Some oils, like mink oil, are used to condition and waterproof leather boots, but not neatsfoot oil.
In fact, you’ll be surprised to learn that the kneesfoot oil does the exact opposite of what it does for waterproof leather boots. This means that over time, the leather’s waterproof coating will be damaged, making it less water repellent.
There are many benefits to using Natsfoot Oil on leather boots, but in this article, we will discuss the negative effects Natsfoot Oil can have on leather waterproof boots.
What is neatsfoot oil good for?
Before we get into the downsides of neatsfoot oil, let’s also talk about the good things it brings to our leather boots.
Neatsfoot Oil is a great conditioning agent that helps soften and revitalize old, dull looking, lifeless leather boots. It is also useful for long-term preservation of leather.
However, be careful with the amount of kneesfoot oil you use on your leather boots. Too much oil can harm the leather. More details are provided in the section below.
Side effects of using kneesfoot oil on waterproof leather boots:
Neatfoot oil and too much kneesfoot oil in the wrong type of boot can harm your boots, including:
1.) Neatfoot oil tends to oxidize naturally, so it will turn leather boots black.
2.) Neatfoot oil is yellow and can stain your boots if overused
3.) Absorbs and clogs the pores of the leather, making the leather less breathable
4.) If the welt thread is made of cotton or other natural fibres, the neatsfoot oil is also known to rot the stitches. Synthetic threads like nylon, however, are unaffected by the application of neatsfoot oil.
5.) Needsfoot oil does not hold water
6.) Too much neatsfoot oil can make the leather sticky and attract more dirt
Is neatsfoot oil bad for waterproof boots?
Unlike mink oil, kneesfoot oil is not at all good for waterproofing.In fact, it will do more harm than good to your waterproof boots.
The reason is that leather is porous in nature and the needsfoot oil will be absorbed into the pores of the leather and clog it.
Regular application of neatsfoot oil will wet the leather from the inside, making it less water repellent. Rubbing the kneesfoot oil will strip the boot’s waterproof coating, making it easier to absorb water.
How to use kneesfoot oil in waterproof boots?
Therefore, when using kneesfoot oil in waterproof boots, learn the correct procedure to avoid damaging the waterproof coating.
Step 1: Clean your boots:
The very step in treating the boots with the product is to clean them thoroughly so that no traces of dirt remain on the boots. Otherwise, the dirt will be absorbed into the boot and prematurely damaged.
First, remove surface dirt with a horsehair brush. Use a toothbrush to scrub the welt, heel and sole.
Step 2: Wash as needed.
If your boots get dirty or greasy, use a toothbrush to clean them with soapy water. Don’t forget to wash your boots with fresh clean water after this.
Step 3: Let it dry.
After washing your boots, do not apply product directly to wet boots. First, make sure your boots are completely dry for the next step. You can use sunlight, a fan, or a boot dryer for this.
Step 4: Apply neatsfoot oil.
Use your fingertips to apply the kneesfoot oil in small circular motions all over the boot. Remember to take just a few drops of oil.
No need to soak your boots in oil. Gently massage it in for a few minutes and leave it on for 10 minutes to allow the Neatsfoot Oil to work into your boots.
Step 5: Remove excess oil.
Dab a tissue paper on the boot to remove excess oil. If too much oil remains on the boots, the stitches will rot first, and over time the boots will also be damaged.
Step 6: Apply a waterproof coating
This is the main step in making your waterproof boots last longer. Once the conditioning portion is complete, a waterproof spray or wax-based waterproof coating is applied to seal the boot from the weather elements.
Alternatives to kneesfoot oil for waterproof boots:
Kneesfoot oil is counterproductive for waterproof boots, while mink oil is known to increase the water repellency of boots.
It’s all people!
All in all, kneesfoot doesn’t help with waterproofing.
That’s it for this post.
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Take care and have a great day!
