I'm in NJROTC, and I have a drill meet in a few days (regionals). See, I'm on our inspection team, drill team, and am commander of the color guard, so I can't have scuffed shoes.
My question is, does anyone know any ways to help me keep a mirror shine? (I can get it, I just can't keep it)
2007-03-27 12:38:20 · 9 answers · asked by mo_c_mo33 3 in Politics & Government ➔ Military
Oh, I didn't explain...
I'm in Pittsburgh. This drill meet is in Garnerville NY. Something like a 10 hour drive. I meant for the drive and packing.
2007-03-27 12:58:52 · update #1
The first thing is to get a good base of polish on the footwear. Others have suggested applying the polish, and then "melting it in" with a cigarette lighter. I have done this. I would not overdo it, and I am cautious about doing such things as putting your boots into the oven to melt the wax. I knew a guy who ruined a pair of new Corcoran jump boots by doing this in a careless way.
One of the big things is applying polish and then working it into the boot with water (or spit) and a cotton ball, piece of an old t-shirt, or piece of an old diaper. We used to spend hours doing this in both Basic and AIT.
It is important to know how much of the boot or shoe needs to be polished. When I was in Military Police AIT in Fort Gordon, we had to spit-shine all of the boot, includin the tongue.
Polishing should be a daily matter. Shine each time you wear the boots or shoes.
If you are going to a parade or drill competition, make sure your boots are wrapped up in soft cloth before the event. That is to say, don't wear your "display" footwear during travel time. Put them on your feet right before the event. Also, carry a soft cloth for last minute touchup before you perform. Some people use a silk cloth, a piece of an old nylon stocking, or one of the new monofiber cloths that are sold in auto parts stores for use by auto detailers. They all can be useful to bring up the shine at the last minute.
2007-03-27 14:14:25 · answer #1 · answered by Mark 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The best way to get and keep a spit shine that I found was to use a cottonball, dip it in water, and then dip it in the polish. It is a good idea to have the polish soft when beginning your base, but after you have the base it doesn't really matter. The important thing to remember is that once you have the mirror appearance, you must keep polishing them to get the base. After that it only takes a few minutes to repair any scuffs. Just make sure you carry some cottonballs with you on your trip.
Personally, I would always wear a spare pair of boots while traveling and continue to polish the ones I planned on wearing for inspection or reviews while on the trip. If you don't want to do that, carry your boots, or place them on top of your clothing or whatever you are packing, wrapping them in a soft towel, and make sure they stay separated from each other if possible.
2007-03-27 13:50:34 · answer #2 · answered by Steve T. 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
This is how I shine my boots and shoes in the army. First, I use saddle soap to clean the leather and get rid of the wax build up. Then I let them dry. I take a clean cloth and start dipping in water and make small circle on my leather. In 15 minutes, I have a great shine.
I have to show executives in corporations how to shine shoes in civilian life. LOL
2007-03-27 14:22:44 · answer #3 · answered by c1523456 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Once you have a good mirror shine you should be able to buff most scuffs out with your polishing rag. The mirror shine is actually layers of polish built up so by buffing them this smooths the polish over.
2007-03-27 12:59:35 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
I did whilst i exchange into in the army. took so lots extra desirable than spit. You had to rub the wax in lots then finally after so long i could lite on hearth then enable the wax sit down for a on an identical time as hours, then eliminate it. use water (no longer spit lots) and bypass ham. the outcomes could be it may look as though glass.
2016-12-08 12:48:45 · answer #5 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Spit shining was a daily routine for me.
Every night before hitting the rack. Good luck.
2007-03-27 12:56:52 · answer #6 · answered by RayRay 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Try melting the polish. Then apply a thick coat and set it on fire. Buff it out. Pour on the melted polish. Rub it in with water in small circles.
Its a long process, but a perfect shine shows your commitment
Take pride in your uniform, or don't wear one
2007-03-27 12:56:07 · answer #7 · answered by Bill in Kansas 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Buy KIWI PARADE GLOSS. I use them on all my shoes/dress and work boots.
2007-03-27 14:04:49 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Do what my TI (Training Instructor in basic training) did buy patent leather shoes! :-)
2007-03-27 21:22:32 · answer #9 · answered by Bulk O 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋