How to Make Your Own Natural Waterproofing Leather Boot Balm

[@koogle612]

Ive been tinkering with a recipe for a leather conditioner. I know your video is for waterproofer but as Ive been digging around for a complete approach to the best leather shoe & boot care. Ive made my own saddle soap (made with lard soap I made, leather conditioner, and polish too but not a waterproofer yet. Grew up with sno seal as well which I would rub into my boots well then warm them in a low warm oven to soak into the leather. Here is my simple chemical & petroleum free conditioner that makes all my leather shoes & boots deep conditioned, VERY supple & hold a beautiful sheen. 1 tbsp each: pure Lanolin (sheeps wool wax) this has a bit of an off scent hence the added D-Limonene, 1 tbsp shea butter (lighter than cocoa butter to get into pores of leather), & 1 tbsp jojoba oil which is less likely to oxidize than almond oil & very nourishing to leather (& skin too). Once all are melted together & liquid on a double boiler, I add 1 tsp of D-limonene basically citrus oil - I use food grade. (a natural antibacterial) & none of these ingredients will break down any stitching in your boots or shoes & it smells nice too. My 35 yr old boots after this conditioner then polishing look beautiful & are soft like they were when new. This is on par with those polishes & creams that retail for 23.00 per 1/3 oz & cost me pennies on the dollar. Try it & you will use this deep conditioner from now on I promise. I bought 2 oz screw top tins on amazon & they are great for my shoe shine kit (ammo can) I pour the liquid into them, let cool then store them till needed apply with cut up swatches from old cotton t shirts I USED TO throw away. Wrapped around 2 fingers I apply a thin coat once boots or shoes are cleaned with saddle soap & dry at least a day. I just apply it evenly & leave it to soak in for a day then polish the next day. Do all this twice a yr unless usage dictates more. Best conditioner Ive ever used. No more overpriced versions!

[@ritamccartt-kordon283]

Hello from TN! When I lived in Oregon, we hunted a lot. When we hunted ducks, we always saved the duck fat! We melted it down and used it on our boots!! Worked great!

[@brianhanks8207]

Back in my youth (even before VCRs) we used Sno Seal on our boots and NEVER got wet feet unless we got in too deep (most of our stream crossings were "unimproved"). Nice to see that you are linking to it, especially if it is the same quality. I used it to waterproof a wide brim cotton hat many years ago and it is still my rain hat. Maybe if I empty one of the two tins of Sno Seal I can make your recipe and do a side-by-side.

[@pamelaheriges3654]

The wax that you can buy to treat your "Tin Pants" is what I prefer. Warm the boots first, it goes on smooth, perfect, let it soak in over night. Viola! It's what I used when I worked in the woods. NEVER had a wet or cold foot, EVER again!

[@sonofthunder7584]

Miss crista i made your boot balm last week and been around the block a few times so it has to be standoutish before i say something. So i gotta say this is the best stuff i have ever used i put it on 5 pair of boots had 2 pair in the mud and muck around here and it lets the mud flush off with a little water and look like new. I have also just tried it on my knives as a rust preventative and so far so good. Thanks for the idea.

[@MarysNest]

Hi Christa, Wonderful video! My husband’s cousin has bees and sent us honey and beeswax!! Hey...1888 sounds good to me!! Those people knew how to survive!! Thank you so much for that ratio. I love castor oil and use it in so many things. Love the older scale...that is reliable!! Thank you so much for all you share!! Love you!! Mary❤️😘❤️

[@bettsville2]

I must say this is one of the best made video production I see on KZbin. You do a wonderful job and I love the simple farm style cooking, baking, and ideas you present. I grew on the farm and my grandparents were raised in a time you used and kept what others would not. I love the way you bring back to life a time and place I grew up in. I am going to be baking and making some of these ideas very soon. Keep up the great work and I hope this site spreads to big numbers for you. Yours truly, Ted from Ohio.

[@trollmcclure1884]

I'm still on my way to a perfect formula. Vegetable oils go rancid and sticky. Even Castor oil is said to go bad in two years. The wax may protect it a bit but still. IMO it's ok if you are using the boots a lot and/or wash them as water will leach out everything in days in wet conditions anyway. A good example is a military use. The boots never used to last long enough for it be a problem but now my boots can sit in a closet for year or two easily. I watched THE ULTIMATE GUIDE TO MAKING TIN PANTS - Guy did some tests and found out that microcrystalline wax is more flexible than beeswax. He used Tung oil and something else. I'd like to try dissolving some wax and oil that doesnt go bad with turpentine to soak it deeper without needing to heat up the leather. I hope you'll like this idea too

[@aspitofmud6257]

Another great video Christa. My leather guy told me to put a couple of drops of kerosene in what ever leather treatment so if you are camping the critters won't want to run off with your boots and eat them.

[@cindykq8086]

A Spit of Mud, I wonder if some essential oil would do the same thing without being as stinky as kerosene.

[@carl8568]

@@cindykq8086 You could use natural turpentine, which is pine essential oil.

[@donnawasman6186]

Made up some of this balm. It is wonderful. I made some with a little more coconut oil and it is great for my feet, knees, elbows, hands. Thank you so much for all your wonderful information.

[@sonjahickmon5203]

Hi Crysta, thank you so much for the tutorial on making leather shoe cream. Super easy! You are so articulate too. It makes it easier to follow. Numbers 6:24-26

[@wickedways1291]

If I didn't feel like going to school my grannie stuck out both of her hands. One with my sack lunch and the other was a bottle of Caster oil. I didn't miss a lot of school. I worked horse for a long time...we would take a tin of solid mink oil and light the top with a match, blow it out and have a little pond of liquid on the top. Perfect for all the wrinkles.

[@nachis3]

Wow. What an awesome video. I just made this and I used a little that was still melted in the bowl and it's like gold. Thank you so much and may Jesus keep blessing you!

[@KennebecRedneck]

Amazing lady, in so many ways! God bless you.

[@bpereztab]

Recipe: Cocoa butter (or Shea), beeswax, almond oil (caster or jojoba). Portions 1:1:3 ratio. Or 1:1:2 for a paste.

[@robthebeekeeper8997]

I need to try this recipe. I use beeswax, boiled linseed oil and turpentine but I think your recipe sounds better.

[@PREPSTEADERS]

There are so many great versions out there, Rob! Thank you for sharing yours!

[@landonhall1451]

I've seen this recipe used to treat fabric "sheets" to create tarps or waterproof bags. what do you use it for? just curious. thanks.

[@510MyTube]

Does this work well for cordovan leather?

[@MrBikboi]

Good lord this is such a comfy channel.

[@karibgold5394]

All this time I've watched you, I had no idea you had a store on Amazon! I'm going to go look, and hope that I can find an affordable pair of warm snow boots! Thank you Crista!

[@evaj.8799]

What a great recipe! Thank you. I never liked the smell of store bought shoe polish....

[@InvisibleCitizen]

I truly believe and follow the KIS (keep it simple) in all things so I like you mechanical scale! However, for projects that require minute measures, I do have a digital scale. I install and remove the batteries for each use! Since batteries can corrode the contacts removing them helps! Another great video! May God bless you!

[@PREPSTEADERS]

That is good advice, JD. God bless you too!

[@gracewest5504]

Thank you for the information. I will use it. May God continue to bless you and your family/

[@barbaravick5634]

I used to use a purchased weather proofer on my boots which I wore winter and summer at work daily. The main ingredient was mink oil and my boots did not leak!

[@timothythomas1626]

I made a Tarp out of a High Thread count Sheet. And waterproffed it with Mineral Oil and Linseed Oil. It works Great. I sewed webbing Loops on 6 points on The California King Flat Sheet . and It can be used as a Tent a Pavilion Cover shelter etc. If You waterproff this way. Be aware There is an Oder and It is Tacky when Folded. However it dries out when layed flat.

[@Tinkerbell31326]

I just love the information you bring to us. Thank you so much!

[@anachristopher2973]

My favourite channel, thank you from the bottom of my heart for sharing your knowledge and experience. ❤ Definitely subscribed and excited to watch each of your videos.

[@nobody4787]

first saddle soap is for cleaning and conditioning leather and is great for that, also the oil in it that is used to replace what has dried out from the leather gives an amount of waterproofing, this is best used when leather is stiff and dry to condition it and stopping it from cracking and making it soft. second the powder to put around your house is boric acid powder and a little goes a long way and is best put in out of the way places where dogs and other animals will not get into it, and insects may hide. last the best waterproofing for boots that will outlast any other, work better or as good as any other, is simple and cheap. take one pound of cheep petroleum jelly [they are all the same] and four ounces of wax [canning wax or any plain wax] and canning wax is in bars so will know the weight, simple, the first time I made this I used a one pound coffee can but anything with a lid will work or its better to keep dust out. that said you can use what you like. heat them both in your container in a pan with water, when the wax has melted stir on and off to keep mixed till cool. to use turn on oven to 150 while it heats up remove laces and coat boots with the mix using a old clean tooth brush to work where the sole meets the upper and where most leaks will happen, the thicker the leather the more you should use. turn off the oven, with the rack at the lowest put your boots in. if the soles are dirty place on paper, an hour or so check and if you put on to thick and all was not absorbed wipe off. also with new boots it could be good to reapply some to the point where the upper and lower meet then reheat oven and go through the heating stage. IN CLOSING LET ME SAY THAT PETROLEUM IS NATURAL IF YOU THINK NOT THEN CHECK WHERE IT COMES FROM. I MUST SAY TO YOU PREPSTEADER THAT I LIKE YOU AND HOPE YOU DON'T MIND ME STEPING ON YOUR VIDEO AND I ALSO HOPE YOU WILL TRY THIS.I u

[@Cosmos142857]

Nice, thanks. Couple of points: 1: Recent battery technology is much better especially with rechargeable batteries coupled with a small solar system. 2: The ancient name for Castor oil is Palma Christi (Meaning Hand of Christ) It had numerous beneficial uses.

[@brendastuart194]

I did not know that. How cool! I am glad you shared that.

[@leejustice2034]

I used this recipe to make a silky smooth lip balm

[@tennesseegirl1215]

Thank you Christa, very informative video, blessings Sister

[@LaineyBug2020]

Does this work on other fabrics?

[@shelbyshock6274]

I have some beeswax in my jar of honey. Is it ok if there’s still honey on it, or how do I separate the honey from the comb? Thank you!

[@86beeman]

Great videos! I made the boot balm according to your recipe (1:1:3 ratio) and it is a stiff formulation, which I don't mind but I'd like to soften it a touch without switching to shea butter. Before I try experimenting with different ratios of beeswax, cocoa butter and castor oil, have you tried any different ratios that produce a slightly softer mixture? Thanks!

[@oakridgereview1359]

It's incredibly similar to Smiths Balm. I find using a duck canvas or cotton cloth and quickly working the cloth across the balm softens just enough with friction on the top surface for application.

[@raoufallam1615]

God bless you sister .. a fan from Egypt.. I await your videos in impatience.. Best wihes

[@PREPSTEADERS]

Thank you, Raouf! May God bless you too!

[@eileenfb1948]

Thank you this looks just perfect for any leather product needing waterproofed.

[@truthforall1303]

Can you use this for wax jackets?

[@bossybill7437]

Digital weighing scales may give a reading to the last digit but that does not mean they are more accurate. To gauge your scale's accuracy, try measuring off the nett weight of, say, a bottle of water. (Yes, you'll need to convert the water's volume to its weight.) To be really sure you'll need to purchase "calibration weights" off ebay or wherever.

[@phreakydad]

Castor oil is extremely sticky once it dries a bit. Will that attract a lot of dust to stick to the boots ?

[@V3leathercraft]

Will it be useful for unfinished vegtan leather craft items without darkening?

[@رياضالبدري-ذ5ج]

هل هناك بديل لزيت الكاستور؟

[@reneecarroll174]

Odd question but would this work on conditioning a leather sofa or coat as well? Thank you and God Bless🙏🏼❤️

[@wilmavtorralba]

If I may also add a leather bag? 😊

[@jerrysmith372]

I like this recipe. I'll need to try this. Thank you. Just started watching your videos - so many to watch. You are my blessing today. Peace be with you.

[@danamennerich3282]

nice video! would you know of using deer tallow for this recipe? i have produced a lot of nice pure white deer tallow this year, about 30 lbs. thanks

[@nodigBKMiche]

dana mennerich ask our Indigenous ppl :). They will tell you how💛

[@jeffd1919]

I've read that animal fats will break down your leather.

[@mickmoriarty7780]

Great video, thanks. My bottom puckers up at the thought of Castor Oil, haha! Being a kid in the 50s, not all soda and skittles! A nice couple of pairs of boots by the way. I get my beeswax from a friend, she is an apiarist. They are a Philippino couple and she plants massive amounts of flowers around her farm as she insists on having happy bees! I have only used it for boolit lube on my cast boolits so far, but I'm looking forward to trying this (I already have a lifetime's supply of store bought leather conditioner, haha).

[@irpat54]

John 3:17 is one of the foundations of our Christian Rock Band outreach ministry. (Seventh Seal Christian Band) Also, your videos are such a great blessing to me I have been waterproofing my boots and shoes for many years and always used saddle soap, but now I am going to give this a try it sounds like a much better and less expensive option. thanks, tons, Sister... Yours in Christ.

[@mikeecho33]

now having seen you do this in your kitchen, I need to ask. what is the aroma like, I have heard of a feller using lard and I know that kinda stinks so...

[@MichaelR58]

Thanks for sharing, I've asked different people for a recipe like this , they told me to use vasoline

[@mfahimshaikh8254]

What other oil can we use other then castor oil

[@lurkingcorsa10]

wht make differ between Leather balm 'n pomade..??

[@bogeym6786]

Can this use on suede shoes?

[@cristianalexanderh.solorza4605]

hola, quiero saber que diferencias encontraria si uso el aceite de almendras o el aceite de jojoba. ?? Hi, I want to know what differences I would find if I use almond oil or jojoba oil. ?? Greetings from Peru.

[@johnkeller3878]

Absolutely love your channel and look forward to each new lesson! God bless you! Awesome work.

[@bradypfeiffer1056]

Can hazelnut oil be used?

[@JorgeSantos-nl8he]

Nice tutorial! Can i use linseed oil? Thanks.

[@bobbybaucom4489]

Yes, but use food grade linseed oil for leather or cosmetic use. For use on wood or fabric you want the linseed oil from the paint department. It will cure much faster.

[@debivanhoose2616]

As always, you teach me skills and values. And still we've been hoping for a lesson on food prep over fireplace gas logs.

[@Edge1775]

Love all your videos, Christa, God bless and thanks for sharing

[@SusieQ2023]

I’m making this, DV, with a little girl I mentor from church when she comes this coming weekend. I have a list of skills I’m teaching her.

[@davidandroes7237]

Thanks. Definitely my next little project. As always very informative and inspiring words from Jesus Christ are an extra bonus that we all need.

[@christyassid8871]

In case you weren't aware, USPS postage stamps will cost 55 cents beginning Sunday, January 27th. You can order them, online, or purchase them at most grocery stores.

[@elliottmanning]

How about Neets Foot oil?

[@hisalone7166]

Great video! Would you happen to have a recipe for non greasy lotion for someone with psoriasis? My neighbor is really suffering. Bless you sister!

[@sonofeloah]

While castor oil is good, there is a problem with the fact that if it does leech into your socks on a hot day and thus is absorbed into your feet, you then have the very unpleasant toxic reaction of having to find a toilet very quickly and often for a while. Suggest using boiled linseed oil instead. It is a food grade oil that can also waterproof your wood food dishes. No sudden run with the squirts with that as you can have with the castor oil (which is used medicinally as a laxative).

[@cyndifoore7743]

Azri'el Collier I didn’t think castor oil was toxic since it is taken orally for problems.

[@sonofeloah]

@@cyndifoore7743 Main use is for constipation. There are other uses that I have not tried, but since I grew up on white bread and very little fiber, I became very well acquainted with castor bean oil.

[@shippermd]

Isn't linseed oil same as flax oil, tho? Not safe for those who have to steer clear of estrogenic type oils (like flax and soy).

[@justme-uw6bz]

Too easy. Looking forward to trying that, thanks for sharing.

[@PREPSTEADERS]

Thank you, Edel!

[@kadillacus1]

Excellent as always, Christa!

[@JSCarie1983]

Hundred High Fives!! for recommending we get our scale from an antique store or relative as opposed to nozamA I’m saying Badass human ⬆️ right there

[@rkaag99]

A few questions if I may... Can this go rancid since it has natural ingredients? If you wear these boots into bear country, will they carry a 'food' scent? Can it be used on fabric or only leather? (many boots these days have a mix of fabric & leather) Thank you!

[@PREPSTEADERS]

rkaag99~ You asked some excellent questions! Partly why I like this combination is that it will not go rancid. It has almost no scent at all. I think a professional hunter would agree. If you make some, let me know if you agree that it passes the smell test. :) I treat my fabrics with a spray like Kiwi Camp Dry. However, this leather balm is made with ingredients that are specifically noted for NOT eventually disintegrating cloth stitching and fibers as several oils out there are known to do. With that, I will leave it up to you regarding the fabric part of your boots. Thank you for the questions!

[@rkaag99]

@@PREPSTEADERS Thank you for the quick reply! I've tried, with success, the recipes with linseed, wax, and mineral spirits (odorless!) but it still took quite a while to lose the 'paint' smell. I even tried it (minus the wax) successfully with a tarp & bed sheet to make oil-skin covers. I do however want to give this one a whirl. On another note... my wife used your apple cider vinegar video with great success >> 2 thumbs-up!

[@brendastuart194]

@@rkaag99 wow, wait....What? You made a waterproof cover/blanket? That is soooo awesome. What is it called so I can google it?

[@سامىالبدوي-س3ن]

A very good Arabic translation👍🌹♻

[@millermeadows6359]

Hello from Mn.... Great video i like how you use the chop sticks to stir it up with great idea and great stuff to try. God bless....

[@waynemcmillan5970]

Thank you you are wonderful , all your videos are great.

[@KimberlyGreen]

Amazon offers a variety of mechanical analog food scales. So, if you aren't into antiquing, there are other ways to find a reliable, unpowered scale.

[@PREPSTEADERS]

Absolutely, Kimberly. There is a link to that below the video. Thank you for the comment!

[@KimberlyGreen]

@@PREPSTEADERS Oh goodness, I didn't see that link. I'm so dingy, lol. Side question: Am I right assuming you could use this balm for things like leather purses, saddles, and so forth as well?

[@PREPSTEADERS]

Don't feel that way at all! I appreciated you comment. Yes! I would very much use this on purses and saddles...unless they were purses that were suede or had that sprayed coating on them that will be damaged (and change their appearance if they are ever polished or conditioned with balm like this or any other.)

[@brendastuart194]

@@KimberlyGreen You aren't dingy. I am glad you mentioned it because I missed the link.

[@KimberlyGreen]

@@brendastuart194 Thank you Brenda :-) I appreciate your kindness.

[@stevehughey5548]

love your vids. i look foward to the end. it is very special to me to hear the fellowship. thankyou. a guy in southern oregon

[@AlexanderMason1]

A lot of the ingredients you are using are good as a leather conditioner (nourishes the leather and brings drying leather back to life) but not the best to waterproof it. Cocoa butter is high in vitamin e which preserves leather and is a good conditioner. Castor oil, almond oil, jojoba oil etc are also good conditioners but not the best for waterproofing and protecting leather. You would use a slightly higher amount of beeswax mixed with either mink oil or neatsfoot oil, maybe some lanolin, and maybe some mineral oil or even Vaseline. You can do without the two last ingredients if you prefer to use natural materials though. You are a sensual need one part beeswax to 3 to 4 parts I have some kind of oil. Ideally an oil that offers properties that protects the leather instead of just conditioning it.

[@TUMUHEIRWEREUBEN]

Very great Need more information and be able for business

[@kamlesh8818]

Great n Nice Presenting 👌

[@gregswintek448]

Awesome video. Useful. God bless you.

[@jimv.661]

I'm a little late to the party. Have you tried a recipe with lanolin?

[@sedoniadragotta8323]

Best bit is it's all natural and you can use this as well as polishing your boots. God bless you all. For the lord said he will not leave us as orphans.

[@gothicvenus]

If you use coconut oil and find that it's too oily you can up your beeswax just a bit to make it harder

[@irwantirta1324]

awesome video

[@cocochanelle1970]

Thank you , also I try to remember the powder name to put around your house? so creature, insects... Don't come by. Thank you.

[@Kathleen67.]

Diatamacious earth, not sure it is spelled right

[@PREPSTEADERS]

Noella, Kathleen is right! It is the Diatomaceous earth that works so well for that! Here is the video we did on that: kzbin.info/www/bejne/emmydGSYqthlnck

[@cocochanelle1970]

@@PREPSTEADERS wonderful!!! Thank you so much!!!! Also I m learning Psalm 113.

[@cocochanelle1970]

@@Kathleen67. thank you Kathleen, very nice.

[@brendastuart194]

@@PREPSTEADERS did you know it also helps with flea control and kills parasites? 👍 I have used it (carefully) for both. Some people are afraid of it, and I understand that. We have had great success in our house of 6 cats and a dog!

[@jojoc9240]

Thank you can't wait for the next video God bless

[@PREPSTEADERS]

Thank you, JoJo!

[@jriv5040]

How would you make that in an oil form and not a solid?

[@bobbybaucom4489]

As more oil.

[@Akhmadi-cp7bg]

I've tried this formula, but the result is too hard. Then i added castor oil, but the result is too oily. What must ini do Christa?

[@PREPSTEADERS]

I like mine pretty solid when it is cooled, but if I wanted it less solid, I wouldn't add anything else, I would simply use a bit less beeswax. What you have made with castor oil added is probably entirely usable so don't throw it out! I am sorry your batch didn't turn out exactly as you hoped.

[@marialopez-dorigamiranda696]

Great!!! Thanks

[@northstarprepsteader]

Excellent knowledge you've imparted! Another great video :)

[@millieatr]

I enjoyed your video , i muted the sound and was listening to Spoonman while i watched your video , , still think i learned something though

[@darkfox2401]

are you selling your balm ?

[@Kathleen67.]

Wonderful video, thanks!

[@PREPSTEADERS]

Thank you, Kathleen!

[@Kathleen67.]

​@@PREPSTEADERS You are welcome! I love all of your videos and am praying for you as a neighbor or someone like you. Watching your videos is like having a real friend sent by God. I pray blessings for you and yours.

[@brendastuart194]

@@Kathleen67. COMPLETELY agree!😊

[@MrDp2u]

Thank you and God bless you!

[@landonhall1451]

Hmm . . . I'm wondering it I could apply this to my heavy cotton boonie hats and ball caps as a water proofing agent. I'll let you know if it works. Will try is on thrift store purchases before I do the real thing and use my $2.00 goodwill postal scale just for fun. thanks Christa.

[@tome7323]

Some Wal Mart still have dial scales

[@scorpioncraft3378]

Big like and subscrip from Egypt to you ❤

[@kennydesai7802]

Good video, thanks. But lady, if that's how you say balm, how do you say bomb?

[@reginaldofelix7926]

As all ways, Tanks for sharing

[@chrisusmcvet3435]

Wear wool socks, even when wet they will keep your feet warm .

[@phyllismulkey3778]

awesome

[@wallydavis8573]

Christa is an absolute youtube Goddess. I could easily watch her talk about putting ketchup on yard tools. She's breathtakingly gorgeous and undoubtedly sought after by men constantly wishing she could be their wife. Just Sayin.

[@mornevisser1]

Buy buying everything, I can just as well buy the dubbin.

[@CircleBrewery]

❤

[@colteck8199]

I guess I am luck :) I live next door to a Bee farm lol