How to Use Saphir Pommadier Cream and Horsehair Brush
By Welcome to the World of Beckett Simonon | Published: 2026-10-22
Category: Tips & Care
Learn the proper order for applying Saphir Pommadier cream and buffing with a horsehair brush to keep your leather shoes clean, conditioned, and shining.
Quick answer
To get the best results, apply Saphir Pommadier cream with a soft cloth, let it dry, then buff with a horsehair brush to bring out a rich shine.
Why the order matters
Applying cream polish before buffing is key. The cream contains waxes and oils that need time to penetrate the leather. Buffing too soon can push the product around instead of letting it condition the leather.
A horsehair brush is firm enough to remove dust but soft enough not to scratch. It also lifts the waxes in the cream to create a shine that a cloth alone won't achieve.
Step-by-step polishing routine
- Clean the surface: Use the horsehair brush to remove dust and dirt from the entire shoe, including the stitching and crevices. This prevents grit from scratching the leather during polishing. Skipping this step can grind dirt into the leather.
- Apply the cream: Take a small amount of Saphir Pommadier cream on a soft cloth and apply it in circular motions, covering the entire leather surface. Work in small sections to ensure even coverage. Less is more—you can always add more if needed.
- Let it dry: Allow the cream to dry for 10–15 minutes. The leather should look slightly dull but feel dry to the touch. This lets the waxes and oils penetrate the leather. Do not rush this step; buffing too soon will not give you a lasting shine.
- Buff with the horsehair brush: Use the horsehair brush with brisk, firm strokes to buff the entire shoe. This brings up the shine and removes any excess cream. Buff until you see an even gloss; a few extra strokes can make a big difference.
- Check your work: Inspect the shoes under good light for any missed spots or uneven color. Apply another thin layer if needed, let dry, and buff again. For a deeper shine, repeat the cream and buff cycle.
Products mentioned
- Saphir Pommadier - Cream Shoe Polish - Add On: Saphir Pommadier Cream Shoe Polish blends pine turpentine, carnauba, beeswax, and six other waxes to create a restorative and refreshing ointment for leather shoes. This blend both conditions the leather and adds a layer of rich pigment, helping to even out color and keep your shoes looking new.

Saphir Pommadier - Cream Shoe Polish - Add On - Saphir Natural Horsehair Brush - Add On: The Saphir Natural Horsehair Brush gently swipes away dust from the surface and buffs your shoes to a glorious shine. Using a horsehair brush after polishing lifts the waxes and creates a smooth, glossy finish that a cloth alone can't match.

Saphir Natural Horsehair Brush - Add On

