How to Waterproof Figure Skates
Caring for your figure skates is important, because with proper care your skates will last a long time and provide you with correct support. If your leather skates are not waterproofed, the leather will eventually warp and crack. Waterproof them at least once a year with the right product to keep them looking good and feeling good on your feet for as long as possible.
Items needed:
- Soft cloth
- Newspaper
- Waterproofing product
- Polish
- Find a product that is made specifically for waterproofing skates. Products that contain oils, grease or animal fats can soften the leather and this will reduce the support you need for skating. A beeswax waterproofing system is best. Products containing beeswax will stay on the surface of the leather and protect without penetrating.
- Take out the laces and wipe down the skates with a soft cloth to clean them. Stuff skate with newspaper to hold its shape. Apply a thin layer of wax and don’t forget to apply to apply wax to the bottom of the skate. The leather bottoms need attention as well because they can warp and affect the fit of the skate boot. Do not neglect the area the blade mounts. In fact, twice a year have your blades taken off so waterproofing can be applied underneath.
- After you have finished applying your waterproofing, use a blow dryer to melt the wax.
- Let the wax dry and then apply polish to seal the surface of your skates. Keep your figure skates polished as well as waterproofed as this seals the leather.
- Dry off your skates including the bottoms with a towel or soft cloth after each use.
A good pair of figure skates is an investment and keeping them waterproofed will help ensure that they last as long as possible, while giving you the support you want and need.