Model Patrick James uses a lighter to melt the polish. - Photos by Norman Grindley/Acting Photo Editor

'How To ...' is an instruction guide giving practical advice on a range of problems as diverse as head-scratching fix-it mountains to seemingly routine molehills.

Clothes maketh the man, the adage goes, and persons generally make an extra effort to don their Sunday best, every day of the week.

But, nothing spoils a glamorous ensemble like a dull or mud-splattered pair of shoes. And, there's never a second chance to make a first impression.

Who better to dish out advice on achieving the perfect sheen on your boots than a man in uniform.

Brian Adams, a former cadet who, also has army-training experience, explains how to get that glistening burnish.

Getting that burnish

Dip cotton in water, then swab the molten polish over the entire shoe.

First, shoes should be thoroughly cleaned of dirt or other residue.

A substantial amount of the polish should be placed in the tin cover of the polish. Next, heat the polish until it melts.

Dip a piece of cotton into water, then swab the molten polish over the entire shoe. Apply the mixture in small circular motions.

The shoe should then be placed in a cool area to allow the polish to dry. After the polish hardens, a fresh piece of cotton, dipped in water, without any polish, should be used to buff the shoe until shiny.

An alternative method, involving shoe brush or cotton, is sometimes used to apply polish. Water is sprinkled on to the shoe during this process. Afterwards, a lighter is used to allow a gentle flame against the shoe to burn the polish ever so slightly until it softens. Cotton is then used to spread the semi-liquified polish over the shoe.

The shoe should then be placed in a cool area to allow the polish to harden. After the polish dries, fresh cotton, dipped in water only, should be used to buff the shoe to a sheen.

Adding life

A freshly polished shoe (left) in comparison to its duller counterpart.

Using the first method every two days for a month adds at least an extra year to the life of the shoe. This makes the shoe softer and more comfortable by increasing the tensile strength of leather. An old cotton T-shirt, shoe polish cloth, flannel and chamois are good substitutes to cotton. Worn stocking can also be used for buffing.

The above-mentioned tips are the best recommended methods for that spit-shine finish. However, there is a simpler method for parents who would rather not have their children use heat.

Polish can be generously applied using a stiff-bristle brush, ideally a toothbrush or shelf-bought shoe brush.

Using damp cotton, apply polish in a circular motion.

After at least 30 minutes of drying, wet a piece of cloth, wring it of excess water and apply, in circular motions, a thin coat of polish over the shoe.

A few minutes later, use a horsehair shoe brush, worn nylon stocking or cotton to buff the shoes to a shiny finish.

Of course, it would be good to perform any of these tasks on used spreadsheets of The Gleaner.

Some cadets even recommend a drying period of at least 24 hours for a better shine.

GOLDEN LINKS:

http://www.ehow.com/how_2043441_spitshine-shoes.html

http://www.wikihow.com/Polish-Shoes

http://www.cadet-world.com/cwforums/showthread.php?p=269302

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