How do you get your cadet boots really shiny?

Answer 1

Okay, first you'll need:

Some black polish (Preferably Kiwi as this is the best but any polish will do)

Two cloths (One for applying polish and other for bulling)

Water

Step One: Get one of your cloths. Add a scrap of polish and small bit of water to it and start rubbing the boot in big, slow circles or small, fast circles (whichever works best for you, either way works equally as well).

Step Two: After the whole toe section of the boot is covered in polish and you can't see any overly-visible smears, grab the other cloth and just gradually rub the polish into the boot. The boot should be noticeably shinier. If not, repeat these two steps.

For me, this method is easiest and quickest, but the best technique is different for everyone.

Tested by me, a Sea Cadet.

The Method From A Former Command General's Honor Guard:What you will need:

• Kiwi polish
• application brush (horse hair)
• Boot brush
• two cotton baby diapers
• water in the polish can lid
• polyester terry cloth rag (optional)

What to do:

1. Apply a liberal amount of polish to each boot.
2. Set them aside and let them dry for about five minutes.
3. Take the first boot over your left hand (if you are right handed), and make a fist inside to tighten the leather. Not too tight or you will stretch the leather and your shine will have a cracked look.
4. Dip your right index finger in the water, and begin rubbing the polish into the toe of the boot. Move in small circles. If you finger begins to "squeak," dab a bit more polish on your finger and continue.
5. Continue this until all swirl marks and finger prints disappear. Each time your finger begins to "squeak" dab more polish and continue.
6. With the boot brush, buff the remainder of the boot.
7. This can be done with the toe and the heel of the boot, and works best with Jump Boots.
8. Repeat the same with the other boot.
9. Once you have finished the second boot, place the first boot on your foot, and buff with the first cotton diaper, heal and toe only.
10. Repeat with the second boot and the second diaper -- always use a clean diaper when buffing.
11. This is the optional step -- with the terry cloth rag, make a tight ball by rolling in the corners to the center of the rag. Take the balled rag, smooth side out in your right fist, and buff the toe and heal of each boot. BE VERY CAREFUL, this rag can burn the shine and you will have to strip the polish and start over.

Store these boots in a boot carrier, or with a cotton handkerchief draped over them; they will show dust like they are under a spot light if you don't. Jack Pyke and Fabritech make these for military and hunting, equestrian boot bags would work well too. All can be purchased fairly reasonably on auction sites like eBay.

Answer 2

You will need:

Kiwi Black Shoe Polish (Not parade gloss)

Cotton Wool

2 Brushes

Cold Water

Method

1. Using the ON brush put polish on the boot and leave for 5-10 minutes before brushing it off with the OFF brush. This is not necessary if you have several layers of polish on already and have no scratches or dents.

2. Make the cotton wool into balls. Dip 2 into the water. Take them out and squeeze them so they are damp.

3. Take on cotton wool ball and rub in the shoe polish, then rub in circles 1 inch wide approx. for 5-10 minutes.

4. Dip the cotton wool ball in to water again squeeze lightly then rub it in small circles for another 5-10 minutes.

5. Blow the water off the use a dry cotton wool ball, not a damp one until it is completely dry. Repeat step 3-5 with new Cotton wool.

Tips

Get your boots spooned by a member of staff if they have not already been done

Be patient it will take a while but they will remain shiny for a while, so make the effort

Do the toecap and heel

Do not cheat or take shortcuts they WILL be noticed

Put your boots in the freezer

Source

I am an army cadet