The “Dry Spot” Problem when Mirror Shining. How to fix a common yet FRUSTRATING issue when shining.

Visit theelegantoxford.com for all of your shoe care needs.
Products I recommend/used in this video:
Saphir Leather Dye: theelegantoxfo...
Saphir Leather Lotion: theelegantoxfo...
Saphir Medaille d’Or Cream Polish: theelegantoxfo...
Saphir Pate De Lux Wax Polish in Mahogany: theelegantoxfo...
Saphir Horse Hair Brush: theelegantoxfo...
Saphir Pig Bristle Brush: theelegantoxfo...
Saphir Welt Brush: theelegantoxfo...
Need help with a mirror shine? Here’s my in depth tutorial: A COMPLETE, DETAILED, & UNCUT GUIDE TO A MIRROR SHINE: A GUARANTEED SHINE
• A COMPLETE, DETAILED, ...
A guide to sole savers:
• MY LOCAL COBBLER INSTA...
My Experience at the Allen Edmonds Trunk Show:
• I GOT MY DREAM SHOE AT...
The Elegant Oxford is a Clothing & Apparel Project Offering Premium Shoe Restorations, Patinas, & Artisan Shines for Quality Men’s Shoes.
If you have any questions or would like your pair shined, email me at [e-mail]
Follow me on Facebook and Instagram at The Elegant Oxford.
Follow The Elegant Oxford:
INSTAGRAM:www.instagram....
FACEBOOK: / theelegantoxford
KZbin: / @theelegantoxford

[@picdar16]

As a Serving member of the Armed forces, i thank you as you have just saved me from a "Rescrub" on my next inspection. I fought with one of my shoes for 3hrs before i saw this video, i've been polishing my shoes to a mirror shine for years but never had this issue until now. i tried waxing, leather treatments (softeners and moisturisers), stripped the polish back twice (ended up puting on over 70 layer's of polish overall!) and after all that i still had a large dry spot. You've earned a subscriber today and i will be instructing my lads to follow this video when they have issues with boots and shoes.

[@sagarsolanki3107]

uncleji cobbler ke pass jaiye aur unse boliye juute p toe lga de apka juuta bhi aise hi shine krega, dhanyawad

[@romanm2192]

Seriously? You are paid a salary from the taxes of taxpayers to polish your boots for 3 hours. The boots should be made of a material that is initially shiny. Or better yet, grease the boots with a piece of lard. The boots will also shine. The main thing is that the inspector is a real asshole.😂

[@mrwilson12345]

This was a lifesaver. I fought 2 pair of boots for several days without being able to get rid of the 'dry spot'. Not understanding they needed to dry out. Drove me crazy until I found this vid. Put the heat gun on them for a few seconds and started over. Now they look fantastic. Thank you.

[@gianlucacivichino6104]

I’m a new cadet and was shining my boots when I came across the same problem. I appreciate the video.

[@frostyvr9805]

Welcome to cadets! If you don’t mind me asking, which country are you a cadet in?

[@PaitysWorld]

My son just got his boots today so I'm doing research.

[@chugwaterjack4458]

For years I have used an old nylon stocking for final polish. As a stocking is used, it accumulates a bit of was, giving an even better shine. The trick is to hold the shoe between your knees, and RAPIDLY stoke back and forth with the stocking held in two hands. It will build some heat, and will polish that wax to a hard finish. I even carry one, along with a clean brush, in my car for quick touchups in the field.

[@carloscarrera2055]

Thanks 👍

[@loafheader]

Me, never planning on mirror shining: ah yes, the video ive been looking for.

[@Dorcus45]

#facts

[@DIYTech21]

so true :D

[@Jastzu]

You’re the hero we need, Preston. I started watching your channel just a few weeks back. It’s been an addiction. I received my pair of Meermin copper 101440s in copper today. I immediately got to work with the brush, crème universelle, 1909, pate de luxe, and - ultimately - the neutral mirror gloss. A dark spot developed on the toe. It sure looked like I’d somehow distressed the calf. Instead of panic setting in, I recalled this video. Three rounds with the hairdryer with a little buffing in between and the blemish was nearly gone. 30 minutes later working the mirror gloss back in, I have a shine about 50% as good as that at the end of this vid (that’s a massive win for this absolute novice)with zero evidence the blemish was ever there. It’s all down to you and your excellent content. Bravo, Sir! The finger and palm trick worked wonders, too. I slowly rebuilt a couple dozen layers of gloss that way, the extra friction heat really helping, before finishing off the last few layers with the shirt scrap two finger wrap. I need some crème polish in light brown for these, some oiled leather crème for my Captains (see your CXL video), and -what the hell, I’ll take a welt brush too… order placed on EO.com. Thank you, Preston. This 48 year old novice is in your debt. Cheers.

[@phantommenace5407]

I'm not sure how shoe shining and cobbling got into my rotation, but it's really sparked a irl interest.

[@grinchyface]

I don't shine anymore, but it was one of my favorite things to do. Go grab some Lincoln shoe wax and a pair of leather shoes or boots from the local thrift store and go hard man

[@sp2181]

So a dry spot is actually a wet spot. Awesome content as usual mate.

[@TheElegantOxford]

It seems so counterintuitive but yes you’re right

[@byrondewhaus1750]

British Army Veteran of 24 years Service, here. Know a little about bulling (mirror shining) shoes & boots! That’s exactly how we explained it to new recruits/the younger soldiers: “The dry spot is actually a wet spot”! Great video.

[@jayadevjaydu4694]

Hgnn

[@marcusali1783]

Can I buff with a small towel instead? It's not as soft as a microfiber cloth, but not very rough. I don't want my fingers stained with wax

[@brookeggleston9314]

@@marcusali1783 I apply both Saphir Medaille D'Or and Pate de Lux with my bare fingers. When I'm finished, I wash my hands with soap and water. Saphir products are not made with petroleum. Kiwi is not in the house!! Have no fear; you can use your fingers, as long as you're using Saphir! You might want to use a nail brush, depending on how long your nails are, but your fingers won't be stained. The stuff is amazing!!

[@zobbyzockbrecht2469]

I have come to the conclusion that you are the best man for shoe care.

[@TheElegantOxford]

I appreciate that

[@italianjob-vx6hp]

Fabulous mirror shine been using my fingers for decades,and you are right you cannot do this if excess moisture is present in the leather.

[@JustHANO]

So I found breathing hot (not blowing) and a lot of brushing always got them out for me. Same with cracked mirror shines. When you said heat gun at 1000° I thought I was crazy, but you showing the friction method calmed me down.

[@markl2322]

DAY-UM! I wish you and You Tube had been around in 1976 when I joined the Marines! I would have not only passed inspection in Boot Camp, but would have made my Drill Instructors hold me in such high regard I would have been promoted to Sergeant upon recruit graduation.

[@GG-eg6kn]

You’re a hero.. my shine looked good but if you put a torch on it.. it was really patchy.. I followed these steps and now it’s all one deep shine ✨.. I used a hair dryer and a scotchbrite a few times now it’s looking sweet

[@lassenielsen1927]

Wow! had set my own pair aside for some weeks because of this. Didn't know what to do with this problem.. literally took me 5 minutes of this video and 5 minutes work on my shoe before the problem was solved!! thank you!!

[@johannsebastianbach5223]

Recently, it took me 3 DAYS(my worst shining experience) to get rid of a dry spot, but it was probably due to my extreem impatience, constantly trying to fix it, and not letting the shoe dry properly.

[@DirgaDesuYo]

THANK YOU SO MUCH! I was frustrated why I got this spot that just won't shine. And now I know why and how to solve my problem. Amazing video!

[@matthewbrown6163]

When I learned to dance my dance shoes were patent leather. My dad was old school & taught me of taking care of your shoes. I have always polished my work shoes & I have seen people in Armani Suits but wearing scuffed up dirty shoes. You can always learn something new & today I have learned that something new. As a former Army Officer we were trained on how to polish our black leather boots. When our army went to the Brown boots we rejoiced as the spit & polish we once needed was a thing of the past. I still shine my shoes every week for work as I wear a suit.

[@johnfrymyer8346]

Where were you when I was in the military, without the internet, and trying to mirror shine my Combat boots? LOL, thank you. I have caused the spots on my shoes and was not sure how to get rid of them. I appreciate you and your skills.

[@penelopelgoss2520]

I learned my mirror shine while in the USAF. I miss polishing my boots and dress shoes, so sometimes, I'll pull out a pair and do my polishing while watching TV or listening to music. Yes, I still have my second pair that I bought. I had them resoled. They look great. BTW, instead of a heat gun, we used lighters or matches. Got to be careful not to burn the boot toes with too much heat.

[@amarg.247]

what was serving in the USAF like?

[@Armand-v5c]

The fact that you can see yourself reflected on the tip of the shoe holding a smartphone vertically bro that is just priceless 👊🏼

[@anthonyforster5298]

Thank you for this I thought I had ruined my favorite Steve Madden shoes, the shine came back and is brilliant! Thank You!!!

[@AndyMac48]

Takes me back.. spent weeks sitting in my dormitory in an evening along with my fellow colleagues ‘bulling’ our boots for parade inspections. Was amazing to watch people come up with their ‘proven’ ideas on how to get the best mirror shine. I have witnessed the use of expensive branded products to the tried and tested spit and polish. Not to be big headed but I found that I was actually quite good at getting my shoes or boots to look the part. Good vid. Thanks.

[@andrewagredano9968]

The deeper property you are referring to when talking about when adding the navy to black is common. The same thing can be said with a true midnight blue suit or tuxedo. In some light, the midnight blue can look darker than a true black suit or tux. In some cases, you won't be able to tell its not black unless you have a side by side of the two. Buy yes, black with bits of navy does look darker and I do think that looks good.

[@ChrisEbbrsen]

Im very impressed! Ive mixed olive oil, beeswax, turpentine, and a few drops oil of lavender to make a pattent polish and got quite good at boot polishing; but your method seems simpler and you dont have to have pattent le a ther to start with. You make it look so easy.Ive got the shoe shine bug again! Thank you! Most greatful!😅😅

[@seraphoem]

Learned this in a much more crude and highly-pressured manner (instead of a heat gun we exposed the shoes to open flame) 16 years ago. This definitely helped educate me on the why. Good stuff. The use of a mix of alcohol and water on the final buff is interesting, though. In my experience, using alcohol was a bit of a cheat which led to a shine that very very quickly dulled.

[@williambedford2147]

Could this work for boots

[@seekingtruth6822]

This is by far the best I have seen from you Preston. Great job brother.

[@jackhsu8725]

Thank you for making this video, I've been watching your video for a year. And I just spent my entire afternoon trying to get rid of it then I think of your video that I watch two weeks ago. Then I solved it in 30 minute and that's your credit.

[@Barnekkid]

My father (he was a navy chief) would burn his brown uniform dress oxfords with his zippo lighter. It probably had the same affect as using a heat gun.

[@AlanDike]

I used a butain lighter over my toes on my jump boots. Straight blk kiwi, then finish with lincoln wax (has a navey blue tint... was glad to see it mentioned here), and a very thin coat of clear kiwi on top. We could literally read our id cards in our boots

[@marcushennings9513]

Yep imagine the electrical blackout from an entire ship full of men using heat guns.

[@PINTO911]

I was literally about to click send on a new pair of shoes from Amazon. Thank goodness I went to KZbin first. You just saved me money. Thanks .

[@mikemcewen516]

Great video! I’m sure someone already made a similar remark, but I learned that method under extreme duress in South Carolina in the summer of 1987 from a very loud, very muscular, vulgar man who punished me mercilessly if my shine was not perfect. In fact, my friends and I used to carry a nylon in our pockets for touch-ups throughout the day. The way you wear your polishing rag and your technique are perfect 👍🏾

[@tthunts]

You talking about the ole Del?

[@brookeggleston9314]

Sounds like you're also familiar with sand fleas!!

[@junea266]

Mate, I must say I have learned a lot about mirror shining my shoes from you and Kirby, and I’m glad you keep helping us fans to achieve a better technique. P. S: I would really love it if you could make a review on Prada shoes (the Mexican-Spanish brand).

[@drzaius844]

Thank you for this! I’m going to start with 20 min in the sun, and then a day or so on the shelf. Didn’t know the source of this problem.

[@TheElegantOxford]

Glad it helped! The sun will help, especially during the summer

[@kaloyantsilev]

Thank you for explaining the cause of the problem. I now know how to take care of it! Thanks! Your videos are fantastic

[@jimb4957]

I know this is an older post but I wanted to thank you for this tip! While I wasn't shining a pair of Bruno Magli's or Carmina's, I was struggling with my new Danner boots for work. A few passes with the hair dryer and boom! The one grainy, dull boot takes a shine!

[@TheElegantOxford]

Glad the video helped. It’s a common issue many people run in to so I knew a video was a good idea.

[@noble_wolf]

Thanks for this - I usually have no problem attaining a very good to mirror shine - except yesterday when one (!) of a new pair of oxblood brogues gave me this problem. I can confirm it really stands out. Now I know the issue, I'll let it dry then build up the layers dry.

[@Bakachu7]

Ha, I had this happen! Never knew WHY not what to do to fix it. So glad you're my personal coach.

[@TheElegantOxford]

Hey Jed! Glad it helped! Hope you and the family are well

[@austinvidz591]

You are literally the best shoe shiner on the planet

[@larrys5904]

I just used my wife’s hair dryer and it worked perfect! Thanks for the tip!

[@tokyo-ham]

Fantastic video - a pleasant surprise when I opened KZbin just now. Thanks for the great tutorials! I'm about 75% of the way there, with my mirror shine - I thought it was fine, but the shoes in this video are truly a step above/beyond. Thanks again!

[@TheElegantOxford]

Thanks for watching!

[@bigalsgarage576]

I just wanted to say thank you this video saved me a lot of heart ache... I have went through the law enforcement academy and have to be going through again... I started shining my duty boots and ended up with that dry spot... Did what you said even bought the wax you use and they are the shiniest I have ever gotten my boots... Thank you...

[@bigalsgarage576]

I wish I could post a picture

[@TheElegantOxford]

My pleasure Big Al. Thank you for your service as a LEO. My cousin is a detective in NM and I always worry for his safety.

[@bigalsgarage576]

@@TheElegantOxford that's awesome where's he from Im also from New Mexico

[@TheElegantOxford]

Big Al's Garage he’s in Hobbs NM. It’s funny because I have actually run into his coworkers on here as fans and they didn’t know he was my cousin.

[@bigalsgarage576]

@@TheElegantOxford that's awesome I'm from a small town called silver city it's about 8 hours from hobbs

[@mindeloman]

This reminded me: If you are in an older school system, you might notice student dress code say, "no patent leather shoes." The reason: back in the 50's and 60's when girls wore skirts to school, a guy could hold his foot and angle it in such a way to see up a girl's skirt. You see it in older school districts/systems that don't update dress codes and just keep it in there.

[@TheElegantOxford]

Now that is a cool bit of history 😂

[@max2grant]

The Elegant Oxford yes, they made it into a Broadway musical comedy called “Do Black Patent Leather Shoes Really Reflect Up?”

[@traveler8696]

Very much appreciated for this video. Just started wanting to get a mirror shine on my shoes and made the dry spot.

[@ProdYatchi]

I honestly don't even know why I'm watching this but this is some wholesome content👌🏽

[@danemoore1576]

Us Navy sailor here, thank you for your service, sir.

[@toobalkain]

unreal, that mirror shine, it's patent leather like, this guy's on that Japanese guy's level, masterfully done. I've learned one valuable lesson, I'm not getting a good mirror shine because it takes a lot more buffing than what I've been doing.

[@1guitarlover]

I have been using navy blue for years and gives a deep profound black shining ❤❤❤❤

[@GunsAndGloves]

Thanks for all the helpful tips. I recently followed your guide to mirror shine and it came out pretty well for a first time.

[@gijsbo2000]

I have been doing this kind of work for years now and still am learning something new from your videos each time! Many thanks.

[@observantpolymath]

I love this video but it left me confused. It would’ve been helpful if you had put a time stamp for each product and told us how long we’re supposed to massage/gloss the polish and the mirror shine top coat. If you could kindly enlighten me that’d be great. Thanks! 😎

[@jlborish]

Excellent video and channel to an almost lost art if it weren't for gentlemen like you, thank YOU.

[@Major_Pipps]

Beautiful shine bro, I miss getting mine like that back in the military days.

[@scubajim5975]

This happened to me a while back and I thought I had ruined my brand new shoes! I managed to build up a shine regardless, just very carefully and making sure I didn't overdo it. Now I know what the problem was and can address it in the future. Thanks!

[@Pietervdv]

I just got some Saphir mirror shine, but I'm not going to take it this far on my shoes, as it doesn't suit them. I just want to elevate the shine I get from a normal polish. But for a different type of shoe, and the proper occasion, this is a freat tutorial.

[@kriengsakwangdulyakiti8349]

Thanks, you help me solve the problem. I was going to buy shoe cream to fix stripped off finish. Luckily I click you clip by chance.

[@americanpatriot8402]

Wow. I needed this class in boot camp in 1985!

[@MrSkullkid60]

Hello Preston, very useful video, I just have a few questions : - What kind of alcohol do you use for your water-alcohol mix ? I know it is rubbing alcohol, but I don't know how to translate and find this in my language - For some of your patinas, what kind of acetone would you use ? - What kind of brushes/rags should I use for patina jobs (any brand name ?) Sorry for all these questions, I recently started to make my own patinas, and I'm trying to step up a little bit ! Have a nice day and keep on the great stuff !

[@alexd.3048]

I'd also like to know what alcohol/ alcohol mix

[@bobbaby6170]

Not entirely sure but in another one of the videos he mentioned using isopropyl alcohol.

[@MrSkullkid60]

@@bobbaby6170 ok so I guess 99.9% alcohol for cleaning should be what I'm looking for

[@TheElegantOxford]

I use rubbing alcohol from Walmart so isopropyl works fine! Acetone I buy in bulk from Home Depot or Lowe’s. 100% Pure acetone Brushes I buy at Michael’s. 50 brushes for $9. You can really use anything

[@raymonlarge1559]

Amazing, thank you for your videos. They are so inspiring. Just put a mirrorshine on my shoes and it worked out brilliant. Keep on, I love watching.

[@BuzzBurst2907]

Thank you my polish on my boots started cracking around the toecap area after a long parade haven’t come across this till now thanks

[@yapolloable]

I also had similar experience and i managed to solve it using hair dryer too (I watched older vids). I think my problem was using neutral coloured hard wax for mirror shine, after applying multiple layers, it left small little off coloured spots which resemble discolouration. Its the light reflecting in different angles that caused the "discolouration". I now use the same colour cream polish to create multiple layers and then the last couple layer with the neutral coloured hard wax. Works really well.

[@craigpiercer79]

I'll start by saying that I learned how to mirror shine from you. Not to brag but I've gotten good at it... Like really good! That said, I've never been close to having a shoe look this good. Maybe that navy blue is were it's at.

[@thetruthspeaker5101]

All I can say is “WOW” awesome work

[@gritsteel4559]

The 'Dry Spot' finally happened to me, thanks a lot for this video !

[@max2grant]

I’ve always been afraid of scorching the leather, so believe it or not I always just dry my shoe out from the inside, by putting the hairdryer on the inside. The heat will trap inside and draw the moisture through and through and the wet spot dries out the same, but takes probably a little bit longer, maybe like 20 to 30 minutes

[@TheElegantOxford]

That works too!

[@colinball7502]

What a big help many thanks for all your help

[@scottbrandon6244]

In the military it was common to use a lighter to get that mirror finish on the shoe.

[@jaye909]

Congratulations on the 200k Preston! I always love watching your stuff and have learned a lot

[@TheElegantOxford]

Thanks for supporting the Channel!

[@cheukan]

I always have dry spots on my carlos santos shoes. After watching your video, problem solved!

[@Retzii_]

Honestly a lifesaver, thanks, worked a charm.

[@CD-lw6fl]

Great tip for those of us who love our shoes 😎👊

[@garciasautomotivedetail5196]

Bling!Bling! Love the Shine! Good content

[@adrianwalker2833]

Thanks, as the other day I was having the same problem and it drove me nuts.

[@ThorOdinson-s8m]

I always used my lighter when shining my boots. Never had dry spots. My grand pappy taught me how to shine my boots n shoes. They were so well done everyone thought they were patent leather until they rubbed them.

[@GregoryGuerrier]

Such an amazing mirror shine! Great work!

[@IDoofy]

I’ve been watching you on and off for about 2~3 years and I just found out we’re birth day twins

[@qazmko22]

I love that mirror shine... My TRG cream polish from my cobbler has blue undertones.. and now I know why!

[@keithbarber5859]

I just inherited a beautiful pair of Dress Pradas. Very little wear on them but have been sitting unprotected on a rack for quite some time. Because of the lack of care they have cracked some what in the area directly behind the toe box. I saddle soaped and conditioned them as my initial step and then laid down a base of Saphir's shoe cream. The shoes began to look much better and many of the cracks disappeared. Once I began to work on the toe box I I quickly began to get results before hitting that dreaded "dry spot" problem that you addressed in your video. I tried a number of thing to remedy the problem with unsatisfactory results and began to freak out a bit. Watching your video has calmed me down a bit, and I look forward to retackling the issue. If you have any tips on dealing with those cracks I mentioned earlier, I would be much appreciative. Thanks.

[@freemolimo]

This literally happened to me today. Thank you!

[@TaylorShawn]

Gonna try this again, wish me luck

[@stewartlane691]

I had a “dry” spot on the toe cap of a shoe where the leather had been worn by contact with a pedal when driving. Assuming that the leather was damaged beyond repair, it actually turned out the spot became damp when mirror polishing too much with a damp cloth. Brushed the spot hard as advised and then used the finger buff technique with black mirror gloss and the spot indeed went away.

[@JJ-rf7dg]

I was in the military and didn't have the patience to get it to shine.. My chiefs didn't care about the shine but it was presentable.

[@pauldwalker]

and youtube makes another surprise recommendation that has me hooked.

[@sifisoncube3814]

So do you mix water and rubbing alcohol together to make a solution and if yes what scale do you use to mix the two for effective results?

[@jonmichael02302]

THANK GOD FOR THIS CHANNEL!! IT WORKED! THANK YOU! 🙏

[@max2grant]

Also, I have stopped using my little water dispenser, or the ice cube in the little tin of water with alcohol, and instead, I get a wet washcloth which I’ve put a little bit of rubbing alcohol on, and then I ring it out until it’s just slightly damp. And then I just barely touch that with my shammy to get the moisture. A damp sponge would do the same I imagine I found whenever I did anything else, I was using too much water

[@TheElegantOxford]

Awesome! Finding the right method that works for you is always the best

[@kingssing]

Just blows me away! I wish you would have shown it developing into the mirror and say how long it took. I am a beginner.

[@ukresellerdave2542]

Wow that's amazing thank you for taking the time to show your technique

[@MrDirkhead]

When I was in the forces we used a candle and a spoon to remove bumps and such. just heat the spoon over the candle and apply to the shoe or boot.

[@les-chouans]

great video - to own a heat gun is essential when you love quality shoes.

[@thoughtful_criticiser]

I wish your videos had been around when I was learning to mirror shine or bulling my boots. We only had basic kiwi polish and if you were caught using Parade Gloss you would be charged and sent to the guard room.

[@darriendastar3941]

That was a really good, informative and useful video. Thank you.

[@ninjadudeofficial]

I'm not sure but might've hit this issue on a new pair, and funnily enough I did wonder if it was a moisture issue. So great video, much appreciated

[@_iErik]

10:09 - would love to see you doing a video shining black shoes with burgundy and dark green wax to see what the difference is compared to navy and black!

[@SAMcool12ka4]

Wow you are really an artist

[@samchavez8994]

what helps is use a lighter on the leather when you see this spot and then also user the lighter on the wax to soften and to help dry out any mosisture may be in the polish. use a cotton ball helps bring out the shine. use to touch of water and you will be shining in no time.

[@Santo-one1]

Great job. Thank you for sharing. Watching from Southern California

[@22busy43]

Thanks for this video. I have this problem with a pair of Alan edmonds and didn’t know what it was or how to fix it.

[@trulycinematic.2005]

So satisfying to watch.

[@hexlloydmedel7994]

i got this problem cause by my motorcycle lucky i still can repair it thank you sir

[@ABAHaipsAip]

I like the shoe model,I'm from Indonesia, and I'm a handmade shoe maker

[@charlotteantiquepowerengin6277]

Ive gotten used to using a low heat boot dryer every night. Seems to help.