[Andy]

I use a dauber brush to apply polish to shoes, but I also like using old socks for polish applying and shining. My recent trouble is that my socks are not wearing out like they used to!!!

I don't know whether the socks have gotten better or I'm buying better socks. Anyway to solve the problem I just went to Marshall''s and got a package of 6 very inexpensive white anklet socks.

 

[Cruiser]

I have a box into which I throw all of my old socks for just such a purpose. I particularly like the thick white athletic ones for polishing the cars.

Cruiser

 

[fitzwright]

Retired white cotton undershirts are also excellent. I often use an old undershirt rag to put a final shine on my shoes or boots. I can get my black oxfords to near patent leather shine with that method.

 

[VincentC]

Do socks have to be 100% cotton to polish shoes? Or can any old socks do the trick? After how many polishes would you need to wash the sock to re polish?
Everyone wants to know these answers but im the one to ask.

 

[PedanticTurkey]

I used to use socks to polish, before I realized I could buy cotton flannel for a couple bucks a yard.

 

[welldressedfellow]

I have an old OCBD that I use for shining.I use the pocket as an applicator,and then use a strip of cloth that I cut from the back to give it the final rub down.

 

[Cruiser]

The advantage that I find in using old socks over other types of cloth is that I can put my hand inside like a glove and it makes the process easier.

Cruiser

 

[welldressedfellow]

The advantage that I find in using old socks over other types of cloth is that I can put my hand inside like a glove and it makes the process easier.

Cruiser

I can see where that would be helpful.I may try that next time I shine (once a month,or as necessary).

 

[Blueboy1938]

Huh?

Do socks have to be 100% cotton to polish shoes? Or can any old socks do the trick? After how many polishes would you need to wash the sock to re polish?
Everyone wants to know these answers but im the one to ask.

I guess I'm slow today. Are you asking when you'd need to wash an old sock so that it could be used again for polishing? If so, I would say never! Why would you want to get polish on other garments? Just throw it away when you think it is no longer doing the job.

 

[eagle2250]

Do socks have to be 100% cotton to polish shoes? Or can any old socks do the trick? After how many polishes would you need to wash the sock to re polish?
Everyone wants to know these answers but im the one to ask.

While I use cotton balls for applying and working in the polish, I would think that socks used for such purpose would have to be 100% cotton. Otherwise, wouldn't the synthetic material tend to scratch the finish? :icon_scratch:

 

[PedanticTurkey]

Why not just use your finger to apply the polish?

 

[Orsini]

I simply mention to my handlers in passing that certain pairs of shoes require attention and they arrange to have it taken care of. Precisely how is immaterial to me...

 

[Alexander Kabbaz]

This thread is sacrilegious!

Socks should be cherished and, when their days are numbered, be given a proper funeral. Polishing cloths? Heretic!

 

[VincentC]

I guess I'm slow today. Are you asking when you'd need to wash an old sock so that it could be used again for polishing? If so, I would say never! Why would you want to get polish on other garments? Just throw it away when you think it is no longer doing the job.

Oh but i reuse cloths after washing in the sink. But i was even wondering to myself is it neccesary for me to keep washing it out of habit after polishing a couple of times, even though it might not be neccesary.

 

[Blueboy1938]

Work, work, work . . .

Oh but i reuse cloths after washing in the sink. But i was even wondering to myself is it neccesary for me to keep washing it out of habit after polishing a couple of times, even though it might not be neccesary.

All that washing sounds too much like work to me!

Polishing is not applying. Polishing cloths should not get unduly soiled, since the polish should be dry or drying when you use the cloth, especially if you use a good brush first. It seems to me that washing will strip out the nap, which is what gives a good polishing cloth its effectiveness. Rags are reused cloth that you didn't throw away because you have a use for them. When they are no longer useable (too dirty, worn out), just toss 'em. Frugality has limits:icon_smile:

 

[82-Greg]

Based on years of polishing shoes at a right-wing, neo-fascist military college and ensuing years of military service,

a) I use a dauber and brush when applying creme. Afterwards, I'll buff quickly with a cloth.

b) For shell leathers, I only apply creme.

c) For all cow leathers, I spit-shine (Brits use the term bulling) using a carnuba wax. It involves no actual spit.

d) Using anything other than 100% cotton will lead to scratches--making it impossible to achieve a mirror-like gloss when using wax based polish.

e) It is impossible to adequately shine shoes without using properly fitted shoe trees.

 

[Dogtooth]

I use standard Kiwi type polishes and often spit or add a small drop of water into the polishing tin to soften the polish. I then apply the polish using an old face flannel or other heavier cloth like a cut down towel using my index finger wrapped in the cloth. Depending on the shoe I will sometimes spit on the toe cap for that extra shine just before I add the polish so trapping the moisture under the polish.

I then start the polishing with a standard brush and finish off with a light cloth like a cotton tee shirt for a final buffing.

This is about the same routine I used when as a lad I did my dads shoes for him, I have tried to encourage my teenager to do the same for me, but it's a losing battle and I enjoy doing it myself, so don't try to hard to get him to do it, but he does at least know how it's done, so should carry on the same practice in years to come.


Bob

 

[FordValley]

Instead of socks, have you thought of shirts that you don't like anymore. Very good for shining shoes. :icon_smile_wink:

 

[Carlton-Browne]

For "bulling" I use a Selvyt polishing cloth which is a jeweller's polishing cloth (make sure to avoid the variety pre-impregnated with chemicals) and at a pinch a conventional yellow cotton duster. If you are simply buffing up the shine on shoes or boots that already have a depth of polish then women's tights (or the squaddie's friend - a pair of Ron Hill tracksters) are surprisingly good and clearly are not made of cotton.

There is a German shop (and website) called Manufactum and they have a Yak hair polishing brush which is an absolute beauty and at a reasonable price too.

 

[Droog]

I use pieces of an old T-short to apply polish and work up a spit shine (and I do use spit).

For those parts of the shoe I am not spit shining (or if I'm being hurried/lazy), I bring to a brush shine and then use a nylon stocking (the foot-size ones you see in a shoe store as a temporary sock for trying on shoes are perfect). Easy way to develop a high shine that is between a spit and brush shine.