Here we show you how to apply Tuff Toe Boot Guards with our step by step instructions as well as in our demo video below.
This is the same way we use and how every Tuff Toe Certified Application Pro applies Tuff Toe for a professional factory finish.
Make sure to read through the instructions and watch the demo video before starting.
If you have any questions on how to apply Tuff Toe Boot Guards, please call, email, or Facebook message us. If you don’t want to apply Tuff Toe Boot Guards yourself, we have nationwide Tuff Toe Certified Pros who can apply it for you, click here for the directory.
Your 1st step when applying your Tuff Toe Boot Guards is to tape off the application area. Use masking or painters tape to tape off your boots so that Tuff Toe will cover anywhere from the toe tip to 1-2 cm from where the steel toe ends. We don’t recommend applying Tuff Toe to any flex areas. You can tape along the sole edge if you’d like a cleaner line.
The few times we have had Tuff Toe not adhere to a shoe or boot is when the footwear material is either not prepped properly or is simply low quality leather or plastic.
CRUCIAL. Equalize the 2-part cartridge as well as the mixing nozzle. To do this simple push out some material until you see that both the clear and color parts are extracting.
Hold the boot with your left hand (if you’re right handed) and begin on the left side. Apply slowly from the sole to top.
If you apply too quickly the material will come out runny and take-off on you. Applying slowly allows the material to begin setting so that it is thicker and easier to manage.
If the material begins to run on you, simply turn the boot so that the material runs back into itself.
Immediately remove the tape. Pull carefully so that you don’t mess up your application.
The material is still setting up and if you simply put the boot down the material will run to the sole. You want the material to be focused on the toe tip, so rotate the boot for 1-2 mins with the toe tip pointed down.
A full 24 hrs is recommended for a full cure, however you will see that within 90 mins the material will be 80% cured. If you have to use your boots before the 24 hrs we recommend putting them in a warm area to help speed up the process (a hot car or in front of a heater works great).
Matte Or Glossy
Optional: For a matte finish simply wait for 30 to 45 min and lightly touch to make sure it feels slightly tacky. If your Tuff Toe feels sticky then wait another 5 min and retest. Rub your finger across the Tuff Toe and you will see the sheen removed.
IMPORTANT BOOT PREP TIPS
Check your boots for oil levels.
The few times we have had Tuff Toe not adhere to a shoe or boot is when the footwear material is either not prepped properly or is simply low quality leather or plastic.
Q: My boot has a hole with the steel toe showing. Can I cover it with Tuff Toe?
A: Yes. Sand the steel and the leather toe cap. Apply a coating of Tuff Toe over just the exposed steel portion on both boots. After this is set up change mixer tips, dispense an inch line on scratch paper to make sure A and B are reaching the tip at the same time, and apply a coating of Tuff Toe over the entire toe cap. You will get a double coating on the formerly exposed steel toe area where you abuse your boot the most. Make sure to use all of the Tuff Toe for one pair of boots.
Q: Is the Tuff Toe safe for firemen?
A: Tuff Toe has passed the NFPA 1971-07, 8.11 modified melting test. This means Tuff Toe did not melt or drip at 500 degrees F when exposed to that temp in an oven for 5 minutes. The flashpoint for cured Tuff Toe is 742 degrees F. We have many firemen wearing Tuff Toe without incident.
Q: Is Tuff Toe safe around electricity?
A: Yes. Tuff Toe passed the NFPA 1971-2007, 8.32 & ASTM F2412 which means Tuff Toe does not conduct electricity. Some folks use Tuff Toe to insulate wiring.
Q: Is Tuff Toe waterproof?
A: Yes. Many folks have fixed fishing waders and covered the welts of their boots for protection. Tuff Toe passed NFPA 1901-07, 7.10.17 water penetration test. No water shall penetrate.
Q: Are there other uses for Tuff Toe?
A: Tuff Toe is designed for abrasion, water, and chemical resistance. Although we can’t guarantee effectiveness we have heard people using Tuff Toe as an adhesive, sealant, rubber repair, leather repair, upholstery and luggage repair, auto bumper patching, wire insulation, tire repair and more.
Q: How do I Order Custom Dip Tuff Toe Application?
A: You’ll need to follow the instructions here and make sure you fill out the Custom Application Order Form and send it in with your Shoes/Cleats/Boots.
Q: Where Can I find the Custom Application Order Form for My Cleats?
A: Either go here and click on the link or go to the Custom Applied Product Page here.
Q: Where does Tuff Toe ship from?
A: Anaheim, CA 92807
Q: How do I carry Tuff Toe products to sell?
A: Any brick and mortar retailer with a valid resale certificate can apply for account set up at team@tufftoe.com.
Q: Where can I find the application instructions on paper?
A: You can print the instructions for Tuff Toe on this page or use the instructions that come with your Tuff Toe.
Q: Will Tuff Toe bond to itself?
A: Yes. Just sand the existing Tuff Toe, wipe with rubbing alcohol or other solvent and re-apply.
Q: What if I have spots where the Tuff Toe didn’t cure?
A: This is usually due to failure to ‘equalize the cartridge’. To fix, remove the uncured portion of the Tuff Toe and re-sand the area that needs more material including the surrounding Tuff Toe, and clean with solvent. Use another mixer tip (we provide 2) and dispense a 2” line of Tuff Toe onto scratch paper in order to ensure that side A & B are reaching the tip at the same time. Apply Tuff Toe to the sanded area and it should cure.
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