Boot shining

[goldenboyoscar2003]

I have a question for the officers that have been to the academy, and especially to those officers who have been in the military. Is it ok to bring a heat gun to help shine your boots? Also, is it ok to bring a machine that helps with shining your boots? I would appreciate any answers. Thanks.

[Tiredmotor]

Yes, I used a heat gun. Not sure what machine you are talking about.......

[HD1]

Heat gun, no problem! I would just wait after the first week and then bring with you the next...no need to have TOO MUCH luggage.

[Mary-1]

I can't believe the staff would let you use either one. Nothing works like the old fashion way. ELBOW GREASE!

[Tiredmotor]

Of course, it would be silly to do something a better way! I was using a heat gun in 1983 in the military...good then...good now...and better than elbow grease.....

[not5150]

I've never used or heard of a heat gun being used for shining shoes. I've always used "elbow grease".

How does this technique work? Do you heat up the wax so it stays "gooey"?

[sweetdancer]

Tired Motor...you and your heat gun, I'm not even going to go there! :lol:

[godinez90]

I've never used or heard of a heat gun being used for shining shoes. I've always used "elbow grease".

How does this technique work? Do you heat up the wax so it stays "gooey"?

What you do is apply the kiwi on your boots nice and even. Then you get the heat gun and melt the kiwi on your boots until it melts nice and smooth. Then you get some wet cotton balls and polish them real nice. Then you get some dry cotton balls and put the finishing touches on it. Trust me, this works. I used to get days off for having the shiniest boots in my company while i was on active duty.

[Tiredmotor]

Just to add - you heat the wax up on your boot just to the point that it glazes/shines....no more...too much heat will ruin it.....

If you are SUPER anal...you finish it off with mop and glow (added with a cotton ball) ...just gotta strip that off (with windex) daily prior to re-shining. Don't be fooled by the folks that say mop and glow ruins your boots...I've done that since 1983 as well....no failures yet! Ohh and ALWAYS use 100% cotton!!!!

[Mac]

Don't need a heat gun to do the polish....a lighter works just as well, and is a lot more compact!

[not5150]

Don't need a heat gun to do the polish....a lighter works just as well, and is a lot more compact!

I used the lighter trick at ECTC... worked well enough.

[CHPGuy]

Well at my ECTC, I just used the good Ole fashioned Elbow Grease. We wernt allowed to have lighters, because it was considered paraphanallia. (sp) And during the room inspections, if they found that you were going to be kicked out.

[Tiredmotor]

OK.....I'm not sure what an ECTC class is.....but I used those items in military bootcamp and the Academy. They were not considered paraphernalia,

[CHPGuy]

ECTC is Explorer Cadet Training Class, and I guess they don't trust us with lighters.

[Onthejob]

If they allow lighters at the Academy take a lighter. They make spit-shining soooo much easier...used one for years while on active duty. besides you can fit one in your pocket (doubt you can do that with a heat gun, whatever that is), that way you won't have to wait the extra week as someone suggested earlier.