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Main Boards => PowWow => Topic started by: Shakes.602 on October 11, 2012, 10:18:00 AM

Title: Best Way to Keep Leather Waterproof
Post by: Shakes.602 on October 11, 2012, 10:18:00 AM
Bought a real nice set of Carhartt hunting boots, and they ARE Waterproof, as Advertised! I am looking for the Best way to Keep them that way. Leather will only hold up to being wet and Dried so many times, found that out the hard way.
  There is Mink Oil, There are Synthetics (Sillycone Spray), I just want to know what REALLY will Work and Help the Boots Last as long as they can! What does the REAL Hunter Use??
  Any and All Info is Appreciated!
Title: Re: Best Way to Keep Leather Waterproof
Post by: Mike Most on October 11, 2012, 10:21:00 AM
Being down south, my armguard tends to get soaked from sweat, so I would be interested in all the replies also.   :thumbsup:  (Thanks for bringing it up Shakes)
Title: Re: Best Way to Keep Leather Waterproof
Post by: tuscarawasbowman on October 11, 2012, 11:18:00 AM
I use toilet ring wax. But I am eyeing up Scott Teaschner's (sp?) Ray Holes leather products he sells.
Title: Re: Best Way to Keep Leather Waterproof
Post by: WindOtter on October 11, 2012, 11:33:00 AM
I like Sno-Seal myself. Heat boots w. blow dryer to melt it in.
Title: Re: Best Way to Keep Leather Waterproof
Post by: TommyBoy on October 11, 2012, 12:25:00 PM
Tried them all ... I like Sno-Seal the best.
Title: Re: Best Way to Keep Leather Waterproof
Post by: ron w on October 11, 2012, 01:20:00 PM
Had good luck with Snow-Seal!
Title: Re: Best Way to Keep Leather Waterproof
Post by: **DONOTDELETE** on October 11, 2012, 01:30:00 PM
QuoteOriginally posted by WindOtter:
I like Sno-Seal myself. Heat boots w. blow dryer to melt it in.
another fan of sno-seal here. works good on leather grips on your bow too.
Title: Re: Best Way to Keep Leather Waterproof
Post by: Ken Taylor on October 11, 2012, 01:40:00 PM
For BOOTS I prefer Sno-Seal too.
Title: Re: Best Way to Keep Leather Waterproof
Post by: Sharpend60 on October 11, 2012, 01:42:00 PM
Nik-Wax works well.
Nearly the same as Sno-seal.
Ive used it on mountaineering boots.

Blast em with a hair dryer or keep next to the wood stove to get the wax deep in the leather
Title: Re: Best Way to Keep Leather Waterproof
Post by: Wacko_One on October 11, 2012, 01:55:00 PM
I also use Sno-Seal.  I heat the boots in the oven on warm, about 200) with the door slightly open. leave them in for 5 to 10 munites, and they'll stay warm throughout the application. I ruined a pair using a heat gun, don't know if a hairdryer will get them too hot
Title: Re: Best Way to Keep Leather Waterproof
Post by: hockey7 on October 11, 2012, 02:36:00 PM
I would contact the manufacturer. Some won't recommend any waterproofing with silicone, it will damage the leather.

With my Meindl boots I use a bees wax concoction which is the only waterproofing they advise using.
Title: Re: Best Way to Keep Leather Waterproof
Post by: amicus on October 11, 2012, 02:38:00 PM
I used sno seal on my last trip and I was very impressed. I did what others have mentioned. Put in the oven for a few minutes and then applied the sno seal. Set my boots out in the sun and would reapply seal every day for 3 days. Worked great. Make sure you take laces off and work seal around the tounge area and on every stitch.

Gilbert
Title: Re: Best Way to Keep Leather Waterproof
Post by: killinstuff on October 11, 2012, 03:57:00 PM
If pretty is important to you, don't do this.  The best bar none water proofing in spray on truck bed liner in a can. Flexible and wears like iron.  Will I spray my Russell's, no but my everyday work boots, yep.
Title: Re: Best Way to Keep Leather Waterproof
Post by: WidowEater on October 11, 2012, 05:07:00 PM
I like Fiebing's Snow Proof Paste.  Never used Sno Seal but I suspect they are very similar.
Title: Re: Best Way to Keep Leather Waterproof
Post by: Eric S on October 11, 2012, 08:48:00 PM
Sno Seal works.
Title: Re: Best Way to Keep Leather Waterproof
Post by: Phrogdrvr on October 11, 2012, 09:04:00 PM
I've had excellent results with LL Bean Boot Guard/Leather Dressing.  It is a mix of beeswax and lanolin.  I've used it on my Maine hunters and Dyer moccasins as well as my wife's fancy boots (scary proposition, but it turned out well for me).  I guess Mainers know a bit about how to keep feet dry.

Tom
Title: Re: Best Way to Keep Leather Waterproof
Post by: Paul Shirek on October 12, 2012, 10:05:00 AM
I also have tried them all. I do like Sno Seal but found it doesnt last quite as long as I like. Also used a lot of Montana Pitch Blend and found it also works well with similar results to Sno Seal. My favorite for results is Obenaufs. I find it works excellent and a treatment will last a lot longer then anything else I have used. I will add that all of the above products are good.
Title: Re: Best Way to Keep Leather Waterproof
Post by: David McLendon on October 12, 2012, 11:10:00 AM
Montana Pitch Blend
Title: Re: Best Way to Keep Leather Waterproof
Post by: Paul WA on October 12, 2012, 11:51:00 AM
I use a product called no-snow on my feathers, am sure it would work on boots also...PR
Title: Re: Best Way to Keep Leather Waterproof
Post by: Shakes.602 on October 15, 2012, 08:34:00 AM
Survey Says: Sno-Seal is the way to go! Thank you All!!  :thumbsup:  Think I will contact Carhartt as well, just to see what they recommend.
Title: Re: Best Way to Keep Leather Waterproof
Post by: Austin on October 15, 2012, 09:53:00 AM
I use Australian leather seal on all my leather. All natural beeswax based product works awesome and you can put it on with your hands. Nice for the hands too. Started putting it on my glove.
Mink oil makes leather stretch, and I'm not a fan of synthetics.
Title: Re: Best Way to Keep Leather Waterproof
Post by: eminart on October 15, 2012, 12:03:00 PM
I just treated my old boots with beeswax. Melted it on with a hair dryer. I don't know how long it will last, but water rolls off like a duck's back.
Title: Re: Best Way to Keep Leather Waterproof
Post by: Stykbowslim on October 15, 2012, 12:11:00 PM
QuoteOriginally posted by tuscarawasbowman:
I use toilet ring wax.
I also use toilet ring wax... one ring will waterproof a LOT of leather !