Difference between revisions of "Bootblack"

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Bootblacking is in general care for somebody's boots, usually a leather of some sort, given the prevalence of [[Leather Fashion]] in the scene.
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Bootblacking is in general care and polish for someone's boots or other leather goods.  A bootblack is a person that performs such a service.
  
One should usually start with removing shoe laces, if any. Asking if the tongue of the shoe should be cleaned is a good idea when applicable, as that part of the shoe generally doesn't see so much dirt in comparison, and thus doesn't need to be cleaned as often. Then putting a thin layer of water on the boots to help spread the soap more easily. When soaping, you don't want to let the soap sit very long, as it may get absorbed into the wet leather otherwise. The soap is spread with a brush and wiped with a rag, generally cotton or some specialized fabric.
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In some corners of the leather community, bootblacking is used as part of a [[ritual]] between a dominant and a submissive; the submissive partner would shine the dominant’s boots while the [[dominant]] sat above the [[submissive]].
  
Next comes polishing. Note, before starting you should make sure you have the appropriate shade for the boots to help bring out their true color, as opposed to conflicting. This is generally done by hand, wearing surgical gloves or something water-tight, to help prevent the bootblack's hands from being stained. After applied, a brush is used to remove of excess. Only use it on the material, as the sole usually requires separate things for it.
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At some [[Leather Culture| leather]] events professional bootblacking stations may be set up to consist of a highly raised chair or series of chairs.  
  
If the polish isn't toxic, and presuming permission has been given, the bootblack will be able to lick the boots, now that they're clean. This helps show how confident the bootblack is in their work.
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== Parameters ==
  
Ends with replacing the lace for anything that needs it.
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Bootblacking may consist of polishing and/or spit-shining a pair of boots (or other leather goods), sometimes as:
  
It is also a very different thing doing it while someone is wearing the item and after it is removed, though either are options, depending on the situation.
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* a form of professional service
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* a gesture of submission
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* part of military-style uniform play
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* part of boot worship
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* to mark the beginning of a scene.
  
[[Category:Service-Oriented_Discipline]]
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== Protocols ==
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* Do not interrupt a bootblacking [[scene]] by walking up and talking to someone in a bootblack's chair and beginning discussion.
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* Do not sit in the bootblack's chair without asking and [[negotiating]].
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* Do not assume your boots will be licked by a bootblack, that you will have a scene (erotic or otherwise), or that the bootblack is submissive, or submissive to you should you sit in the chair.
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* Always tip the bootblack generously.
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== Basic Kit ==
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Kits may vary widely between bootblacks, however what follows is a recommended starter kit that will work well for most.
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* Saddle soap/pure glycerine soap/Hybrid Soap.  ''Use the color of soap that is the color of the boot, default to yellow''
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* A small spray bottle for water misting.
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* Polish;  if you have a specific pair of shoes in mind, match the color to those.  If you don’t know, pick up a tin of black and a tin of neutral polish.  Specific brands will vary by preference.  Lincoln Wax and Huberd's are often recommended.
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* Horsehair Daubers.  You’ll want one to use for cleaning, and you may want one for polish (if you want to keep your hands clean, that is).  If you want to use Daubers to put on polish, be sure to get one for each colour of polish you have.
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* Toothbrush for application to crevices.
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* Horsehair Shine Brush
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* A soft cotton towel – hand towel sized is fine
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* A shine cloth.  Pantyhose work well for this purpose.
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== Procedures ==
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Procedures will vary widely depending on the type of leather, the type of equipment used, the environment, and between individual bootblacks. 
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For general wisdom that will work in most cases, view the resources listed below.
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== Further Technique Resources ==
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* [http://www.anyonecanshine.com/ Anyone Can Shine]
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* [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e2EmFVfWXa0&list=PL6E0062A70F6ED8C2 Bootblacking by Bella, KY state bootblack 2009]
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* [http://webspace.webring.com/people/ia/alleycatoronto/bootblk.html How to do a spit shine by black, 2002 Toronto Bootblack]
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== Shop ==
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{{#if:http://astore.amazon.com/bdsinf-20?_encoding=UTF8&node=26|0|1300|center|thin}}
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[[Category:Service-Oriented Disciplines]][[Category:Fetishes]]

Latest revision as of 21:34, 7 October 2014

Bootblacking is in general care and polish for someone's boots or other leather goods. A bootblack is a person that performs such a service.

In some corners of the leather community, bootblacking is used as part of a ritual between a dominant and a submissive; the submissive partner would shine the dominant’s boots while the dominant sat above the submissive.

At some leather events professional bootblacking stations may be set up to consist of a highly raised chair or series of chairs.

Parameters

Bootblacking may consist of polishing and/or spit-shining a pair of boots (or other leather goods), sometimes as:

  • a form of professional service
  • a gesture of submission
  • part of military-style uniform play
  • part of boot worship
  • to mark the beginning of a scene.

Protocols

  • Do not interrupt a bootblacking scene by walking up and talking to someone in a bootblack's chair and beginning discussion.
  • Do not sit in the bootblack's chair without asking and negotiating.
  • Do not assume your boots will be licked by a bootblack, that you will have a scene (erotic or otherwise), or that the bootblack is submissive, or submissive to you should you sit in the chair.
  • Always tip the bootblack generously.

Basic Kit

Kits may vary widely between bootblacks, however what follows is a recommended starter kit that will work well for most.

  • Saddle soap/pure glycerine soap/Hybrid Soap. Use the color of soap that is the color of the boot, default to yellow
  • A small spray bottle for water misting.
  • Polish; if you have a specific pair of shoes in mind, match the color to those. If you don’t know, pick up a tin of black and a tin of neutral polish. Specific brands will vary by preference. Lincoln Wax and Huberd's are often recommended.
  • Horsehair Daubers. You’ll want one to use for cleaning, and you may want one for polish (if you want to keep your hands clean, that is). If you want to use Daubers to put on polish, be sure to get one for each colour of polish you have.
  • Toothbrush for application to crevices.
  • Horsehair Shine Brush
  • A soft cotton towel – hand towel sized is fine
  • A shine cloth. Pantyhose work well for this purpose.

Procedures

Procedures will vary widely depending on the type of leather, the type of equipment used, the environment, and between individual bootblacks.

For general wisdom that will work in most cases, view the resources listed below.

Further Technique Resources

Shop