Shoe polish

[fatt-dad]

Just had some routine maintenance completed on my mandolin case - you know re-install a few metal feet, replace a hinge, a latch, fix the spot that the dog chewed on, etc. The fix-it-guy (85-year old hand-bag maker and aviator with a fully restored '30 Model A) tells me, "well you can always just put some shoe polish on the case to shine it up".

Ever done this?

f-d

[Walter Newton]

I use this 303 (http://www.303products.com/tech/index.cfm?fuseaction=product.display&Product_ID=428) stuff, I originally bought it for my car dashboard, rubber trim etc. Kinda like Armor All I guess, but not as shiny/greasy and no silicone.

[kww]

I won't even use shoe polish on shoes. Get shoe dye in an appropriate color and a can of Mink Oil (sold in most good size shoe polish displays). Dye the leather periodically, and follow it up with a coat of Mink Oil. Leather will last nearly forever that way. Make sure you wipe it off completely, and wash your hands before handling your instrument because a lot of "Mink Oil" contains silicone.

Here's a good comparison chart (http://www.reptilesmagazine.com/mcn/model_eval/product_comparison_Part3_Jan04.pdf).

[mandroid]

On old fabric covered hard shell cases acrylic glazing , artist painters supplys does a fine job,
you can give your favorite bumper/case stickers a little preservative at the same time particularly the paper ones. DeCoupage' the funnypapers on.

[mythicfish]

Calton Case Polish http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/rock.gif??

Curt

[JEStanek]

Maybe you could use Turtle Wax on a calton! Or whatever people put on their Jet Skis. http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif

Jamie

[Ivan Kelsall]

I've used boot polish on all my instrument cases for years the "leatherette" covered ones that is.It just keeps them looking good & helps any rain water to run clean off.
Any thing water repellent is good but i make sure that i don't use a spray polish with the instrument still in the case.

[cbarry]

Shoe polish can rub off onto your clothing, so be careful! Years ago I was advised not to polish the leather saddle on my bike for that reason.
Chuck

[B. T. Walker]

Correction, cbarry. #Shoe polish like Kiwi brand will rub off on your clothing, and you will be lucky if you notice to treat it before it goes in the wash. #http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif

[JeffD]

An alternative point of view, respectfully submitted -

I would be tempted to do NO MORE THAN required to restore the case's structural integrit and ability to protect the instrument. I don't want my case looking clean and shiney again - my gosh I have hauled that thing from jam to party to gig to camping trip to canoe trip to festival to pub to club to dive to parade and back. I don't want to hide that mileage.

Evidence of a life had.

Construction workers and power plant workers don't show up on site with a shiney new hard hat - I know my first day I rubbed that hard hat in the gravel before I left for work.

I might put a sticker on the spots needing the most polish.

Just an alternative point of view, for what its worth.

Seems to me there is no point in being over 40 years old if I can't at least look it.