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Bull polishing, bulling or spit shining refers to a method for polishing leather
Leather

Leather is a material created through the tanning of rawhides and skins of animals, primarily cattlehide. The tanning process converts the putrescible skin into a durable, long-lasting and versatile natural material for various uses....
 products in such a way as to give an extremely high shine effect. It is commonly used in the military
Military

A military is an organization authorized by its nation to use force, usually including use of weapons, in defending its country by combating actual or Threat of force ....
 as a traditional method of presenting leather accessories (such as a Sam Browne belt
Sam Browne belt

The Sam Browne belt is a wide belt, usually leather, which is supported by a strap going diagonally over the right shoulder. It is most often seen as part of a military or police uniform....
) and boots for inspection. The finished effect should leave the surface of the leather as reflective as a mirror
Mirror

A mirror is an object with one surface polished, which leads to reflection and another opaque. The most familiar type of mirror is the plane mirror, which has a flat surface....
.

e is great debate as to the best method for bull polishing, to a point where a 'lore' may be said to exist.






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Encyclopedia


Bull polishing, bulling or spit shining refers to a method for polishing leather
Leather

Leather is a material created through the tanning of rawhides and skins of animals, primarily cattlehide. The tanning process converts the putrescible skin into a durable, long-lasting and versatile natural material for various uses....
 products in such a way as to give an extremely high shine effect. It is commonly used in the military
Military

A military is an organization authorized by its nation to use force, usually including use of weapons, in defending its country by combating actual or Threat of force ....
 as a traditional method of presenting leather accessories (such as a Sam Browne belt
Sam Browne belt

The Sam Browne belt is a wide belt, usually leather, which is supported by a strap going diagonally over the right shoulder. It is most often seen as part of a military or police uniform....
) and boots for inspection. The finished effect should leave the surface of the leather as reflective as a mirror
Mirror

A mirror is an object with one surface polished, which leads to reflection and another opaque. The most familiar type of mirror is the plane mirror, which has a flat surface....
.

Method

There is great debate as to the best method for bull polishing, to a point where a 'lore' may be said to exist. Among techniques advocated are melting the polish, the addition of cigar ash to same, and substituting coffee for water or spit. However, the basic principles remain the same:

  • Wear the item a few times to establish any natural creases that occur during use. This is particularly important if the leather has been "burnt down" with beeswax (a process that gives the leather a smoother finish).
  • Polish the item in the normal way with a brush a few times to get a decent 'regular' polish.
  • Apply thin layers of polish to the item in a circular motion until a dull, smooth shine appears.
  • Polish the final layer of polish with a good quality wet cloth or wet cotton wool
    Cotton wool

    Cotton wool consists of silky fibers taken from cotton plants in their raw state. Impurities, such as seeds, are removed and the cotton is then bleached and sterilized....
     until the desired shine appears.


Ultimately, the process involves polishing the applied thin layers of polish not the leather itself. The process can be lengthy and is best learned with practice.

External links


  • Another guide is available at