This is a recipe for a white paste for canvas shoes. Scrape some pipeclay into a saucer, add a few pieces of oxalic acid and a very small portion of washing blue, and then pour on warm water till the paste is of the required thickness. If a paste of not quite such a dead white is desired, scrape in a little buff-ball after the oxalic acid has dissolved. In using the paste, first it is well rubbed into the shoes, and, when dry, rubbed out and then lightly brushed.