What is Bootblacking. Why do we bootblack.
Definition
- A bootblack is a caretaker of leather, of people and of history.
- The art of leather care, and just like art can range from technical to erotic
- Anyone can be a Bootblack and being a Bootblack is not an indicator of someone’s other identifiers.
- We don’t only take care of boots, and we don’t only do leather care. Bootblacks can/will specialize, don’t expect every bootblack to be able to tackle any project. Ask! A bootblack could: shine and care for latex, clean a neoprene hood, take care of whips, floggers, restraints, harnesses, jackets, pants…
Motivation
- As a way of making money
- A way of generating sensuality/sexuality as part of a scene
- As an act of service to individuals or community
- A passion for leather and boots
- Because it’s hot!
Leather types
Condition vs polish / Oil tans vs High Shines
- Oil tans
- It will absorb conditioner (it needs it!) and it will soak water
- choose conditioner thickness depending on thickness of leather
- Has an oily/waxy/greasy feeling to the touch
- Has a matte finish
- You can use a cream polish on them to even the color and get a minor shine
- High shines
- require polishing
- Smooth to the touch, offers some reflection. Can have some kind of coating or treatment on top of the material
- Water will glide over it, conditioner won’t absorb
- We use hard polish on them
Other leathers
- Suede
- Patent
- Exotics
Parts of a boot
Products
A more extensive list is over at my bootblacking kit page. List is in order of use
Stripper
- Can act as a cleaner
- Removes preservatives and coats of polish
- Chemical and harsh, also removes oils, so reconditioning is a must after
Cleaner
- Removes dirt
- Usually unscented glycerin soap but it depends on the leather type
- Saddle soap works in some cases, but it has oils and waxes
- Cleaning leather can darken it
Conditioner
- Contains oils/waxes to replace the ones the leather lost
- Heavier conditioner will have more wax on the mix
- Over conditioning can cause leather to stretch and soften
Preservative
- Waterproofing, sun protection, wear and dirt protection
- Wax is the most common
- Polishes are in this category but they aren’t the only option. A suede protecting spray would fit this category.
- Shine comes from applying pressure to waxes, melting it and making it even and reflective
Other
Outside of the scope of this class a bootblack might have an extensive kit for a variety of situations. We don’t only clean boots:
- Products for latex care/shine
- Tools to deal with suede (brush, waterproofing spray)
- Products for non leather shoes: sneakers care
- Specialized cleaners for more advanced care (vinegar to treat mold or disinfect…)
- Repair supplies for when we are dealing with clothes
- Crayon for colored sole stitching
Kit basics
- Buffing brush (2 preferably, one for dirt, one for polish)
- Dauber brush for cleaner
- Cotton cloths (to clean the brush, remove cleaner from shoes…) and nylons (to bring shine)
- Conditioners (at least one heavy for boots, one lighter for clothes
- Hard polish
- Water spray
- Lighter for frayed stitching
Technique
Gather information
- What is the gear used for
- Has it been in contact with bodily fluids
- How has it been cared for in the past
- What are your preferences for care
- What type of leather is it
- If you are working on lighter boots, warn about darkening the leather during the process
- Ask if they have a preference for any products
Plan
- Maybe you need to take the item as a home project
- Figure out logistics (how to avoid getting polish on the customer, how are you going to handle dry up time, do you need to wear gloves…)
- Decide on the order you are going to do the following steps and ready your supplies
- We don’t only bootblack in public. Taking projects home allows for more involved leather care
Unfasten
- Always ask first! Roll up their cuffs and protect their socks. And take a picture if you think you’ll forget how the boots were laced
- Assess if laces need cleaning or repair
Clean
- Scrape and brush dirt, then wipe
- Lather soap and scrub. Wipe fast and don’t get the boots too damp
- Examine the stitching for possible touch-ups
Condition/polish
- Apply conditioner like a massage, and make sure it’s absorbed before moving on. You can use gloves, cloth or your bare hands based on preference
- Be wary of over conditioning braided gear like whips, they can get deformed
Buff
- Buffing helps get rid of excess conditioner and the pressure will bring a shine to the boot by melting the waxes from the products
- Touch up stitching
Hardware
- Make sure you clean the polish from the metal hardware. Most of it is made out of nickel, you can use a nickel polish to bring shine back
Refasten
- After everything is back into place ask the owner if they need something else done
Negotiations and setting up a scene
Negotiations
- As part of your conversation about the item’s specifics, ask about the meaning of the item for the owner. What is the history there?
- Ask about allergies and/or medical conditions if it could be relevant
- Ask about any limits
- Not everyone wants a scene from the interaction! If you feel a connection, ask about what you want, both if you are sitting on the stand or caring for the gear. Take rejection gracefully and don’t make assumptions. The only thing you are entitled to are some cleaner boots!
Bootblacking and Power dynamics
- Everyone bottoms for a bootblack. They are the expert, you follow their lead. Be respectful of this
- Some may assume that as a form of service, bootblacking is submissive, but any practice can belong to any role if you are creative enough
- If you are dominant, be in control of the person’s position. Tie them up, manhandle them, sit on top of them. Put their foot where you want them
- If you have negotiated physical touch, groping, massaging or teasing are great options
- You can talk the customer down for the state they brought their boots in, and punish them for it
- Your brushes are great impact tools and you can do bondage with laces!
- If you are submissive, you might want to expect punishment if you stain them with polish!
- Bootlicking is an option, but beware of product toxicity. Some conditioners can be applied using your tongue (or other body parts, be creative!)
- You can negotiate with the person sitting for you for them to put their boots somewhere they see fit that might not be the most convenient for you.
- Bootblacking is at heart an act of service, it’s easy to make a scene out of care, devotion and/or worship
Sources
Beyond Bootblacking – Daddy Wendell
From Shaft to Sole: Bootblacking 101 Handout – Creature
Bootblacking 101 – Class Notes, Resources and Citations – Daisy Blue