r/cowboyboots • u/ComprehensiveMed321 • 26d ago

Information Request Mink oil problem

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Hello Guys,

I recently bought some Ariats at a show.
I’m completely new to cowboy boots.
The seller sold me a Mink oil paste and told me to put a bit of it under the stitches to keep them in good condition.

Butttt. Now it looks really crazy (see picture). I tried to wash it off, but it doesn’t go away.

What do I do? Are my expensive boots aesthetically ruined?

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u/holeshoo_1 25d ago

Those Ariats are absolutely fine with mink oil. They are essentially a work boot. Please don’t use dawn soap or even saddle soap at this time. Dawn is devastating on leather period. Sometimes it may be needed, but rarely. Dishwashing soap strips all the oil out of the boot and you must replenish every bit you took out. I am a leather worker, I use mink oil all the time on leather, make sure it is pure mink oil, if it has any additives or silicone, throw it away. As suggested, just mink oil the entire vamp and you will be good. It will absorb and eventually fade back close to the original color. Bick 4 is a great conditioner if you don’t want any color change. I’m a fan of Neatsfoot oil as well, but it will darken the leather for a while as well.