Waterproofing Boots

fatchowmein

Getting a pair of Ariats for Xmas. I heard recommendations for Skidmore's Bees Wax along the seams followed by a coating of Bickmore Gard-More Water & Stain Repellent spray. What are you guys using?

ben62670

Mink oil. BTW I want some Ariats for Christmas. Some ropers would be nice:)

fatchowmein

I have a jar of mink oil that's probably 15 years old. I'm guessing it should still be okay to use?

Hope you get'em Ropers for Xmas.

Gadabout

Wax and Oil will both waterproof boots. I personally prefer wax as oil will soften the leather eventually.

I generally use sno seal. It's also a Bees wax. Use a hair blower to heat the wax, expand the pores of the leather so it can seep inside. Thin coats are better than a thick coat. If you get too much wax on the boot they will get tacky and start picking up everything you walk in (leaves, grass, dirt ... basically everything). Makes them hard to clean if this happens.

Another method for applying the wax is to turn on the oven, open the door and put the boots on the door to heat up.

Hope that helps,
Scott

gdb

Bear grease, and lots of it !