Shoe Polish That Won't Darken Leather

[kronos77]

I did a search and found some old threads with related information but I wanted to specifically ask about polish or cream that won't darken brown, tobacco colored leather. Beeswax was suggested to me, but no particular brand.

The leather I have has developed a nice two tone effect where the darker color has worn off. I love the look and would hate to lose it.

Thanks.

 

[Bamaboots]

kronos77, a neutral cream polish is probably your best bet. I use a Scout product labeled "Delicate" and it goes on clear and produces a nice shine without darkening. If you reach a point where you need to add color to the leather use cream polish several shades lighter than the leather you're polishing. Even this will darken the leather over time.

I don't use wax based products unless it's a "spit" shine I'm looking for. Even then I only use a very small amount as wax will build up and doesn't do a lot for conditioning the leather.

 

[kronos77]

Bamaboots,

Thanks.

Does the polish give any sort of waterproofing or is a wax polish necessary for that?

Sorry, but I am new to this shoe and boot care stuff. It seems different than caring for a leather jacket which really involves doing nothing.

 

[gtdean48]

I started using URAD cream when it was Leather Mate on boots to protect, shine, remove scuffs, etc.
It makes the leather look wet, so how your boot would look like if you wore it out in the rain, when first applied.
It can be buffed to high sheen. YMMV
http://www.urad.com/support/FAQ-article.cfm?article_id=29#.VYrWeflViko

 

[kronos77]

Thanks for the replies. I just came across a Lexol product i was not familiar with. It is the 3-in-1 non darkening formula. Cleans, conditions, protects...supposedly without darkening the leather. Has anyone tried it? Does anyone have opinions about Lexol generally?

 

[Bamaboots]

kronos77, I've used a lot of Lexol over the years but mostly on harness leathers and saddles. It's been a few years since I've used any but I seem to remember it darkening the leather a bit, not a lot but some. Lexol is a good product. I collect cowboy boots, both vintage and custom made and the product I use just for cleaning and conditioning is Bickmore 4. I really like the product and it has never darkened any of the leather I've used it on.

 

[gtdean48]

Thanks for the replies. I just came across a Lexol product i was not familiar with. It is the 3-in-1 non darkening formula. Cleans, conditions, protects...supposedly without darkening the leather. Has anyone tried it? Does anyone have opinions about Lexol generally?

I mainly use Lexol conditioning wipes on boots, saddles, belts, hat sweatbands, you name it...even my wife's leather living room furniture.
Nothing but good results so far.
I've used the Urad Leather Mate stuff to restore old leather items, sheaths, holsters, reins, etc.

 

[nick123]

Stay away from Obenauf's LP if darkening of the leather isn't your intended result.