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Waxed Canvas
How often do I need to wax canvas? How Will I Know It's Time?
Most waxed items will maintain water repellency for about 1-3 years with regular use. We recommend waxing every five years regardless to maintain the integrity of the fabric from issues like dry rot or mold. Oils also evaporate and make the wax coating more brittle and less able to effectively coat all the fabric fibers.
If water is soaking through your item's fabric in the span of a few minutes, it's almost certainly time for a rewax. If you're still not sure, try our test below.
How do I test my item to see if it is ready for a rewax?
The easiest way to test the waterproofing of your item is to grab a spray bottle and wet the entirety of the item, with extra saturation of highly-exposed areas, and observe if the water is beading and running off. After, let it sit for 30 to 60 minutes and wipe off your item; light, residual dampness on the surface is normal, but the fabric should not be dark or saturated. Check the inside, of your item, if there's permeation, it's time to get it waxed.
What wax should I use for rewaxing my item? Will any wax work?
While it's typically ideal to match the wax you use to the brand of your item, you will still get good results with any reputable brand of canvas and fabric wax (we like Otter Wax for its superior abrasion resistance and all natural ingredients). We encourage people to avoid wax blends or recipes that have not been specifically created for fabric waxing or that contain toxic ingredients.
My item is new, does it need to be waxed?
The short answer is no, but we still recommend testing the waterproofing before your first use. You shouldn't need to wax within the first year, however there are many variables in the production of waxed canvas that affect the final product, everything from storage conditions to the age of the fabric, so performance can almost always be improved, even on new products, with a wax.
Should I use a heat gun or hair dryer to melt the wax?
For almost all canvas wax blends, a hair dryer should be more than hot enough. A heat gun with a variable setting will also work fine, but be sure to start low and adjust the temperature as needed. Be aware of other materials your item may be constructed with, such as synthetic fabric or thread, that may burn or melt if exposed to high heat for too long. Ensure good ventilation and keep a fire extinguisher nearby.
I have an unwaxed canvas item that I would like to waterproof, how do I know if it can be waxed?
Almost any heavy fabric that has a large percentage of cotton can be waxed, but effectiveness will vary. We've found that fabric comprised of at least 60% cotton and with a weight of 4oz is the minimum for an item to be a candidate for effective waxing. We offer waxing for unwaxed items, but for items that cannot be effectively waxed, spray-on or wash-in waterproofing solutions can be helpful for improving water-resistance.
How does waxed canvas compare to synthetic materials, like Gore-Tex?
Synthetic materials have their place in the pantheon of outdoor equipment: weight and packability, minimal maintenance (not no maintenance), breathability (though this is product-dependent), and lots of affordable-yet-effective items. That said, we like waxed canvas for a few big reasons: ability to maintain (and even improve) waterproofing over time, durability, ease of effective repair, and longevity.
Will the wax on my item melt in hot weather or near a fire?
Even the waxes with the lowest melting points don't begin to melt until around 100°F (38°C); waxes used for fabric generally have a higher melting point, so unless you have your waxed item out on the hottest days or are very close to a fire for a long period of time, you'll be fine. If you do find wax having melted away for some reason, a simple touch-up of the area will make your item as good as new.
Our Waxing Process
Do you work on _____ brand of jacket?
We work on all brands of waxed jackets, from well-recognized larger companies to smaller and more bespoke workshops, even defunct brands that have note operated for decades. As long as the canvas is suitable, we'll wax it.
Past projects include: Barbour, Filson, Tobacco Motorwear, Fjallraven, Flint and Tinder, Iron and Resin, Belstaff, Tom Beckbe, Kuhl, Devium, Freenote Cloth, Tin Duck Denim, Rogue Territory, Black Bear Workwear, Ship John, Heat Straps, and Bradley Mountain; with more being worked on all the time.
How do I Order?
We have an entire Ordering Process page dedicated to helping you navigate sending in your item. There's some footwork, but we try to make your waxing experience as streamlined as possible. If anything is unclear, reach out and Contact Us.
Do your services have a warranty?
Yes! We guarantee restoration of your item's water-resistance. If you notice water permeation within the first three months after completion of service, we will touch up and waterproof any areas that are identified and confirmed to be “wetting out” free of charge. There are some stipulations, check out our Policies page for more.
The main takeaway is that if there is an issue with your item's waxing, we will work with you to make sure you and your item are taken care of.
What wax will you use for my item?
We use a variety of commercial and proprietary wax blends and select based on what's best-suited for your item. If your item's brand has a corresponding wax (Filson or Barbour, for example), we will use that wax. For our proprietary wax blends, they are derived from natural ingredients and are petroleum-free.
Do I need the Deep Clean Service?
Our DCS is primarily intended for heavily soiled or items with deep stains, and most items will not require deep cleaning. The best thing you can do is contact us, but if your item looks like this, we encourage cleaning. Another quick test: would you bring or wear your item going out with a friend whom you haven't seen for a long time? If yes, you're likely fine; if you're unsure, then a deep clean may be just the thing to help bring your item back to looking and performing its best. If we receive your item and think it could benefit from a DCS, we will reach out with that recommendation.
We only require a DCS for items that may be saturated in, or regularly come into contact with, hazardous materials, bodily fluids, or mold/mildew. More information available in our Policies section.
My item has leather accents, will you treat them?
Yes! Many waxed canvas items have leather accents or panels as part of the construction. We always condition and wax your item's leather so that it is supple and able to resist the elements.
How do I use the Otter Wax you sell?
Step 1: Rub the Otter Wax bar into your canvas using firm, even pressure, making sure there are no unwaxed spots that will let water in. Use the edge of the bar to get into or under stitching and seams.
Step 2: Work in wax with your fingers to even out the finish (gloves recommended).
Step 3: Carefully apply heat to soften wax for a smooth finish and even coverage.
Step 4: Test for waterproofing using our test at the top of the page and touch up where necessary.
Do you do repairs or alterations?
We do not officially offer repairs or alterations, but if your item has a hole that is less than 1/2" across, we are happy to look at sewing it up. This not meant to be a repair with the same refinement as a professional tailor; it is meant to protect your item's fabric from further damage. Currently we charge $5 per hole; please email us a picture of the area in question to confirm that we can perform the repair.
For professional repairs and tailoring, we highly, highly recommend The FXRY.
I love my patina and don't want my item cleaned, can you still rewax?
We want to respect you and your item's relationship and history and will adhere to any request you make, including not cleaning. Because wax typically does not adhere as well to dirty fabric, there is the risk of the item not waterproofing correctly. Please note in your order if you would not like us to perform cleaning.
Caring for Waxed Canvas
Why does my waxed canvas get creases and does affect performance?
"Craze lines" or creasing is common with fabrics treated with wax and is often considered by many to be a big part of what gives waxed canvas its character. While they don't affect performance, they can be an indication of higher-friction areas where the wax may wear out sooner and benefit from touching up.
How do I know what is patina and what is dirt?
Patina is subjective and ultimately what makes you happiest when you see, wear, or use your item, but there can be too much of a good thing. While there is no standard by which to differentiate between the two, we define patina as the composite effect of permanent changes in the materials and construction of your item. This means those changes will remain regardless of cleaning and that we feel that dirt is oftentimes hiding the true, lived-in character of an item. In short, patina cannot be removed, dirt can and should be.
When and how should I wash my waxed canvas?
When and how should I wash my waxed canvas? When an item begins to make other things or people dirty, or if rewaxing still does not render an item waterproof, that means it's time to clean. For washing, always adhere to the instructions that accompany your item. If no instructions are included, our recommendation is to spot clean with room temperature water and a sponge or medium-bristle brush, with only the necessary pressure required to lift the dirt. For stubborn stains or oil, let item soak overnight and then scrub select areas with castile soap, spot-testing somewhere inconspicuous first. Be sure to fully rinse soap out of fabric and let item dry fully prior to waxing.
Why can't I wash my items in a machine or with detergents?
First and foremost, because it can ruin your washer and drier. The next best reason is that a hot wash from your washer will melt out much of the wax from your item, necessitating a rewax. Even with washing on cold (while better) the surfactants in a detergent will isolate and remove oils, an important component of most wax blends.
Too late, I already washed my waxed canvas item in machine, can it be saved?
If you have already washed your waxed canvas item in a machine, don't worry, you can restore the waterproofing with some persistence. Before rewaxing, melt any wax that has been pulled from the fabric back in and then commence waxing as normal. You may have to do multiple coats, but should be able to restore your waterproofing to normal.
What about washable waxed cotton?
Washable waxed cotton (often referred to as dry wax) is an amazing advancement in the world of natural waterproofing, but there are still special care considerations. First and foremost, always follow your item's care tag. If your item does not include cleaning instructions, industry standards include using your machine's gentle cycle on a cold setting either without soap or with soap flakes, and to either hang dry or tumble dry with low heat. We don't recommend washing too frequently, as wax is still slowly removed and eventually requires reproofing.
How can I touch up waxed canvas before my next rewaxing?
Touching up is not only only safe for your item, but helpful to maintain water repellency as well as protect the fabric and stitching from wear and fraying. If you notice an area where water is penetrating, wait until the area dries and then apply your preferred wax. Ensure appropriate ventilation when melting wax. If you have many areas requiring touchups, washable tailor's chalk can be helpful for noting which spots need to be waxed.
Discounts
How often do you have sales?
We do not regularly have sales and when we do they are generally for only a day or two. Follow us on Instagram for your best chance of catching a sale.
Wax The Wardrobe: 10% Off of Multiple Items
Have multiple items in need of waxing? Our "Wax the Wardrobe" discount takes 10% off your order when you get two or more items waxed at the same time.
Discount only applies to our Classic Canvas Waxing Service, is not transferable, and is only applicable to items from same owner in the same order. Cannot be combined with other discounts. Does not include tax or shipping.
Union Strong: 20% Discount for Union Members
If you retain a valid status within a recognized labor, trade, industrial, craft, public-sector, or professional union, Contact Us to receive a 20% discount code for your order of up to four items.
Actively leading or participating in a workplace unionization effort? Contact Us to discuss eligibility.
Discount only applies to our Classic Canvas Waxing Service. Maximum of one discount per person per 365 days. Discount is not transferable, and is only applicable to items from same owner in the same order. Cannot be combined with other discounts. Maximum discount value of $68. Does not include tax or shipping.
Acceptable proof may be a union membership card, dues statement, pay
stub or tax form showing union deductions, initiation or reinstatement
letter, collective-bargaining unit roster, employer
correspondence referencing union membership, meeting notice or minutes
naming the individual, or other document that clearly ties the
applicant’s name to current or continuing union affiliation.
Good Neighbor Discount: 10% Off for Capitol Hill Residents
Giving back to the neighbors and community that make what we do possible. Contact Us with proof of residence or employment within Capitol Hill to receive a special 10% off code for one Classic Canvas Waxing Service. See neighborhood boundaries HERE.
Maximum of one discount per person per 365 days. Discount is not transferable. Cannot be combined with other discounts. Maximum discount value of $8.50. Does not include tax or shipping.