The paste to accompany the foregoing mixtures is composed of yellow wax and rosin thinned with petrolatum, say 4 parts of wax, 1 part of rosin, and 12 parts of petrolatum.
Paste Dressings For Russet Shoes.
A simple formula is:
| I.— | Yellow wax | 9 parts |
|---|---|---|
| Oil of turpentine | 20 parts | |
| Soap | 1 part | |
| Boiling water | 20 parts |
Dissolve the wax in the turpentine on a water bath and the soap in the water and stir the two liquids together until the mixture becomes sufficiently cold to remain homogeneous.
Another formula in which stearine is used is appended:
| II.— | Wax | 1 part |
|---|---|---|
| Stearine | 2 parts | |
| Linseed oil | 1 part | |
| Oil of turpentine | 6 parts | |
| Soap | 1 part | |
| Water | 10 parts |
Proceed as above.
Carnauba wax is often used by manufacturers of such dressings instead of beeswax, as it is harder and takes a higher polish. These dressings are sometimes colored with finely ground yellow ocher or burnt umber. If the leather be badly worn, however, it is best to apply a stain first, and afterwards the waxy dressing.
Suitable stains are made by boiling safflower in water, and annatto is also used in the same way, the two being sometimes mixed together. Oxalic acid darkens the color of the safflower. Aniline colors would also doubtless yield good results with less trouble and expense. By adding finely ground lampblack to the waxy mixture instead of ocher, it would answer as a dressing for black leather.