HOW TO LIGHTEN A PAIR OF SHOES

[@notarivsanonymvs2561]

Why am I watching this right before bed? To top it off it’s satisfying!!

[@TheElegantOxford]

Cool!

[@prakharkannoje5912]

Same here.. I cannot afford the shoes and the shine kit Preston uses but still I find his videos satisfying. 😇

[@scottyb.8710]

@@prakharkannoje5912 can you swing $200 for the shoes? You don’t need to pay retail.

[@prakharkannoje5912]

@@scottyb.8710 No. Sorry.

[@revone6983]

Hahahaha! Same

[@dukeyin1111]

Thank you for this tip! I applied this method to a pair of Burnished Brown Strand (It is really a dark brown shade that is almost black), and now this pair became medium brown shade. Beautiful. Now the broguing is much more pronounced than before! And indeed, just like you said, taking off the factory finish needs some patience.

[@pupperjackcheese]

I just got a pair of boots that is such a dark brown you'd think they're black unless you see them in the sun. Unfortunately it's the only brown they offer for that boot, so I think I'm gonna try this and see if I can't get a more medium brown like you described. Fingers crossed because I really like everything else about these boots except how dark the color is!

[@Orangejuiceeater]

@@pupperjackcheeseI know this is super late, but how did they turn out?

[@pupperjackcheese]

@@Orangejuiceeater they definitely lightened up a bit, not as much as i wanted, but i can always do the process again. but my boots were a tumbled and hand-dyed leather, and i think because of that it wasnt an even tone of brown, so lightening it up showed that even more. But i think thats due to the hand dying process. If you had boots that were dip-dyed I think youd get a much more even result like the video shows. When i got them resoled, my cobbler polished them even though i told him not to, so that darkened them back up a little bit, close to how they were originally. So i might need to do this process again now that youre reminding me haha

[@NiCaNaMex]

Wow. This was great. Was looking how to lighten a purse. Similar responses. Gracias 🌴

[@raymccreary6114]

I like how you exposed the factory spray on finish🙂🙂🙂

[@kaystyle1]

I received my walnut Strands back from AE recrafting with a horrible looking dark brown "patina." I had been considering Renomat, but after watching this I'm going to attempt acetone! Thank you!

[@longfatpickle9993]

“The purest and most thoughtful minds are those which love color the most.” ― John Ruskin And...that is true with shoes as well. The variety of colors that can be produced are almost endless, especially with the different shades of patina. In this case, less color is great and shows the greatness of natural/neutral colors, thus demonstrating walnut is as elegant as any other. Great work by Mr. Soto. I wished the owner would have preferred mirror gloss, but not everyone one is perfect.... (ok, ok....joke). May I have a big amen? 👍🏻😀

[@patrickhull9231]

I just used this technique to alter the appearance of my AE Strand but only on smoth, non0brogued parts. Holy shoe vamp, Batman. They klook so awesome now.Thanks for the video, Preston.

[@tedhart7708]

Ha! Noticed that you shook the bottle of acetone before you opened it. Force of habit.😄

[@brianbarnett100]

Freaking love it, who are the 5 who just don't like life?

[@joaquin-jacknava2696]

Thanks for showing the correct way to lighten up the shoes. Thanks for sharing Preston.

[@olatusijazz8155]

I love watching your channel and i have learned a lot from you.

[@swellcat66]

Well, this opens up the world of used shoes, doesn't it, to some nice customization with an investment of a bit of sweat equity.

[@stephanierentz9244]

Thank you! Going to try this tonight on a pair of leather heels that I love but would really like a shade lighter!

[@anupgurung3445]

Guys, after watching this video for a few times, I am going to lighten my dad's pair of shoes as he told me to do so (haha) before doing mine. Wish me luck.

[@01100101011100100111]

Should've come back and updated us with how it turned out. Now we're all going to assume you ruined your dad's shoes and he claimed your life as punishment.

[@anupgurung3445]

​@@01100101011100100111 Both pairs turn out to get a perfect light tan colour as we desire (before they were mixed of dark brown and tan). My dad was so impressed with my work he gave me his another pair to work with which i turn down his offer gracefully. I hardly have access to the internet these days so it took some time to get back to you. Sorry. Living under the bridge is no fun i tell you.

[@colin2623]

This looks great! I was wondering though whether it is not necessary to redye the shoe once you have taken acetone onto it

[@TheElfiestElf]

Old comment but not unless you don't want to. You WILL want to reapply a finish coloured or not too avoid the leather staining and to help with water resistance. This can also dry the leather out so reconditioning is recommended but that will temporarily darken the leather again.

[@carlieklund7436]

Can this be done on a purse or piece of leather from an old leather jacket (I want to re-purpose it but it's too dark for the project)?

[@ElHombreGato]

I'm no expert but I'm fairly certain this technique could work for any type of leather It's not the shape of the leather that's determining whether or not this process works. You know what I mean? Just to be sure, try testing it on a very small hidden part of the jacket. I'd recommend the very bottom of the jacket and choose somewhere in the back also. That way if it doesn't work or has an adverse effect the damage will be minimal and unseen

[@dbz739921]

Amazing, I have a pair of shoes I got more compliments than any other shoes I've ever owned. They are the real light kind of saddle color Cole Haans. Don't know what happened but now the leather is really dark and dirty looking hopefully I can find someone that can bring them back to life if not going to try your method

[@lawrencerichner9262]

Hey Preston@the elegant oxford. Shout out from Switzerland. I enjoy your Videos and expertise. I see you shine a lot of brogues. I have a collection of two tone spectators in white black and brown champagne colors. May I be so bold as to ask you if you'd do a shoe shine video on the two tone spectators? I'd love to see that. If you do, I'd send you some of mine, for your video. Best Lawrence

[@lawrencerichner9262]

Green Giant thank you very much. It's very kind of you to answer. I have not yet used neutral cream. Excellent thanks.

[@LIGHTcascade33]

Much appreciated!!! I bought some boots in chestnut (don't come lighter). I LOVE them, but never worn them bc they look just a hint too pretentious. Excited to lighten them to feel more casual. Thanks again!

[@Jackdman25]

How did they come out? I’m about to try that on a pair of dark Thursday brand boots

[@jeaniechampagne8831]

Fabulous!

[@frederickbanjoman9482]

Kirby Allison or Elegant Oxford? Both I say. Thanks for that advice.

[@cvc1]

Speaking of David, it would be great if you or Kirby Allison could invite him to join you in a video.. Would be cool to hear the shoe conversations between you guys..

[@lisamartinez7276]

Look great! I really liked both before and after. I love learning from this channel

[@JohnSmith-sq7cv]

This is exactly why I am here… A dark toe box on my cowboy boots that I can’t stand but love my boots and fit! I do not think they have a spray on finish. Would I be better off taking them to a “shoe shop” so I don’t do any damage? I obviously have no idea what I’m doing. They are not an incredibly expensive boot and are Ariat Rancher hybrids. I just love them but the darker toe box I can’t stand. They have offered to take them back with zero issue and have sent another pair I still have until I can try to get the darker toe box remedied but anyone who has tried cowboy boots on knows the fit is key and they are perfect. Any advice from the author or anyone who has tried this or brought a shoe to a shop for the same reason is greatly appreciated!

[@jhstylewon1172]

I'm not going to use this technique on my shoes, but I'm definitely going to be using it on my belts to have them match better with my shoes!

[@gaylecheung3087]

Thank you a happy beautiful 10 high French leather boots and of course they have docking along the sides because it’s a light colour and the sugar I did not do a good job cleaning the group so I like this technique thank you very much he did resole to a winter and heel was 1/2 added...

[@angelalane8660]

HI, PRESTON!!! I wondered how you could lighten a pair of shoes! I haven't gotten my business together yet, but it's winter and I'm in Kentucky, so probably not the best time to get started! LOL I am very happy to see a video from you, thank you, Sir! Kids that baby girl!

[@martinzhao7193]

Sos. I might did it too hard. Acetone makes black stain on my burgundy loafer. Is there any chance I can save it? You are the only person I believe on this. Please let me know what i should do!

[@anangelshero0410]

"The small details matter most." It appeared that you used the Fiebing edge dressing before you lightened the shoes. Is that correct?

[@--M--1111]

Will lye or acid also work?

[@ElHombreGato]

I've always been a fan of leather I absolutely love it, the feel the smell the sound everything about it I love. So I've been trying to find ways to make money from being around or working with the things I love. How do you recommend to learn the processes needed to start taking commission work? Just small stuff for at first like belts, wallets ect. I broke my neck and back 7 years ago so finding a job at a leather shop is kind of out of the question because I wouldn't be able to meet the expectations of What a employee should be able to do. But I can slowly work on things and once my neck and back start catching on fire from reaching and bending my neck down to look at stuff I stop and either lay on the floor or find a way to get comfortable (which is a job in itself sadly) I don't plan on ever being able to make a pair of shoes or anything like that but the highest caliber of work I would eventually stop at would be making holsters as a buddy of mine is planning on starting his own gunsmithing & restoration business. I think it would be neat if I could be his leather smith for people who are looking for a custom piece of equipment retention. Should I just watch a ton of KZbin videos, Are there any books on leather smithing you could recommend? Beautiful work by the way that color turned out beautiful it's probably my favorite color of leather! I subscribed immediately! Last question: Do you have a video for beginners, listing everything I would need to do small projects such as belts wallets even holsters? From tools all the way down to chemical products? If you don't could you steer me in a direction of something of that degree? As someone who's clearly been around leather working his whole life I fully trust your recommendation on products I would need and what they are used for. I know that's kind of a lot to ask in a completely unrelated comment section for a video about lightening leather lol I would very very very very much appreciate any information you can find time to answer. God bless you and keep up your great work! I doubt I will hear back but I really look forward to possibly getting the answers I seek.

[@thomaskemp904]

Your words are wasted on this guy, he ignores his subscribers questions, i am not a subscriber

[@jayramsey8212]

My mother-in-law really, seriously needs to lighten-up. What do you recommend?

[@caleb5196]

The exact thing happened to the toe of these boots I bought. Thanks for this tutorial

[@seafever6270]

Great video! I wish I saw it before I used Allen Edmond's conditioner. It darkened the leather and I don't have that nice walnut color to it any more. Will acetone reverse the darkening or is it permanent now?

[@seafever6270]

@stephen turner Cool beans! Thanks. :)

[@seafever6270]

@@apollomoonlandings Thanks Apollo, will do. It's going to be my weekend project.

[@seafever6270]

@@apollomoonlandings Thanks again!:) I appreciate the information. I just got some Bicks 4 in and will try to start working on them this weekend (unless the wife has other plans for me LOL). I'll take some before and after pics too. I want to get them back to or close to the original color and then give them a patina around the toe cap and lace area with some black or dark brown cream and do the rest of the shoe in light brown. With Christmas coming up real fast, time is getting short so if I don't get to it this weekend, I'll have New Years to work on them.

[@seafever6270]

@@apollomoonlandings LOL!! Your welcome. Another hobby of mine. Unfortunately I haven't had much time to work on it The tunnels are covered and there are some scenery on it but not done yet. I'll have to post an updated video on it after Christmas. I was making it with my grandson before they moved to England but when they come back for a visit we work on it some more.

[@seafever6270]

Ok, i used alcohol on one shoe and acetone on the other. They both took of the old polish and made the shoes a little lighter in color. I used some Bicks 4 and I don't think it darkened the shoes. I'd like to go lighter but I think I'm starting to remove some of the dye on the toe cap and heel cap so I'm going to stop there. I'll start to polish them when I have more time. I took some pictures but I'm not sure how to post them.

[@steved2008]

Can I use acetone to strip off old polish on a pair of brogues?

[@wt460]

Thank you very very much for moving the Spanish videos. I saw a video that I thought I had watched, but there was no little redline under the video signifying that the video was watched. Well, when I went in to watch it I did find that I had previously watched it, and this one was in Spanish. Thanks for moving to minimize the confusion.

[@ntuthuko3175]

This is great. Thank you. I have a pair of high-top Timberland sneakers that were a nice light tan colour originally but are now darker due to polish and leather food. How can I restore the original tan colour? Can I use this same technique?

[@truthyruth]

Amazing tutorial as always.Please tell me is it better to use cream or wax so that the leather colour is not darker.Thanks.

[@PapaCBig]

Will the acetone method work for a leather watch strap?

[@detectivedreams]

Thanks for your videos, it's valuable to learn how to maintain a good pair of shoes. I was wondering to ask you about the idea if is it possible to "make" a spectators-style finish with a normal shoe (all dyed of the same colour). Just lighten and cream some parts to pure white. Cheers and thank you!

[@michaelchurito]

I have a lovely pair of Grenson brogue boots, even a little lighter than the lightened of this pair of shoes...however I have nasty water lines around 3/4 of an inch up from the sole all the way around where I got caught in the rain a way from home....any hints or a video on how to bring back? Other than that although q old they are looking q good.

[@davidchavez4594]

Thanks for the information and I will try that in one of my pairs of shoes thanks

[@user-sy7pm1tn1i]

Would this work on a pair of Alden 979? The burnished tan calf is so much darker than they look on their website.

[@marinechapssemperfiout9939]

Whoa! I like it! Semper Fi

[@codygrimes9072]

Do you offer a mail in service? I have a pair of Allen Edmond Jefferson 2.0’s and Bartlett’s that I would like to make less of the red walnut they come in, and more of the golden color of a regular walnut Strand.

[@Nishiskitchenrecipe]

Nice upload

[@neilnevill6782]

Thank you, I'm really enjoying your videos and learning a lot. Trying to build the courage to try a patina! How much can you lighten black shoes? Enough to take take colour to highlight areas?

[@hildagarcia4555]

How many passes of the acetone does one recommend for a darker color? Trying to get a significant lightening on some boots.

[@g.k.4931]

Can I use this method on a vintage suitcase with leather straps. The strap became much darker after I tried to clean it with a damp cloth.

[@AddiesWorshipChannel]

I love the shoes

[@hanestshirtsarecool]

Aha! Vary nice, 🤔 but will this work with dark blue suede shoes?

[@modernvintagelifestyles]

Will this work on a pair of burnished tan alden indy boots from j crew that I stupidly applied some mink oil to waterproof and ended up darkening in the process???

[@andysanger7723]

Fantastic 👍

[@MJSTERHERMES]

Can I lighten dark brown shoes as well?

[@rgrantconacher5300]

Thank you for sharing

[@losmoney82]

Awesome video. Is there a way to lighten the color of suede? Thx.

[@lg4lg479]

You have to have speakers or headset to hear these videos.

[@komsanchankam6083]

Hi there, thank you for the nice video. I’m wondering if you know how to remove shoes polish. I have a red pair of leather shoes that I put the wrong polish on and the color changed into much darker tone of red.... is this something possible to do?

[@ahmadbonakdar5038]

Hi, I used your tutorial and my brown tan color sneaker shoes got a bit darker, which I liked it. But I think I messed up one spot and it went a bit darker than the rest. I used acetone as you suggested in your other videos as well but now it looks like way lighter and pale. Any solution to remedy? I'd appreciate it.

[@Munenelle]

Love it ❤

[@HarryPottard]

Can you remove dye from suede with this method? I was going to remove a blue dye stain on my grey suede shoes, and my suede cleaner was a dark blue color, so now its stained-.- bigtime

[@kinkaly]

Very helpful! Thanks you!!

[@SheriffKoder9]

Hello, can i use this method to safely lighten or remove a burnished black toe on a brown shoe without affecting the base brown color ?

[@Ilquanttu]

Hello, I bought a pair of vintage boots an they are a darker brown, Do you believe if I apply this same procedure to them they will come out lighter?

[@jayrose1772]

Can I send my AE Walnut Strands and have you do this and get them to the lighter shade?

[@peterjones3757]

Hi i have a whip that is dark brown, that i need to lighten to a natural tan color. Can i use the same technique here?

[@GugaBahr.]

Always good

[@nandoshinesasmr5214]

Great job! 👍

[@dryandracountryvisitorcent4449]

Do you think you could do this on a briefcase? Or would it be too risky with large, flat areas?

[@alfredodiaz4610]

really good work!!!

[@mattekudasai8249]

could you do a video on how to shine or polish weaved leather shoes?

[@unicornchowder]

Is there a difference between Saphir Renovateur and Bick 4, will the Renovateur darken the leather? Not sure I have noticed any darkening from Renovateur on my shoes... but maybe I'm just not paying attention!

[@hariz8804]

Can anyone help me? I’ve been using this method but it seems like there is certain dark brown spot which acetone cannot bleached down. I’m suspecting it is because of acetone stain. Do i have to keep rubbing with more acetone until it become even?

[@Alex_bkr10]

Please help!!! I used boot barn conditioner on my new ranch boots and the leather darkened a lot!!! Will this same technique work? It was raw leather, no factory shine. Thanks!

[@galihajisukma2892]

Is that working using acetone to leather boots for brighten? My redwing 1907 over conditioned and become darken

[@xavierdupont5772]

Hi, would this work to lighten black leather a bit so as to get a grey pair of shoes or be able to die it navy blue afterward?

[@brianjschumer]

Looks great..

[@myrabbitispink]

so i take it this only works on leather that's been darkened via spray on color as opposed to traditional dye?

[@rebwood6310]

Hi there I’m cleaning a handle on a purse It’s very light leather but there are water spots I would like to be hones Any advise ??

[@QuanNguyen-vi1fi]

I am planning to re-dye my calfskin shoes. Would you recommend me the stripping solution? Between acetone and Saphir Decapant which one will strip the shoes better? Thanks

[@hasanimam4822]

hello sir... I have a pair of dark brown leather dress shoes which colour I don't like..how can I make it lighter or medium brown? please reply..I"ll be grateful

[@KarenyCastillo]

I have an orange epoca leather planner that I would like to lighten, would this technique work with my planner?

[@gasmaskguy6032]

Does it work on leather belt too?

[@goldenTym]

I have some Thursdays that I would love to lighten up (both a dark brown pair, and a medium brown pair) that I would like to get to a medium/dark brown and essentially a "tan". But doing this would scare the hell out of me.

[@ThatBeardedWhiteGuy]

would it work on black leather to make it brown ?

[@salpanahi]

I hate that they changed the original walnut color

[@timothylua5885]

do i apply saphir renovateur then saphir cream on my shoes or either one is ok?

[@MrInstrumentalist]

I wonder what my DArk Chili McCallister's would look like if I tried this. Mine are so dark, they almost look burgandy.

[@jackiesixtysixtyjackie]

I have a pair of dyed leather pants that have gotten darker in random spots due to leather conditioner and pressure. Is there any way to lighten these spots without removing the dye?

[@dustyrhodes8672]

Just bought pair of a&zebra shoes like the one you just featured. Now I’m afraid to use sapphire conditioner. What do you think?

[@shizzydeep6867]

I bought about 4 pairs of Allen Edmonds fith ave cap toes trying to get the walnut color shown on their website but got more of a watered down coffee color brown all 4 times. When I asked them why they were so brown they said the end result depends on dyes being used and that they have no control over it. I find that hard to believe but anyway... if I want to go from the color brown (similar to what these shoes in your video started out as) to more of a walnut honey, is there a way to do it without stripping it all the way down like you've shown here? I'm afraid I'll remove too much and not be able to get the right color back. Can you recommend any good shops in the Massachusetts area that does this sort of thing?

[@pedropaccollazo2039]

How long did you actually wipe with acetone? I bought some OS's on ebay originally they were light tan, but looks like they used dark brown shoe polish on them to darken them; the left shoe is darker than right one. I used the hair dryer on hot high beforehand as instructed. I scrubbed them with 100% acetone. No change. Nothing come off on cloth. Slight shine remains. What am I doing wrong. Ugh! I wish I could upload pic of shoes. I copied from the ebay ad, they are shown one darker than the other. I just didn't notice at first.

[@santiagorojas9128]

What was the name of that cream

[@pwsod]

Is it possible to lighten a pair of black Oxfords?

[@marklawrence3346]

The audio of your new Mike is too low.

[@ramialsulimani]

If I dyed my shoes using Fiebings can a nail remover remove it? Is there other methods that you may recommend

[@MarcJ2]

What is your favorite leather conditioner?

[@TheElegantOxford]

Saphir Renovator but Bick 4 is a close second

[@davidchavez4594]

@@TheElegantOxford hit me up I will like to share one of my project

[@gregorygoldbarth7464]

Can you use this technique on color 8 shell Cordovan?

[@arfanraza7226]

Can you make a video about how to remove old polish with acetone?

[@1k1ngst0n]

wow!