How is Shoe Polish Made?
Wax Melting Several types of wax are used when making shoe polish. This wax is placed into a large vat and melted with an electric heater. Usually the wax with the highest melting point is added first and the other waxes are added once that is melted. The vats that the wax is melted in often have large mechanical beaters to stir the wax as it melts. Emulsion Various oils and fats are also used to make shoe polish. Once the wax is melted, it is kept at a certain temperature while any oils, fats and other ingredients are combined and heated to around 85 degrees C (185 degrees F). This mixture is known as an emulsion. Once the emulsion reaches the correct temperature, it and distilled water are added to the melted wax. The mixture is allowed to cool to about 80 degrees C (176 degrees F) and then turpentine is added. If the polish is to be colored the coloring is added along with the turpentine. Packaging and Cooling Empty tins are fed via conveyor belt to workers who turn them all right s
