[Nick V]

removing excess polish

We use a product called "Afta" to remove polish build up. It's harsh enough to break down old polish yet, mild enough as not to cause damage to the leather. It's also very easy to work with. Simply apply a coat or two (as needed). Be sure to let dry between coats. Take a clean rag (an old t-shirt will do) and rub the finish evenly. Repeat the process if necessary. After you remove the old polish be sure to apply a fresh new coat.

Afta can be found in large grocery and hardware stores. It also works well on fabrics.

 

[Nick V]

polish...wax or cream?

It depends on what your trying to accomplish. Think of your hands for example. In the winter your skin tends to dry out. So you use a moisturizer. The moisturizer tends to restore the suppleness in your skin. Your skin is live an contains elements that keep it healthy as well. Now take shoe leather and apply that thinking. First of all shoe leather is dead and has no elements to restore it's suppleness. It was also tanned and went through various chemical processes in order to be prepared to be made into a shoe. In addition normal wear and tear and weather add to breaking down of dead leather. Because of this I prefer to use cream polish. Mainly because the cream penetrates deeper into the pores of the leather (just like hand cream). Wax on the other hand tends to stay on the surface of the skin eventually clogging the pores. Generally, wax gives a better shine but I believe cream is better for the skin.