Can I Use Mink Oil On Cowboy Boots?

Can I use mink oil on cowboy boots? That’s the million-dollar question right there. There are a lot of factors that go into answering this one. But don’t worry, I’m going to give you all the info you need to know to make the right decision.

You can use mink oil on your cowboy boots to moisturize, soften, and waterproof them. However, mink oil will darken the leather—a plus if you have dark boots or work boots but a minus if you want to maintain the original color of lighter ones. Mink oil is not the best choice for suede or nubuck.

There are many—and I mean many—reasons to use mink oil on your boots. One of them is that it will keep your boots clean and moisturized.

Applying mink oil not only makes your boots look slick, but it also serves as a protective coating that makes them impervious to liquids and last longer.

Best Mink Oil For Cowboy Boots

Since you know that mink oil can do wonders for your boots, you’re now on the lookout for the best mink oil. Well, there are a lot of brands that sell it.

Let’s do a quick overview of the different forms (paste, liquid, and spray) and brands of mink oils on the market, shall we?

Fiebing’s Golden Mink Oil Paste

If your cowboy boots are looking a little dull, try Fiebing’s Golden Mink Oil Paste.

This 6-ounce mink oil not only smooths your leather but also preserves it, leaving it smooth and waterproof.

JobSite Premium Mink Oil Leather Waterproof Liquid

The JobSite Premium Mink Oil Leather Waterproof Liquid keeps your cowboy boots looking brand-spanking new by repelling oil and salt stains.

It also smoothens, preserves, and conditions the leather.

This mink oil is ideal for leathers that need nourishing but not for suede boots because it may darken the latter’s soft and light material.

Angelus Genuine Professional Mink Oil Conditioner Spray

You can apply Angelus Professional Mink Oil Conditioner Spray to your boots to protect them from the elements.

Coming in 5.5-ounce containers, it’s also applicable to leather, suede, nubuck, rough-out, vinyl, and plastic. This spray is highly flammable, so you’re better off storing it in a cool, dry place.

Red Wing Heritage Unisex-Adult Mink Oil-U, One Size

The Red Wing Heritage Unisex-Adult Mink Oil-U, One Size is specially formulated to protect leather’s unique characteristics and will keep your cowboy boots looking shiny and new.

SOFSOLE Mink Oil

SOFSOLE Mink Oil is ideal for your boots since it provides a waterproof barrier that protects your footwear. This mink oil is easy to apply, dries fast, and has a pleasant scent.

This mink oil may darken the leather, so you may want to test it out on an inconspicuous area or two.

How to Apply Mink Oil to Cowboy Boots

Applying mink oil to your workboots is a simple, straightforward process. This video provides a good explanation of mink oil and demonstrates how to apply it with caution so that you don’t end up skating across the warehouse floor on your newly-coated work boots.

I’ll break down the video in five steps below.

Step 1: Scrub Off the Dirt

You can swab off the dirt in your cowboy boots with a dry rag or gently scrub it away using a soft-bristled brush.

 Step 2: Use a Wet Rag to Clean the Dirt

Cleaning your boots is a dirty job, but someone’s got to do it. First, soak the rag in lukewarm water and wring out any excess liquid, so it’s not dripping. Rub the rag in a circular motion to remove dirt from the tiny fibers in the leather. You can add soap to the water for extra grease removal power.

Step 3: Dry Your Boots on a Boot Tree

Your boots won’t want to look at you if you don’t care for them, so treat them right. Hang them on a boot tree, and they’ll tell you secrets. Dry them overnight with a fan or vacuum; then, they’ll be ready for anything. But never dry them near heat or on a hot surface, such as a radiator. Direct heat will make the leather of your boots crack.

Step 4: Apply the Mink Oil

Using your fingers, scoop enough mink oil to cover the boot surface. Rub the oil into the leather, ensuring it is completely covered and polished. Set it aside for 12 hours.

Step 5: Clean Excess Oil

Wipe away excess mink oil from your cowboy boots with a dry rag, swiping in a circular motion.

Step 6: Apply Leather Polish

To finish, apply a leather polish to achieve a silky shine.

Once every two weeks, apply mink oil to your leather boots. Excessive use of mink oil will result in moisture build-up, leading to the rotting of the leather itself.

How to Use Mink Oil on Cowboy Boots

To use mink oil with cowboy boots, you must first warm them up so they can soak in all the nutrients that mink oil offers. The best way to do this is to use a hairdryer. Then, scoop enough mink oil using your finger and spread it onto the leather.

Rub the leather with mink oil until its surface begins to shine. Wipe off spilled residue and let the boots sit overnight so the leather can absorb the oil thoroughly.

Advantages of Using Mink Oil on Leather Boots

  • Mink oil conditions boots and keeps them clean and moisturized.
  • Mink oil provides a waterproof coating for leather boots.
  • Mink oil protects leather boots from mud, mildew, and fungus.
  • Mink oil softens boots and prevents them from cracking.
  • After each mink oil treatment, leather boots are less likely to stain and collect dust.

Summary

The proper application of mink oil can be just as important as the oil itself. When used correctly, mink oil will preserve and condition cowboy boots. But don’t dump a truckload of oil on your boots; instead of preserving them for longer (as might be your aim), excess oil darkens and discolors leather and, worst of all, clogs the leather’s pores.

In case you haven’t caught on, some types of mink oil aren’t suitable for suede cowboy boots, so it is best to find out if the product you are purchasing will serve your purposes. One thing is sure: when you clean your cowboy boots with mink oil, you’re adding more years to their lifespan at almost no cost.

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