Naked Science Forum

General Science => General Science => Topic started by: techmind on 05/10/2008 00:38:35

Title: What is happening (scientifically) when shoes are polished to make them shiny?
Post by: techmind on 05/10/2008 00:38:35

A Saturday chore, but what's actually going on with the "polishing on" "polishing off" etc?

You apply the (waxy) polish with one brush and the shoes go matt. Leave them to stand for a few minutes then "polish off" with the second brush and they come up shiny. What's actually happening?

Title: Re: What is happening (scientifically) when shoes are polished to make them shiny?
Post by: techmind on 05/10/2008 00:44:27

No prize for the joker who tells me it's the elbow-grease that makes 'em shiny! :-)

Title: Re: What is happening (scientifically) when shoes are polished to make them shiny?
Post by: JnA on 05/10/2008 01:40:55

bit like waxing a car..


shoe polish is usually made of a wax, or rather a blend of waxes that melt with some friction. As you rub in the, now viscous, wax flows into the cracks and crevasses of the leather. It looks dull at first becasue the surface is very uneven and rough, diffracting light. But the final polish (note that is done with a soft cloth) remelts the surface slightly and smooths it over giving the glossy appearance.

HTH