Experimenting with waxed cotton
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- čas přidán 16. 06. 2019
- It's been raining a lot, so I want to make myself a rain coat. I did my research and discovered a technique known as waxed cotton, waxed canvas or tin cloth. It's a process of permeating cotton fabric with a combination of waxes and oils to make it water resistant.
I bought myself all the necessary materials and got to work experimenting with different techniques. These are the results.
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#waxedcotton #experiments #raincoat
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This is exactly the question I needed answered. I don’t want to mess with linseed oil or turpentine.
Oh nice, I'm happy to hear this video was of use. Good luck with your projects.
thank you for being so thorough, i watched the entire thing.
I'm glad to hear it.
Thanks for your in depth, well researched videos!
Well thank you for watching. I like to do a some research but then learn by doing. 😏
Absolutely brilliant job. Thank you so much for the testing. I've seen multiple recepies for waxed jacket but no one explained pros and cons of each approach. Thank so much. For me the 100% wax is the winner.
Oh nice, well I am happy to hear that this video was of use for you. Thanks for sharing and good luck with your project!
Good to see a comparison video, helps me make the right choice.
Oh wonderful. Happy to hear it was of help. Thanks for watching.
this is the most useful tutorial for this I have seen
Wonderful! Thanks for watching.
Great comparison test, thank you!
🐓🙏🏻
Thank you for great demonstration.
Thanks for watching!
Another great video C. Looking forward to seeing your waxed fabric and perfect hood come to life.
Well thank you and thank you for watching. Something tells me once it's finally done, the rainy season will end. 🙃
I love watching your journey
Well thank you for following along.
That was awesome - thanks so much
Thanks for watching. 😊
You’re a clever dude, thanks for the info 👍🏼
Thank you. I hope it helped.
Thank you for this.
Thanks for watching!
Very interesting video. Thank you for sharing this.
My pleasure. Turns out I like learning too 🙃. Thanks for watching.
Perfect video! Thank you for the info.
And thank you for watching!
@@CorneliusQuiring You're welcome. Hope you finished that raincoat.
I sure did. 😊
Thank you for the video & the information regarding the other project with beeswax only, I have to check it out. And thank you for covering the offensive bits on the models in the back ground
I am glad to hear that my video was of use to you. Thanks for watching.
found this video researching a wax for a motorcycle jacket. Really good videos
Thanks for watching!
My Filson miner's jacket came with a big puck of a blend that's cool. A bit oily.
Thanks Doc. Good science to follow.
All 2 👍👍 up.
Thank you and thanks for watching.
I did this to my motorcycle bags, but i just rubbed the Fjällreven wax on and ironed it to melt it in. Did it 3 times, worked great.
Oh nice. There are many different ways of doing the same thing I am realizing. Thanks for sharing.
Informative video and amusing presentation.
And thank you for watching.
Yes it's great job compare !!! I 2 months think what consistensy to choose.
Ummmm ... word salad?! I'm lost ...
You can also use an iron to melt the wax into the fibers.
You make beatifull stiches
I am flattered.
great video. entertaining. keep it up. I think DIY waxing for rain probably works well for a cape/poncho type thing
Thank you. A cape / poncho seems like a wonderful idea. Also, using sealing tape for seams.
Hey great video. I have plans on waxing a pair of cotton pants for the woods and I think this is making me lean more towards the paraffin wax side of this technique
I am happy to hear that this has been a helpful video. Hopefully all goes well with the pant waxing. Thanks for watching.
From what I've researched the popular Greenland Wax is 10% Beeswax and 90% Parafin. I wonder if it would be more waterproof and flexible than the 50/50 mix you tried. Thanks for your experiments!
That is a good question indeed and might be worth the experiment. Thanks for the info and thank you for watching.
My understanding is the more beeswax you use, the more flexible it is in colder weather. So depending on where you live, you adjust your recipe to the temperature
That's interesting information. Thank you for sharing.
FYI, the oil style one can take 6 months to a year to properly dry and cure! Make sure you keep it flat and open to the air, as boiled linseed oil can spontaneously combust when compressed in something like a bag or trashcan!
That's good information to have! Thanks for sharing.
@@CorneliusQuiring thanks for making cool videos! I am very new to sewing stuff, so it was neat to find you covering the material I am most interested in working with.
Excellent video. You could try coating the front of the fabric with the wax and then the back of the fabric for better water resistance.
Ohhh, that's an interesting idea. The challenge I have been finding for myself is what is the balance between water resistance and the resulting rigidity of the fabric.
I like your thinking.
@@CorneliusQuiring Of course, if you ultimately want to create a coat, little more rigidity might be better. If you were making shirts or pants, then the rigidity would be undesirable. Look forward to the next video.
I need to hire you has my private consultant. Haha. I appreciate your feedback and I am thinking rather then coating it twice from one side, I do one coat on each side.
really informative and entertaining actually lol
Then I've accomplished my goals. Thank you :)
Great vid, learned a bunch after viewing a mixed waxed cotton/leather bag from Melvill & Moon
Oh nice, I'm glad you were able to learn something. Thanks for watching.
This is awesome Cornelius! Thanks for putting together this comparison. A couple of questions, if you don't mind :
- how does the "wax only" cloth feel in the hand? I've heard that some waxed canvas can feel sticky, while "dry finish" can feel quite nice?
- Would you consider waxing a sheet of fabric and then cutting/sewing that vs waxing the final product?
My pleasure.
1. I prefer "wax only" cloth ... if I understand you correctly. I don't feel any of the wax. I also didn't end up using any of the linseed oil. I have since done another project and prefer 100% bees wax.
2. I would definitely do the waxing at the very end. I made some tweaks to my waxed jacket and the wax really gummed up the needle and thread. The thread kept ripping. eek!
@@CorneliusQuiring thanks for the reply! This is really interesting! What is it about 100% bees wax that you prefer vs the parafin/bees wax method? Most online guides suggest using both, but i'm definitely happy to use 100% bees wax if it results in a better finish.
@Alexander Roberts what I like is that it creates a noticably softer / more plyable finish using 100% beeswax. I can't speak to its "waterproofness" though if that is a priority. Also, it smells nice. 😏
Also, it's more expensive using just beeswax.
You grated wax to avoid waiting while it melted. I'm dying. lolz Good video all around.
Yes, it makes the melting process more consistent as well. And thank you for the kind words & watching.
Thank you, that is what I was looking for. I plan to use beeswax on cotton for bags, as I have 2 hives. does the coating last a bit over time? I heard the linen oil smells too much? I see people apply beeswax using an iron these days when used pure, but does not work with the linen oil
I recently did a backpack using just beeswax and it's my preferred method! I used a hairdryer to melt it in. Full disclosure, it takes some time.
I would be a bit hesitant to use my iron, but who knows, maybe it works well for some?
The linseed oil is definitely smell. I never ended up using it in my projects.
Yes, the beeswax holds up will over time ... and smells good too :)
Water resistant is what you want. Water just needs to bead off, and this will allow the material to still be somewhat breathable.
Thanks for sharing your knowledge and experience in the comments here with myself and others.
Did you make the jacket? After searching brands such as Filson and Barbour....im finding coats just dont fit me like I'd expect. Awesome video. Love it. Seems like most videos show beeswax and paraffin. 10 to 1 mixture and doubling is always best. Keep up the great work.
I did end up making the jacket and I've really been liking it too. You can watch the full series here: czcams.com/play/PLtDVn_Yb2SVubzSTF0k1cD-74M_d0Ztek.html
I say make your own jacket :) I make my own clothes for this very reason.
Thanks for watching & commenting.
As soon as you said turpentine fallout immediately come to mind 😂
I'm gonna have to Google this reference, but thanks for watching.
@@CorneliusQuiring basically if you've ever played the game fallout everywhere you go are cans of turpentine 😂
@@Jman21UK ahhh. Wonderful. Well I've learned something.
You seriously made the process way harder than it needed to be. Never use MS and BLO inside, they will explode
Fair enough. Thanks for sharing your opinion and experience.
@@CorneliusQuiring Might add heat your fabric right before waxing for much more even coverage. Use freezer paper on top of project and then old Iron after waxing ,will help to really soak the fabric fibers thats if your just using wax. Completely serious with the MS and BLO. When using the BLO and MS mixed in with the wax its much easier and safer to frame the fabric and paint the mixture on outside. It does need to stay dry and cure for a good 2 weeks before using
Hi Corn, another video I watched used 2:1 paraffin:beeswax. Think that might have effected the water-resistance? The fabric in the other video soaked up the wax while yours seemed to just be layered on.
That is very likely possible and would be an interesting experiment to see what the difference would be. Thanks for watching and sharing.
I personally prefer sewing with wet fabric, it's so easier and faster!
Oh, interesting. What happens to your needle / thread as you work away? Do they gum up at all? Or how do you prevent the wax from hardening on your fabric while you sew?
Make your wax oil and turpentine concoction and put in small plastic container. Once hardened like a bar of soap just rub it on your material and use an iron or hair dryer or heat gun. Forget the clothes dryer.
I like this idea! Thanks for sharing your tips.
Hello, I would like to know how many days should pass after applying the wax so that it cures and can be impermeable. I tried to wax some canvas and after 48 hours I dropped some water and it was faded.
Thank you.
I also waited 2 days before I applied my second coat of wax. After the 2 waxes I found that it still wasn't waterproof but more water resistant.
Good times in the sewing lab. Curious to know if that went thru your machines after or if you tried it.?
It's been so long since I made this video so I'm not quite sure what I said, but I did end up making a coat with this technique: czcams.com/play/PLtDVn_Yb2SVubzSTF0k1cD-74M_d0Ztek.html
Already subscribed to the channel but YT recommended this after I watched a couple of videos on Fjallraven G1000 products. They make their own wax (mix of bee and paraffin) for this cotton blend material. I assume it would work for any cotton like the one you're working on here?
I would imagine so. I know I've used it on cotton of different weights.
Instead of a puddle on you, think of the pressure the water will hit you and length of time in the rain (etc) as measurements. I liked your video and commentary style. I used a plumber's wax ring to wax coat my leather boots. Can't tell how well it worked because they're 2" heels and my feet like running shoes. Oh well
That is a great perspective to have. Thank you for sharing. And thank you for the kind words.
I appreciate the inginuity of using the wax ring. I mean, wax is wax, right?!
Thanks for watching & commenting.
Corn, I thoroughly enjoyed your experimentation.
A question, despite this expanding your experience with fabrics, and knowing you like to really suss stuff out. From a time factor, isn't it going to be very labour intensive?
In Northern Ireland, we can buy various colours and types of waxed cotton to suit many purposes. I thought Canada was way ahead of us in so many things, insulation, buildings to withstand extreme weather considering in certain areas your weather is really tough🌧️🌩️⛈️☔💪 and can be very arduous 💦
Can't you buy waxed cotton 🤔 or am I overestimating progress in your Country 🤔🙄 or just missing the point 😞😢
I have enjoyed this Vlog, and have definitely learned from it 🙄😉
Oh it is definitely entirely too much effort that I am putting into one project, but like you said, I do really like to take the road less travelled and figure out every aspect.
You are also correct that we have extreme weathers, but because the country is so large, there are many types. One the east and west coast there is a lot of rain and so chances the options may be similar to yours, but I live in the "middle" so it's more of a cold and snow issue. So think insulation fabrics. All I found at the store was thin waxed linens and nylons that felt too plasticy and not breathable at all.
I waxed a Barbour style, English-look country coat with straight paraffin wax (like your first try). But, it's way too rigid to wear! I've been looking for a video with someone doing a turpentine application, I think your second attempt will be way more comfortable to wear. If you get a sec, how's it going a year later, did you do the full jacket?
I did do they full jacket with a mix of paraffin and bees wax (majority). I documented the full series right after I finished this test if you want to know more.
A year later and I love it more than ever! It settled really nicely. I didn't actually use any turpentine.
I recently did a backpack and did it in 100% bees wax. I love how pliable it is, plus, it smells like honey which is nice :)
You can use a cheap iron.
Certain weaves lend themselves better to waxing than others, it looks like that textile might not be quite tight enough.
Also, the B.L.O. should be mixed with your solvent first, BEFORE pouring it into your melted wax. Adding the linseed oil to the wax, and THEN adding your solvent doean't allow the linsees oil to disperse evenly through the wax.
I REALLY like your presentation, and the insight to waxing before or after sewing your garment is really helpfull!
I think you'll have better luck with a twill weave, like cotton drill, gabardine, or a denim, something with diaganal striped texture. And you can use a lighter weight material since adding wax makes fabric stronger and heavier. I think Burberry starts with a 6oz cotton.
This is great information and I appreciate the tips. One of the unexpected benefits of sharing these videos has been people such as yourself sharing your knowledge. Thank you for adding to the content for myself and other viewers.
Would you consider using this waxed canvas fabric for a pair of rougher, everyday tailored trousers - or would it be a bit too harsh and rugged? Super curious.
I would find it too harsh. I find it's best for an outer layer.
Hi, Is this safe for clothes? Like will it trigger an allergy or irritation? Thank you.
Since this video, I've been using food grade beeswax ... so, yes.
Wait... maybe i missed it.. which technique was the better one with the 2nd coat in the end?
Ultimately, I ended up going with mostly bees wax / little bit of paraffin wax and no linseed oil at all.
I have also done a project more recently where I used only beeswax and quite liked it too (With the added bonus of it smells great.)
Does anyone know if the wax is tranfering to other clothes/assesories (like to a hoodie underneath or a back bag) while wearing the waxed garment?
I used this technique to make a backpack. I've had it for years and haven't had any issues with transferring wax.
Does the body temperature melt the wax?
Not that I'm aware of.
Would this work if only using parafin?
I worry it would get a bit too hard and crunchy when the paraffin wax drys. However, I would recommend trying it with small sample first and doing a test case. Could be fun :)
Thanks for the testing :) Does anyone have any experience on how much the fabric is torn down by weather over time? Considering to make a big tipi of strong cotton canvas and beeswax. Also I suppose one can use 100%beeswax to make it all natural..
I'll be honest, this is "above my pay grade" but I imagine with enough YouTubing and Googling, you can find the answer. I do like the idea of all beeswax though.
Thanks for watching!
If you just use beeswax you'll not get the level of penetration needed. The oils help to soak through the fibres which will increase the waterproofing effect. I only know this from doing my own research before attempting this on a diy cotton tarp.
That's good to know. Thanks for sharing what you know / learned.
I'm going to try different some things with xylene.
Interesting. I hope it works out.
@@CorneliusQuiring I'll keep you posted!
This is the first video of yours that I’ve seen and I’m now a subscriber lol. Im hoping you make a good hoodie from a thick wool blanket.
Jason on the primal_outdoors channel here on CZcams wears one that he made himself and I as well as a bunch of other people want one lol. But of course he doesn’t want to spend a month or two sewing hoodies for everyone lol
Anyway, if you could teach all of us how to make a hoodie like his it would be awesome of you.
Talk about being cool 😎 lol
Thank you in advance lol
First, thank you for subscribing. I hope you keep enjoying the content I produce.
Also, could you share the link to the hoodie you are talking about?
It snowed all day and was chilly yesterday so a hoodie blank is sounding wonderful right now :)
How about linen fabrics?
I'm guessing here, but imagine standard linen would be even less waterproof as I find the typical linen has a looser weave than the cotton twill I used in this video.
Like the video BUT, I would never put this in my own dryer in a regular pillow case, and it's NOT his dryer!
Fair enough.
Duck canvas will be more tightly woven and provide a better result.
Good to know!
Suggestion:
*Don't bother grating the wax. The melting time is largely unrelated to the size of the pieces, and as larger chunks of wax heat up they soften and can be cut smaller with a spatula.
*Use a hot-air gun to heat the waxed fabric, instead of using a pillowcase and clothes dryer, as shown later on.
*Or use a clothes iron (between cloths and/or waxed paper) to heat the waxed cloth.
*Turpentine can be bad news, not just for the smell. Look up the MSDS.
*Linseed oil is a drying oil and will dry like paint. That will be less obvious -- and slower -- when mixed with other ingredients, but might result in changes to the finish over time. *Furthermore, most commercial linseed oils contain a drying agent, and many drying agents are toxic. Know what you're using.
*Finally, it's well to be aware that waxing cloth likely will make the cloth more flammable. There may be some way to render it less flammable by adding another ingredient or pre-treating the fabric in some manner. (I have a book on that subject and could research it if there's sufficient interest -- 4 years after this video was posted.)
Thanks for the tips!
Does it breathe?
Not in my experience
I can think of a faster way to get that fabric waxed ;)
Good thing I have some of this fast stuff :)
Why not waxed wool?
Good question. I haven't thought of it.
Aguante la Coca Sarli!!!
Gracias por ver. (Yo usé el traductor de Google)
I suggest if your putting a garment together you beeswax first before you sew. Maybe 😊.
A great tip indeed. I learned this one the hard way :)
Just got confused with chinese noodles on the stove.
Guys don't watch it in 360p resolution >.
Tehehe
but if you are near any flame you are in trouble
fair enough :)
Maybe you could create a discord community for your channel where people can talk about making clothes etc. Just an idea.
Funny enough, I recently created a discord server for those who support my over on Patreon, I am starting there and will see how I got about growing it. Thanks for watching.
Never use candle, wax beeswax, or microcrystalline are the best waxes to use microcrystalline takes the heat a lot better than beeswax so I would say that is probably the better out of the two but again never use candlewax . You can find really good videos on here telling you the difference between beeswax and microcrystalline.
Thanks for sharing your knowledge and experience in the comments here with myself and others.
Pour and squeegee
Wax jacket is a pointless invention
Fair enough.
@@CorneliusQuiring I mean they should just stick to nylon or synthetic material
I hear you. They are more modern materials indeed.
@@CorneliusQuiring purchased my fist wax jacket few weeks ago already seeing wax coming not very comfortable to wear
That's too bad. I've had a great experience with the one I made. I used a nice soft bees wax that soaked I to the fabric instead if the typical hard candle wax that sits on the fabric.