How To: Apply Fabric Wax
Extend the life of cotton & canvas gear.
Why Waxing is Beneficial
Every winter I perform basic gear maintenance to prepare for the coming year. One of the first tasks I focus on is waxing my cotton and canvas items. Adding a layer of wax creates a barrier that prevents moisture from soaking into your fabric. This simple trick has proved useful for keeping water from seeping through my hiking boots when I cross streams or hit a puddle. I wear waxed canvas pants camping since I frequently kneel in the dirt setting up the tent or tending the fire.
DO NOT machine wash clothes you plan on waxing. If you need to clean them in the future hand wash with a wet towl to scrub out stains.
Getting Started
Today I am going to wax my Carhartt jacket so I can use it during the winter in Colorado despite rain or snow. It’s up for debate on which “wax blend” is the best for canvas (beeswax, paraffin, etc). I believe in using what you already have readily available.
If you don’t have any wax on hand then I recommend getting a natural blend like Otter Wax’s Fabic Wax.
Prepare Your Fabric
Any items you want to wax should be clean, dry, and free of dirt or grime. I recommend prepping your canvas surface with a heat source to make applying the wax less labor-intensive. You could throw clothes in the dryer, use a clothes iron without steam, a heat gun, or a hair dryer.
I used a clothes iron on my jacket so I could have more control over the heat in each area while applying my wax. I prefer a hair dryer for my boots.
Apply Wax
With a little bit of pressure rub the wax into your item. Smooth consistent strokes worked the best for me. Make sure to cover the entire surface area with wax.
If you don’t want a distressed look on your clothing then skip the heat and use more pressure to rub the wax in using friction.
Coat Evenly
After waxing, take a flat piece of plastic or the edge of a piece of wood and use it as a scraper to smooth out the wax from side to side until you get an even coating. This is an art, not a science.
I used an extra plastic pan scraper I keep in my camp kitchen for cast iron.
Blend & Dry
Now that you have an even coating of wax, take a brush and blend any white spots of extra wax still showing. Keep brushing as needed until you have a smooth light sheen over the fabric. When you’re finished let the waxed items air dry for 24 hours to allow the wax to seal.
I recommend using a bristled brush tough enough to blend the wax but not sharp enough that it will scratch your fabric.
Reapply as Needed
Over time the wax coating will wear off depending on usage and conditions. I wax my hiking boots every year because I hike almost weekly. I camp less frequently so I won’t need to wax my jacket and pants again for several seasons.
