Baby Bootblack Shopping list

Interested in bootblacking but you have no idea where to start? Did the kit your bootblack have at the stand seem a little overwhelming? What if I told you that most common leathers you have or will see at the stand need a care package that can be built at around $50?

80% of the leather I’ve handled is simply cleaned and conditioned, or cleaned and polished.

To clean Oil-Tanned and High shine leathers you will need

Water: Free

Spray bottle

Saddle soap Or  Glycerin soap (Neutrogena)

To Condition Oil-Tanned Leather, You will need

Huberd's grease Or Finland Bear grease Or Underground Leathers House blend Balm

To Scrub and buff

Horse hair boot brushes. Small for scrubbing. Large for buffing— 2/3  pack on Amazon for under $10, or local shoe stores sell them at averages of $5 a piece 

Toothbrush to brush soap out of nooks

To Polish

Kiwi shoe polish (Can be found in most shoe stores, just make sure it’s not parade gloss) Or Angelus or Lincoln shoe polishes

Tshirt rags — free. Use old t shirts! 

Nylon pandy hose — this is the secret to making a mirror shine ✨️ If a box is too expensive, you can find nylon panty-hose at retail stores for about a dollar a pair in those little plastic balls

Bonus Round: Suede (This might put you at $60)

Clean with Vinegar

Conditioners: Care&Cool or Bickmore

Brushes: rubber and wire brush. This one is my personal favorite because it also has a stain eraser

Please note: these links are to help you visually identify what you are searching for. You may find them elsewhere for a better price.