Every gentleman who is preparing for a black tie event should know how to shine patent leather shoes. Patent leather shoes are elegant, formal, and durable. The glossy surface found on the leather makes the shoe ideal to wear in formal black tie events. The coated surface also affects the process for caring for the shoes; Due to the nature of the patent leather’s glossy surface, there is not much you can do to care for these shoes beyond cleaning them. Follow these 5 simple steps to learn how to shine patent leather shoes:

1. How To Make Patent Leather Less Shiny
2. How To Make Patent Leather Less Shiny Eyes

1. Clean the Shoes

Probably one old fashion method that still works is to use a very fine or high grain emery paper and “sand” the patent finish down and then simply redye the color then apply a second coat. It’s the same method used when roughing up a shiny painted surface prior to repainting. Polishing a Leather Couch for a Shiny Look. Leather couches are a luxurious yet practical addition to your home. Part of the appeal of these couches is the soft sheen that invites you to sit down.

Use a cotton chamois to wipe the shoe. This will remove any dirt from the surface and prepare the shoes for the next step.

2. Apply Saphir Vernis Patent Leather Cleaner

Apply Saphir Vernis Patent Leather Cleaner to the shoe. The Saphir Patent Leather Cleaner comes in two colors: black and neutral. Since these shoes are black, we will go with that color. The patent leather cleaner may cause staining, so make sure you are working on a protected surface. Mix the solution by shaking the bottle and apply a generous amount to the chamois. Then use the chamois to rub the cleaner onto the outside surface of the shoe. Don’t worry about using too much, since any excess amount of cleaner will be buffed off later. Unlike traditional leather polishes which are absorbed by the leather, this cleaner will only treat the surface. The glossy layer on the surface completely seals and protects the leather.

3. Allow the Shoes to Dry

Allow the shoes to dry for 3 to 5 minutes after applying the cleaner. You will know the cleaner is dry when it has gone from clear to foggy.

4. Buff Off the Patent Leather Cleaner

After allowing the cleaner to dry, select a clean portion of the same chamois you used to apply the leather cleaner and use it to buff the cleaner off the shoes. As you are rubbing your shoes, you will see the shine begin to develop. After this step is completed you will be able to located any areas with spotting or that need further work.

5. (Optional) Remove Spotting

Gently use your chamois and a small amount of rubbing alcohol to work on any spots that still need cleaning. While doing this, be sure to use gentle strokes to avoid damaging the glossy layer. Keep in mind that this will remove the cleaner from that spot as well, so be sure to reapply the cleaner afterward.

Marilyn Monroe famously said, 'Give a girl the right shoes and she can conquer the world.' But what if the right shoes have seen better days?

That's when many people head to David Mesquita at Leather Spa in New York City to give their footwear a sprucing.

But Mesquita told Inside Edition shoes can be given new life with simple things most of us already have at home: Windex, nail polish remover, Q-tips and a toothbrush and a nail file, for example.

Patent leather shoes looking a little scuffed? Windex and a paper towel can make those puppies shine like new.

And for a particularly stubborn scuff mark? Turn to 'nail polish remover and a trusty Q-tip,' said Mesquita. Just make sure the remover has acetone in it, as that's the key ingredient that works magic.

White tennis shoes no longer white? 'Very simple,' Mesquita said. 'Mr. Clean Magic Eraser.'

His favorite trick? Take a toothbrush and a nail file to smooth out any damage to suede shoes.

'The toothbrush is the trick we use to bring back the natural nap of the suede and also brush out any dirt that's stuck in its natural fibers,' Mesquita explained.

How To Make Patent Leather Less Shiny

'And then for those flat spots where the suede needs to be brought back, that's where this little hack comes in you're basically rubbing the suede to agitate it to bring back its natural fibers.'

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