DIY Waterproofing - Waxed Canvas, cotton, leather
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- čas přidán 9. 11. 2015
- In this video, I take you along as I make a batch of DIY waxed waterproofing solution to treat some of my outdoor gear with. This is a super simple process, that is very effective in treating any cotton or leather goods that you may have. It also seems to be popular right now to have waxed cotton goods, so you might even use this to wax your stuff to stay trendy :-)
In this recipe, I used 8 ounces of beeswax (you can also use paraffin), 4 ounces of boiled linseed oil, and 4 ounces of turpentine.
If you do decide to make this waterproofing solution, I highly suggest you do it outdoors because you are working with some flammable ingredients.
If you want to help support the channel, here are a few links to the ingredients for this project: Beeswax: amzn.to/1GUXofK Paraffin Wax: amzn.to/1SfzfAY Turpentine: amzn.to/1Sfzrjw Boiled Linseed Oil: amzn.to/1GUXF2m
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If this is your first time with us, my name is Dave, and David's Passage is the name of my vlog. This passage in life started with a desire to share my love of the outdoors with the world. My hope is that those who tune into my videos will be inspired to venture out and enjoy all of creation for what it's worth. This video blog features videos on an array of outdoor-related topics as well as DIY projects that might just help you more fully enjoy the outdoors. New videos come out on Tuesdays at 3pm EST, so please subscribe and be on the lookout for new content soon!
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See you outdoors!
Intro music for this video was written and recorded by myself.
Other music in this video came from the CZcams Creator Studio.
A Recipe I Use:
60%-Beeswax and 40%-Paraffin Wax, no-turps and no linseed oil (it just smells for weeks).
Apply to warm canvas when in liquid form.
Make sure that any seems get a really good coating of the wax.
Use a hair dryer or heat gun to help penetrate the fibres of the canvas.
Tip: I like to place the treated canvas bag, hat, etc; into an old clean pillow case then stick it into the dryer for 20 mins.
Allow to cool naturally...
Works for me. Looks great, Repels liquid and doesn't smell...
Ok thanks..i rlly did not want to have to use that turpentine.
Thanks, I didn't understand why would anyone use anything but wax... I'd even be tempted to use beeswax only, but I guess that would crack and shed due to hardness
It seems the BLO is essential for keeping the fabric and wax supple and properly integrated
@@SuperBardley BLO hardens resulting in the crinkly "tin shirt" effect, its not used in any modern cotton jacket waxes.
Yeah I have to say, I a lot of my background is in textiles and design then in to mixed media work and I dont see how you cant use at least some amount of some sort of oil to just stabilize and soften and help carry it into the fibers and just keep the wax from returning to that fully rigid form, especially considering that this process is always used on outerwear and accessories. It is in colder temperatures that wax achieves that undesirable rigidity and the wax can take on that opacity and I have owned low quality waxed garments that you can actually scrape that wax off in cooler weather in which the wax has not properly integrated with the fibers, and an oil is integral for that. It is simple material science. Waxes are incredibly strong, naturally occuring materials that serve to protect tissues in nearly all plants, birds, insects and mammals, that we harvest as a by-product and exploit for its same protective uses, BUT we must first TEMPER IT in order to manipulate it properly. Adding the oils serves to soften that strength just enough to enable us use it as a tool. If we aren't able to do so then it just floats on top of the fibers, which is what we want the water to do, what we want the wax to do is lightly become a part of the fabric, to, kind of "oil stain" it with the wax. But if we use only the wax, the molecules are too large and you are simply just "covering" the fibers in heavy wax. It makes the fabric soo heavy. You should not essentially be dipping candles with your garment. The oil acts as a vehicle. If you dont like the smell of linseed, find another oil? The turpentine is a solvent that can produce finer outcomes often, but I believe in making all of my own materials and organic chemistry is pretty simple when you break it down. Simple thing like potash and lye, those can all be made from things like ashes. Just high alkaline compounds that allow for the proper emulsion and combination of hydro and lipid substrates. We can make anything from scratch!
Hello, David;
I know, this is an old video, but!
The info is still up-to-date & so is my tip.
When you had got the wax & oil mix melted & stirred it was ready to use.
No need to wait overnight while it sits up.
Just use a paint or chip brush, dip the brush, & brush it on.
Give an extra coat to seams, stitching, &so on.
Let it cool, dry, & sit up, you could still use the hair dryer if you like.
But it is prolly unnecessary as the liquid will seep into the seams just fine.
Hopefully helpful.
Have a GREAT day, Neighbor!
Yep, great tip. I actually reheat my solution so it will easily penetrate the clothe without having to use a heat gun.
@@alexanderh.5814 then why even let it sit overnight?
Up to date? Darn it, I must’ve updated to the new version of earth. Can’t get this to work now :/
What materials do you use this on ?
@@pedroclaro7822 , hi. Well, a year has passed but maybe you will see my message. Precisely, the tip is to use the product immediately, as it will penetrate the fabric when warm, without needing to use a hairdryer. That's the magic of it! After applying it to the fabric, you put it away. When using again, heat it up and apply it to the item you want.
Linseed oil has a terrible smell about it. I used it and over time the jacket I had proofed with it, smelled so bad I grew to dislike it. I now use cheap baby oil, which is a pure, slightly scented kind of mineral oil. I got about half a litre of it for £4 (UK). I use about 2 parts wax and 1 part baby oil. Works fine, but you need a good amount of heat from a hair drier while applying it to the waxed jacket. I actually finished off my jacket for five minutes in a hot tumble drier. This was good for getting the wax mix right into the cloth. Take care about this if your jacket contains any man made fibre ( essentially plastic) in its lining or pocket materials. It might do badly if over heated..
You have a super positive vibe, thanks for sharing and being so upbeat
I made a batch of this as described, it does work. Our issue is the Turpentine aroma (new can) remained overpowering. After the pack was outside for four days the Turpentine aroma remained unacceptable thus I would not bringing the pack in the house. Placed it in the basement, after few hours there was a strong odor of Turpentine, move it to garage same thing as well; placed it outside. The pack was an old test throw away pack, thus that is what I did threw it out.
My next batch I will replace Turpentine with unscented Mineral Oil, and possibly microcrystalline wax (same price as beeswax). This recipe is excellent for natural material, cotton linen and the like, they can easily absorb this mixture. Being as synthetic material cannot absorb as natural fibers does, create a 50/50 mixture of clear 100% Silicone and Mineral Oil. The Mineral Oil is for dispersing the Silicone thus a 50/50-ish mixture will make an acceptable slurry for spreading. Hope all this is helpful.
Thanks for doing this on video, very helpful. I am in the process of making my first batch to waterproof a cotton canvas bag and can't wait to test this out
I love when there is a good review like this.Where you took time on it to see what happens not just said I'll let you know some other time,it's very nice!
David, Great recipe seems to work just fine, I was preparing to do something similar with just the linseed oil and turpentine, adding the beeswax looks more durable.............as always i look forward to your videos.......ty for sharing
This was exceptionally helpful. I just inherited a Filson duffel that was made probably in the 1980's and it's still going strong but I wanted to wax it to ensure it would still be around for me to pass on too. I'm going to "like" this video so I can find it again when I'm ready to get started. Thank you!
1980's ... to the 2020's ... that is pretty great. Nice
Did you yet get onto an application in the end, since then?
I made this and painted it straight onto my walking boots. It soaked in really well. I applied it well to the toe end and the tongue. When it solidified I went over my boots with a heat gun on low heat. The real test awaits with my next walk. Thank you for uploading this. After brushing off any excesses you would not know this was on the boots! I will update with results when applying it when melted as I have 👍🏻
Well have you used yet ?
Dang he must have died.
Thank you so much. I just got an Allison pack from a garage sale. Im trying to get it in good shape for this year's adventures.
ill definitly be using this on some of my old jeans, i ride a motorcycle to work all winter and this is a great way to avoid buying expensive waterproof pants, might even put some on my motorcycle seat so it doesnt get wet sitting out in the rain
as far as projects go, I've used this basic recipe for finishing metal work after forging. get the metal hot but not red, heat the mix to liquid and brush it on. adds a blackened color, sheds water, and helps prevent rust.
Thanks for sharing your process and following through with the results and review, also. This type of info is always necessary content and you delivered the lesson with a cool tutorial. Cheers, bro! Blessings and Success to you.
Great video. I'm going to use this method to treat a canvas bag I'm making for a homemade folding bucksaw.
listening to you I had a flashback of my Father.....Do as I say not as I do lol. Do this outdoors.. While I do it indoors !! Joking thanks for the great tip. I am going to try this. My waterproofing tip is Bear grease for leather boots. After applying in a liberal coat I then set the boots a foot away from my Wood stove. I usually do 2 coats one coat then after the leather soaks it up do a second lighter coat. I had an inexpensive pair of boots that I treated this way. They were completely water proof for many years after 1 treatment. thanks again brother. Bill ☺
+William Haase lol, yeah I hear ya. Wonder if we had the same dad ;-)
I've heard about a recipe involving 2 types of animal fats and beeswax but this one seems easier to tailor your own mixture ratios depending on how thin or thick you want the final product coming out.
warm the melting pan first. take it off heat. put in wax, it will melt, then put the pan into boiling water to keep it melted. much faster.
Thompson's Water Seal, clear $10 gallon. Use it on sailcovers, biminis, canvas, leather. Spray on outside. Lasts about a year of constant exposure and adds UV protection. But your wax blend definitely better for leather, canvas, but adds more weight.
This is literally one of the best comment section.... Really helpful
I added 1 more ingredient beeswax turpentine linseed oil and cedar oil and it works great for little buggys I use it on canvas tents I built
WOW..COOL VIDEO THANK YOU!!..IT LOOKS SO MUCH EASIER WITH YOUR METHOD THAN THE OTHER ONE ON YT WHERE HE PAINTS THE WET WAX ON THE CLOTH.
I’ve had good results sno seal with good results and hair dryer but this is an awesome home made deal . I like it dude 👍👍. Thanks
Such a clear explanation, I have been looking animal leather alternatives for a local artisanal project, thank you for this video and the good vibes!
Thank you very much for this. I will try it. Looks realy cool and usefull.
Have you tried this on a canvas tent?
I am hopeful that this will waterproof my winter horse blankets. Finally. Something that sounds promising. Thx for the vid!
Hi Dave I was doing this fifty years ago. Hey just dip it in/brush the solution all over the object. (Protect interior as needed) It will last even longer, especially stitches and seams will be more waterproof
I use the same recipe with added pure lanolin for leather conditioner cheers for the video
How much did you added
Thank You
The one thing I really dislike about waxed cloth is that it seems to decrease breathability considerably so for things like canvas jackets I started to use professional waterproofers.
The one I am happiest with is Collonil Carbon Pro. Before that one I used a few silicone based waterproofers but I wasn’t too happy with them (apparently there are diy recipes out there for those though, BTW).
As for waxing canvas, the recipe I learned some years back was 40% paraffin wax, 40% beeswax, and 20% lanolin.
Kusk bushcraft has a recipe of 7 to 1 Paraffin to Beeswax mixture poured into cupcake cups and used once hardened. This way your not using any flammable liquids and it can be done safely in the kitchen.
For leather I use a mixture of bear and beaver oil mixed with beeswax(if I have it) or petroleum jelly if I don’t have beeswax.
Awesome instruction! Looking forward to trying this on my entire wardrobe, boots, tents... I’m guessing this concoction has a million uses. Would be great for squeaky vehicle door hinges... as a wood sealer... hair pomade...
🤣
You also can try silicone, especially for door hinges.
That’s what I want my artists apron to do - just ket the paint roll off instead of sinking in. I used to paint with wax to make encaustic paintings so I think I will try some of my leftover beeswax with damar resin on it. I guess I’ll try it with a smallmpiec of fabric first to see if I can penetrate the fabric so it won’t crack. Thankyou!
thanks dude great video! I just got two boyscout haversacks that im going to use as saddle bags on my dual sport motorcycle and wanted to waterproof them. thanks for the help!
Think it work for a denim jacket for bike use? Heavy rain?
Excellent work, just the video I've been looking for, I recently got a ex army cotton canvas swag bag, need to reproof it. Cheers
Thanks for the concise and well filmed video! That was great! I was wondering if you could also reduce the beeswax in the turpentine without heat, like you would when creating a matte damar resin varnish for a oil painting, and it could eliminate the need for heat in the process of preparing the wax? I just don't know if it would work with the 2:1 turpentine to wax ratio? Then you could just add the linseed oil once the wax had rendered into the turpentine? Of course it would take a week.
I don't know if that males any sense to anyone? I'm a painter/maker, and upon seeing the materials my mind went first to a classical resin varnish.
I did a video of this method a year or so ago and found it is a great waterproofing method however there is an issue in hot climates. In about 90 degree weather and above the canvas becomes gummy or tacky. So be aware of this issue.
+William Collins (WC Knives) Where I'm at I probably only get a handful of 90 degree days a year, but that's a good thing to note for anyone else that may read this. Thanks for the tip! :-) BTW, love your knives & channel!
+David's Passage thanks so much for the support. Yep not a big issue up north but for us in the south could be a issue.
Thank you for that info
+David's Passage awesome video
+William Collins (WC Knives) If that's the case, then you overwaxed and used too few layers and put them on too thick. You have to layer. This is key.
awesome video! It's been awhile since I've seen a video like this from you. These are my favorite! Looking forward to seeing what you have in store next.
Thanks! Any requests in particular? :-)
David's Passage Not really, just anything DIY or where you're teaching us something new, or a new way to do it. I wish I could be more helpful, but you seem much more of an outdoorsman than myself.
Grant Butler Stay tuned then. There might just be something that interests you in the future :-)
Thank you for sharing.
Do you make just enough for a batch that's going to all be applied soon after? Or otherwise, how well does the solid block last - for how long - after it's set - does it change its characteristics over time as far as ease of application is concerned? Cheers.
very cool video, I will be using your recipe to proof horse covers and swags.. hoping to infuse some essential oils into the recipe to repel insects.. should be an interesting experiment, I hope it works!
I did something similar to a pair of jeans I use logging I didn't use the turpentine just the linseed oil I haven't tried them yet that test is coming tomorrow
cool! i think you could ve used a brush while the recipe was still liquid. it would get in real good specially in the seam
1. Why not just use wax alone? What does adding the two other chemicals add to it/help it?
2. Why not submerge the item (pack) in the liquid instead of letting it solidify and brushing it on?
Boiled linseed oil is a hard drying oil. It forma a protective shell on the cotton fibers. It cracks, though, which is why it's Combined with beeswax. The beeswax fills the voids between the fibers. The turpentine is used as a thinning agent so that the linseed oil and wax deeply penetrate the fibers for a more water resistant fabric. However, turpentine is known to damage fabric which is why mineral spirits are better. "the lone woodman" here on youtubr making the ultimate tin pants. It's the same process. You can always leave out the linseed oil S it can make the jacket excessively stiff. I seriously recommend you watch his video for the exact recipe and ingredients. He uses microcrystalline wax as it's better for this application. Hope that helps.
Look up Little Dipper and keep your wax there!! Great video. Loved the full disclaimer "5 months later" !!
I used a cheese grater for the wax worked vary well
Wondering if you could just use a 1" paint brush and put it on canvas when the mix is still warm and in liquid state, I think it would soak in very well and save time not having to use the hair drier step?
Thanks for info, haven't seen a pace cord in a long time.
I just made a batch of this and it works great but the smell of turpentine is still really strong, any suggestions
I melted beeswax and paraffin. Rubbed over a non-waterproofed green field jacket and then “fused” the wax mixture with a common iron in low. It worked quite fine, it darkened the color a bit and produced a perceivable water beading under light rain.
I have only applied it once. This works.
Omar Lemus how you wash the jacket? For the inside as daily use wear and motorcycle. Thinking paraffin n bees wax
This work for HEAVY rain oceanic.. Kind? I'm using bees wax and paraffin with coconut oil. Help please (I'm using what I have)
Nicw video David. I just jumped onto CZcams a few minutes ago here in my woodshop and did a search on different uses for parafin waxes. This is one of the types of videos I was looking for. Just picked up 13 boxes of parafin wax today at a price too good to pass it up,
Cheers.. Joe O'
+Joe O's Channel That's a lot of waterproofing! :-)
+David's Passage Oh, I'll have a few other projects to use it for as well :)
is this safe for backpacking in bear country like California Sequoia or Jasper Canada
Would this work on a canvas convertible car top or would it get to hot?
very cool David , thanks for the video my friend
Thank you! Does the wax cracks at freezing temperatures? Do you think that some sort of fat would prevent this to happen?
I'm wondering if you can skip the turpentine. Have you ever tried that?
Can I do this with any canvas or denim coat/jacket?
Dude, this is so cool. Subbed.
so is the material still breathable after applying the wax?
Use a similar brew on my boots. Works way better than store bought stuff.
great vid, great info
well presented
TY 👍
this is nice it sheds water. I don't think it would work under sustained raining. What would it do if you submerged the bag in water for a few hours and left a few paper towels in the bottom? Would they stay dry?
What knife is that? Looks awesome!
Can I use candle, instead of beeswax?
is there any atlernative to turpentine spirit? cant find turpentine here in philippines.
"Oh that smells really good, I like the smell of turpentine, am I crazy??!" YESSSS!! You are crazy!
Would japan dryer liquid help speed the cure time?
Nice vid, can i use this wax for nubuk and suide boot? Tnxxx
Can you waterproof uggs with the wax? Thanks.
Can we use a heat gun further away being very careful?
Hi David~ Hello from Duluth (: Great video! I am wondering if I can use soy wax in conjunction with beeswax and refined linseed instead of boiled linseed. Also, do you get an odor from the linseed oil or does the turpentine help prevent that?
What was the knife you used to cut the wax? It kinda looks like a PKS Dirty by Design knife.
If I put a cotton patch on my canvas bag, can I wax the patch?
Can I wax the cotton mesh on my bag for the bottle holder pocket and strap pocket?
i was under the impression that using linseed oil would cause the canvas to deteriorate, which is why oil painters use gesso over the canvas before they paint. is boiled linseed oil different?
Would this mix work on wool or some other simple fabric? Looking to make a custom cloak for camping trips, and would really like to waterproof it, but I'm on a budget so I can only afford one attempt
Hi David,
I just freshly (literally freshly) made waterproofing just like you did, but without turpentine. and it feel so sticky, I dont know why, it is just like that or it will dry for couple days later?
or maybe it because I missed the turpentine?
thankyou :)
Are there pros and cons on using paraffin wax (candle wax)?
Thanks this is definitely useful.
Paraffin is somewhat toxic and should be avoided when used on clothing and accessories. Because it's cheaper it's better used on tarps or tents. Although i can see why some people would replace it with the turpentine in your recipe because of the smell. You can use saddle soap to to about the same affect in a pinch.
I’m an oil painter n the only thing that breaks that paint down is turp & linseed oil…linseed oil can be used in its place. I also buy an “odorless mineral spirit” that does the same thing, these really all smell like death ☠️
(Well, LsO not so bad & odorless is still killin’ brain cells most likely lol. The reason ppl mix these in though is because as well as being water resistant it makes it stain & fire resistant! Impossible to achieve without some kind of complex chemical. ;)
does it still work without the turpentine? is there some alternative?
Pine rosin flakes can be used as a substitute for the turpentine.
Aren’t the turps used as a solvent to help the wax and BLO fully combine? Then the VOC’s evaporate off.
bro. if turpentine is not available.. whats the alternative?
Any concern about using the waxed clothing in bear country?
Can i use white beeswax? And does the turpentine has to be 100% pure?
I buy\use Otter Wax 1-Pint Paste (Just drop it in hot water = liquid). Apply & run a hairdryer over it or toss in canvas bag & Pop it in the dryer on high. Cheaper than buying all those ingredients & no time, mixing or mess to make it.
What kind of brush you using there?
Hi David, what is the procedure for waxing leather (jacket), to my mind it's not as absorbent as cotton fabric, some of my leather jkts seem to have a protective sheen/sealant on them. Is the method any
different?
Excellent video!!
como haces para eliminar el olor ?
Using both pounds by weight and volume (cups) does not work for using the parts formula. You need to measure either by volume only or by weight only for all the ngredients.
oddly enough, a pound (weight) of bees wax is around 15.96 fluid oz. So his measurement of 1/2 lb. of bees wax is around 8 fluid oz. So 8 oz. (1 cup) bees wax: 4 oz (1/2 cup). linseed oil: 4 oz. turpentine (1/2 cup) formula is correct. Basically, 2 parts bees wax to 1 part boiled linseed oil to 1 part turpentine as he stated. However, paraffin wax is different. 1 weight lb. of paraffin wax is 17 fluid. oz. so he would need to use a little bit less than a 0.5 lb of paraffin wax to use the same liquid amount of linseed oil and turpentine.
According to Super Formulas Arts & Crafts How to make more than 360 useful products that contain honey and beeswax. by Elaine C. White.
There's a section entitled Measuring Beeswax. Here's the excerpt
Measuring Beeswax
Usually there is a great difference between the liquid volume of an ingredient and its dry weight. This is not true of beeswax. Example: 1 ounce weight of solid beeswax is equal to 1 ounce liquid measurement of melted wax. The following chart can be used to measure beeswax as a solid or as a liquid.
Melted beeswax or liquid measure= Solid wax or Dry Weight
1 Tablespoon melted beeswax or liquid measure=1/2 ounce solid wax or dry weight
2 Tablespoons or 1 ounce= 1 ounce
1/4 cup or 4 tablespoons = 2 ounces
1/2 cup or 8 tablespoons= 4 ounces or 1/4 pound
1 cup or 16 tablespoons = 8 ounces or 1/2 pound
2 cups or 16 ounces= 1 pound or 16 ounces
The liquid displacement formula
Solid beeswax can be measured by displacing liquid. For example, to measure 1 Tablespoon beeswax use the following method.
Since 4 tablespoons of liquid equal 1/4 cup, add 3 tablespoons of water to a clear measuring cup. Add lumps of solid wax until the water reaches the 1/4 cup line. Pour off the water. The remaining wax equals 1 tablespoon. Set the wax aside to dry before using it in any formula.
@@patratacusthank you. Good info
How much weight did it add to the bag?
I want to waterproof my Carradice cotton saddle bag, can i use leather shoe wax? i have Brooks Saddle wax/ Schuh Dubbin for shoes and Dr Martens Wonder Balsam, Any on those can be used? Thanks in advance.
I need to waterproof a British military over white cotton poncho, will this ruin the white cotton?
What are the pros and cons of using paraffin wax? And pros and cons of using beeswax?
Great video on this subject and I love how you used it and showed how well it worked. I use just the Greenland Wax technique that I did on my channel. I have found this year hunting in knee deep wet grass and rain that I have had to apply 3 coats. I suppose since my legs are moving and brushing up on sage and grass so much it does pretty well. I do need to do my canvas tent and I really like your recipe. How did it smell?
+Nature Calls After it dries, it doesn't smell much. It has a stronger smell at first that dissipates upon drying.
Thanks for this one. Good tips! :)
what's the purpose of adding the turpentine?
How would this work with polyester? Why can't you just use beeswax?
A second thought about the bear grease method . Those boots were so waterproof I walked through streams with the water over my ankles and my socks were bone dry. it seals seams perfectly. I made sure all seams were coated heavily. My boots were waterproof for over 6 years with one treatment. Hope this helps everyone. Stay safe all Bill.
+William Haase Wow! I am going to have to check that stuff out!
Good one !
Thanks for sharing.
Now why not pour into spraybottle and lightly and uniformly apply while liquid?
What kinda brush is that?
You can use a 100 % flax oil. It won't hold for more than a month or 2. Repels less, breathes more.