FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Any questions? Below are some answers to many shoe-related questions.
There are several ways to remove a shoe polish stain, depending on the material of the shoe. While you should always consult the manufacturer, there are a few general actions that can be taken for materials, such as clothing, carpets and furniture:
- Treat the stain as quickly as possible (old stains are usually more difficult to remove)
- If possible, never let a stain dry completely (it is almost always better to add a little water and detergent to keep it wet). Most shoe care products are coloured with dyes and/or pigments.
- If these are absorbed into a material (for example, wool, suede and soft leather), it is often impossible to completely remove the stain without damaging the material (for example, some dyed materials may lose colour, or wool may become fluffy).
Nubuck is prepared by roughening the surface of leather – almost always the outside of leather. It has a texture of short protein fibres and is quite resistant to stains and wear.
Suede is almost always prepared by roughening the inside (flesh side) of leather. This causes a longer texture of protein fibres, which are, unless treated, very absorbent, easily stained and easily damaged in normal wear.
When treating suede or nubuck, always complete the treatment by brushing with a suitable brush. Use only quality-branded protective sprays to prevent stains and repel water.
It does depend on the weather and how often you wear your footwear, but, as a protector, spray does wear off when in contact with the elements and perspiration. So the short answer is, the more you wear your shoes the more you need to protect them. The more rain, snow, salt and BAD weather that you will be exposed to, the more you will need to protect your footwear. And another tip is to spray Tana® All Protector® on the cuffs of your pants to protect them from stains. Good stuff!
Helping shoes to last longer is easy and takes a lot less time than we think it does. Super-easy shoe care includes protection, cleaning, polishing and inside care. They're best done together because each step completes the other steps.
We know that if shoes are not protected when they are new, they are much more difficult to clean. If shoes are not cleaned before polishing, the dirt build-up makes it difficult to achieve a high shine. Shoes not protected after cleaning and polishing will again have dirt and stains, damaging the shoe. Of course, with shoes clean, shiny and protected on the outside, it is important to have them clean and fresh on the inside.
For additional shoe care advice or techniques, visit your local shoe repair shop.
We know that if shoes are not protected when they are new, they are much more difficult to clean. If shoes are not cleaned before polishing, the dirt build-up makes it difficult to achieve a high shine. Shoes not protected after cleaning and polishing will again have dirt and stains, damaging the shoe. Of course, with shoes clean, shiny and protected on the outside, it is important to have them clean and fresh on the inside.
For additional shoe care advice or techniques, visit your local shoe repair shop.
Boots that have a "Waterproof Leather" tag on them have protectors similar to those protectors you can buy, already tanned into the leather. This tanned-in process allows the manufacturer to guarantee the waterproofing qualities of the "leather" for 3 to 6 months. This is longer than a surface-applied protector.
However, many footwear manufacturers recommend that you use Tana® All Protector® to enhance and prolong the waterproofing qualities of their leather. But it is important to note that "Waterproof Leather" does not mean "Waterproof Footwear". Waterproof footwear has additional taping and cementing at seams and sole edges, and a higher price due to additional materials and labour.
Read the tag to ensure you get the type of footwear you need. You will also see hangtags for Oil-Tanned, Silicone-Tanned and Waxed Leathers. This leather has additional oils, silicones or waxes applied during the tanning process.
However, many footwear manufacturers recommend that you use Tana® All Protector® to enhance and prolong the waterproofing qualities of their leather. But it is important to note that "Waterproof Leather" does not mean "Waterproof Footwear". Waterproof footwear has additional taping and cementing at seams and sole edges, and a higher price due to additional materials and labour.
Read the tag to ensure you get the type of footwear you need. You will also see hangtags for Oil-Tanned, Silicone-Tanned and Waxed Leathers. This leather has additional oils, silicones or waxes applied during the tanning process.
Patent Leather is smooth leather coated with Polyurethane. The easiest way to repair nicks and scuffs on patent shoes is to touch up the damaged area with shoe polish, a crayon or a marker pen in the matching colour. When the colour has penetrated into the leather, apply a light coat of clear nail polish over the scuff area. Try to keep your stroke straight and even.
To keep patent shoes and handbags bright and shiny, remove dirt and smudges with a damp cloth. Do not use household cleaning products, as many of them have ammonia that will dry and crack the patent.
For deep cleaning, ask your local shoe store or shoe repair shop for Patent Cleaner. This mild wax base cleaner removes dirt and smudges and leaves a bright shine…and with no greasy finish to rub off on your clothes!
To keep patent shoes and handbags bright and shiny, remove dirt and smudges with a damp cloth. Do not use household cleaning products, as many of them have ammonia that will dry and crack the patent.
For deep cleaning, ask your local shoe store or shoe repair shop for Patent Cleaner. This mild wax base cleaner removes dirt and smudges and leaves a bright shine…and with no greasy finish to rub off on your clothes!
If you’d like to contact Tana®, please feel free to email us.
If you’d like to contact Tana®, please feel free to email us.