We've had a few messages from customers recently about how to rectify their mistakes as they've polished their beloved Sweeneys. You'd think they'd take more care, but judging by the amount of people who've been in touch it seems it can happen to anybody. So; we went to the guys in the know, our store staff (as well as, of course, the mighty Cobbler in Chief himself), and this is what they say:

Ken, our General Retail Manager
Before you begin applying any polish, brush off any dirt. If you have any really stubborn stains, baby wipes are a great solution, particularly on lighter shoes (but make sure you re nourish afterwards as wipes are astringent).
Use polish moderately, and be aware of the different effects it can create. Clear beeswax will lighten a shoe over time so occasionally using brown or black polish will darken it again. Black polish on a tan or brown shoe will add an aged patina if used sparingly.
And for suede shoes, try steaming over a kettle to revitalise, it really helps bring the original colour back.

Albert, one of our City store team
Personally, I wouldn't use anything but black polish on my shoes, no matter what colour the leather. I leave it on for as long as possible, sometimes even months!! But only on the toes, and only when the shoe is clean.

Our Cobbler In Chief

If you experiment and find it goes wrong: the wrong colour polish for example; don't panic. Lift it off with an absorbent cloth or kitchen towel and be patient in fixing the mistake. Layer by layer, add a restoring polish or colour, sometimes coming back to it for several days, until you have rectified it. Making a rash decision can often make a bad problem worse.

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