks for sharing. Love the natural color look.
Thanks p
I see where you avoided the creases on the toe box. I have a pair of boots that crease in the same spot.
It’s a common place for creasing but i still wish shoes didn’t crease
The Elegant Oxford Don’t we all? 😉
Hey there, love your videos! Btw, I’ve noticed you apply products in gloves, bare handed, and with a shirt tied around your fingers. When do you like to use which methods? What are the pros and cons of each?
He stated recently that he's been wearing gloves more as he has a young child now so wants to keep his hands clean.
I imagine bare hands gives you the best feel for whether you've put enough on.. also the heat from your fingertips will soften the wax slightly.
I wear gloves because I don't like dirty hands and when they're stained with pigment, they feel dirty for days until the skin replaces itself with new cells.
What, Matthew said!
The Elegant Oxford great, thanks both! Am I right those are nitrile gloves? Just want to be sure there’s no strange product reactions depending on the type of disposal glove.
Matthew Blackwell great thanks for the clarification! Do you wear nitrile gloves or other type? Want to be sure whatever I get doesn’t react with the shoe care products.