Scratches on leather shoes after a fall can ruin their appearance, especially when the damage is visible on the surface of the leather. Fortunately, there are several effective methods that will allow you to repair scratches and restore the shoes to their original shine. Here is a practical step-by-step guide on how to renovate leather shoes after mechanical damage.
1. Cleaning the Shoe Surface
Before you begin repairing scratches, it is important to thoroughly clean your shoes to remove any dust, dirt, and debris that may interfere with the restoration process.
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Gentle Cleaning: Use a damp cloth or soft sponge to gently wipe the entire surface of the shoe. You can add a little mild soap if the shoes are very dirty.
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Allow to Dry: Make sure your shoes are completely dry before you begin the repair. Moisture can affect the effectiveness of your leather care products, so it's best to leave your shoes to dry for a few hours.
2. Using Clear Polish or Leather Balm
If the scratches are superficial and have not damaged the leather deeply, a clear polish or leather balm may be sufficient to cover them up.
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Applying the Balm: Apply a small amount of the balm to a soft cloth and gently rub into the scratch using circular motions. The leather balm nourishes the material, restoring its elasticity and color.
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Polishing: After applying the balm, polish the entire surface of the shoe with a clean cloth to give the leather an even shine.
3. Using Skin Color Cream
If the scratch is visible and needs to be evened out, a leather color cream is a great solution. Choose a cream in a shade that matches the color of your shoes.
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Applying the Color Cream: Apply a small amount of cream to a clean, soft cloth and gently massage it into the scratched area until the color begins to even out. The color cream will cover light scuff marks, restoring the shoes to their original shade.
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Color Evening: Spread the cream also around the scratch to achieve a smooth color transition between the damaged and undamaged area.
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Allow to Dry and Polish: Leave the shoes for a few minutes to allow the cream to absorb. Then polish the shoes with a soft cloth to obtain an even shine.
4. Using Liquid Skin for Deeper Scratches
For deeper scratches where the leather has been broken and there is a noticeable unevenness, liquid leather is one of the best solutions. Liquid leather will fill the scratch, creating a uniform surface.
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Applying Liquid Skin: Apply a small amount of Liquid Skin to the scratch using an applicator or small spatula. Spread the liquid evenly to fill the scratch. Make sure to remove any excess Liquid Skin – the surface should be smooth and even.
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Allow to Dry: Wait for the liquid leather to dry completely, which may take a few to several minutes depending on the product. Once dry, check if the surface is even - if necessary, apply a second coat.
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Leveling and Polishing: Once dry, polish the shoes to achieve an even finish and restore their original appearance.
5. Application of Shoe Polish
Once the scratches have been repaired, it’s a good idea to apply a coat of polish to your shoes for extra shine and protection.
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Choosing a Leather Polish: Choose a polish that matches the color of your shoes or a colorless polish if you just want to add shine. Leather polish will nourish the material and give it depth.
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Applying the Polish: Using a soft cloth, spread the polish over the entire surface of the shoe, not just the repaired area, to achieve an even result.
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Polish: Polish your shoes with a clean, dry cloth until the leather shines. The polish will add elasticity to the leather and protect it from future scratches.
6. Protecting Your Shoes with an Impregnation Spray
Once the renovation is complete, it is a good idea to protect the shoes with an impregnation spray to increase their resistance to moisture and dirt.
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Impregnation: Spray the impregnation spray on the entire surface of the shoes, holding the shoes at a distance of about 20 cm. Thanks to impregnation, the shoes will be more resistant to dirt, water and minor mechanical damage.
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Allow to Dry: Leave the shoes for a few hours so that the spray is fully absorbed and creates a protective layer on the surface.
Additional Tips
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Avoid Over-Wetting Your Shoes: Water can weaken the leather, increasing the risk of scratches and cracks.
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Regular Care: Use leather polishes and creams regularly to keep your leather moisturized and supple, which will reduce the risk of damage.
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Waterproof Every Season: Waterproof every few weeks, especially in the fall and winter, to protect your shoes from moisture and dirt.
With these methods, you can effectively repair scratches on leather shoes, restoring their aesthetic appearance and extending their life.
