Leather boot waterproofer
Equipment
I've done this for years with mixed results. There has got to be a better way. I'm off to AK for a goat hunt in a couple weeks and I hate wet feet. I'd like to see better results. What I've done in the past with both Sno Seal and Obenaufs is to warm the boots gently with a hair dryer, and then rub in the paste. What I've found though is it doesn't seem to last very long. Is there something I'm missing in the process? Should I be doing multiple applications? Anything else?
I use the Obenaufs with decent results. It needs redone every 4-6 months or so. I make sure my boots are clean and totally dry, then apply the Obenaufs. I then set the boots out in the sun for a few hours and let it absorb really well, then apply another coat. It works pretty well this way. Good Luck!
No such thing as water proofing for leather. Water resistant maybe. Why not buy boots with gortex.
The Kenetrek wax has worked great for the past three years...applied exactly how you described.
Mark
Nothing I've found makes them waterproof, but we use Montana Pitch Blend. It seems to work as good as any, and at least it smells like pine.
Do what you've been doing with the Obenauf's and hit them each morning with Nik Wax liquid before you head out hunting. No heat needed.
"..Why not buy boots with gortex."
'cause Gore-Tex doesn't belong in boots.
The boot in the picture is filled with water to test for leaking gore-tex. Less than 10 days and 30 miles on them. I've had the same results for the last 25 years when water meets Gore-Tex in a pair of boots.
I find that a good set of Gaiters helps more than anything else in keeping my boots dry.
My first pair of gore tex boots leaked like crazy I bought them in the early eighties before they knew enough not to sew threw the stuff.But I have had good luck with them after that first pair.Heck my waters are gore tex and I have had them for eight years.
It is all about Mink Oil for me....
Good luck, Robb
Obenauf's water shield spray and the Heavy Duty LP paste.
I agree concerning the phrase, " water proof leather"! may not exist.
But with the correct applications of Obenaufs paste and spray, one can surely make the leather very water resistant.
Here is what I do.
1. three applications of the Heavy Duty LP paste. I use a hair dryer in between applications so it will melt into the leather.
2. I let the booths rest for a day and then apply two applications of the Water Shield, drying each applications for a few hours before applying the next.
I use this last year during a very wet Sept elk hunting in Colorado and was very pleased with the results
Both boots have a gore tex liner. Mendel and Danner leather boots.
My best, Paul
