Toning down the new Aldens...

[JimL]

Hey everyone.

Last night I decided it was time for the first polish of my Aldens.

I also found a busted lace when I untied them! I have no idea when it broke, and saw no indication on the boot where I might have caught it, but it broke. Oh, well. If that is the only problem I have, I can live with that.

Anyway, I used Kiwi Brown polish from Wal Mart (actually, I have ALWAYS used Kiwi brand polish) and did a very light overall coat. I did not want to completely obliterate the top stitching, just darken it slightly (which I did). I also hit all the scuffed areas, and they blended nicely with the original "Milk Chocolate Brown" color.

Overall, the color did darken slightly. I'm sure I could have darkened them further, but no need- I wear these nearly every day, and they will certainly need polish again next month.

I also toned down the very light colored piece between the upper and sole. Again, I could have made it darker, but I think it is fine as it is now, and will likley get darker.

I used a small horsehair brush to apply the polish and did not 'buff' the polish after applying, so it is not too "shiny". I thik the look is good, and as I wear them in further, I know they will slowly darken and get even more comfortable!

Just wanted to share my experience...

[JimL]

Another update on color!

I basically ignored the 'rules' and saturated the leather with my Pitch-Blend oil and MAN am I glad I did!

I then folowed up with another coat of Kiwi Brown, and am quite pleased with the results.

The milk chocolate brown is now a deep, rich brown that looks VERY SA (to my eyes, referencing Raiders).

I have new work boots, so these are not geting the daily beating they were getting, but have a decent amount of 'real' distressing for my taste.

Also, once the Pitch Blend soaked in, these boots are like slippers! AMAZINGLY comfortable! (and they smell nice too!)

For those looking to darken their Aldens...

[gwyddion]

Sorry, but ;0

Regards, Geert

[weaponx24]

sweet! i was going to do the same things to my Aldens...just bought the KIWI Brown shoe polish today...then I was going to hit it with some Rawlings baseball glove oil. Just a real ligh coat to darken it up some...I cant wait to see how it comes out.

[JimL]

I used the pitch blend paste stuff (similar to Pecards I suspect) and this did darken them; however it seemed to evaporate away and the color came back to normal again.

No idea if the glove oil will do the same...

I will say this: if the glove oil has silicone in it, DON'T USE IT! Silicone is not good for leather, or the stitching.

Also, the brown polish has to be applied carefully, or the top stitching will be completely consumed. If you want them to dissapear, that's fine; however if you want them to still be visible, just toned down, that is a bit more tricky... ;-)

Whatever you do, take it slow and watch what you are doing...

Photos are forthcoming. I actually want some of me in full (save the jacket) gear, with detail shots of the, well, details...