Waxed Canvas

HISTORY OF WAXED COTTON

Before the development of synthetic fabrics with their built-in water-resistant properties, men had to waterproof their clothing and gear from without, using a variety of natural substances like grease, tannins, beeswax, soap, and tar. For obvious reasons, early mariners had the keenest interest in developing effective waterproofing methods. Sailors of the 16th century would apply grease and fish oils to their sailcloths, which would make them more efficient because they caught and “reflected” the wind versus just absorbing it. The mariners would then cut wind and waterproof capes for themselves from the remnants of the sails, creating garments that kept them from being soaked through as waves splashed over the deck.

As the centuries progressed, pioneers and travelers of all stripes tested other waterproofing substances in the field and tweaked their formulas. During the 19th century, a wax made primarily of paraffin (a substance derived from petroleum) was developed that was extremely waterproof and windproof and wouldn’t become stiff and yellow like previous waxes did when melded with fabric. While the first waxed cotton products started appearing in the mid-1800s or so, it wasn’t until the 1920s that manufacturers started to perfect the process. Outdoorsmen of the early 20th century swore by waxed canvas and used it to craft their tents, Dopp kits, pants, hunting jackets, tool satchels, gun cases, and sleeping bags.

Waxed fabric is still used today in a variety of clothing and equipment, from jackets, to hats, to bags, to tents, and more. We are focused in this traetment mixing the paraffin wax with the beeswax that is ecological and done by local bees, supporting the local businesses and developing a sustainable goods.

CARE & SHAPE

Proper care and treatment of your waxed cotton bag will ensure its longevity. Waxed cotton is a unique and antique high-performance fabric treatment. This wax treatment creates a highly resistant wind and water barrier, while maintaining the breathability of the cotton.

The bag can be rolled, folded, or manipulated in any way, this use develops a gorgeous patina in the canvas fabric, but we recommend storing folded flat to preserve the shape. With use the bag can be softer and lose the shape, to regain the original form you can use the iron machine, for that separate the cotton liner of the exterior waxed canvas and iron this exterior canvas only. you will see like the wax is melted and is reabsorbed by the fabric, in this process you have to carefully put any fabric or old tshirt to protect the iron board, since, the wax will stain everything that is in contact with it. After that let it dry for a few minutes and see how the fabric is then as the first day.

CLEANING

Regular cleaning not only enhances the appearance of your bag but removes dust and dirt that can cause premature wear. Regular cleaning also prevents dirt build-up from becoming irremovable stains.

For the exterior canvas fabric, that is waterproof with the wax treatment, clean with a damp cloth or soft scrub brush if needed, you can use cold or warm water, preferably cold, not hot because wax is soluble with hot temperatures. Do not use detergent or dry clean.

For the interior cotton liner you can hand wash with cold water like any cotton fabric, you can use soap, but carefully to don't spill in the exterior waxed canvas. Both fabrics are sewed by the top edge, this is the limit to use or not the soap.

If the stains are tough, you can try hot water, but scrub gently while the fabric is warm to prevent the wax from washing away. If you absolutely have to use soap to remove the stains, you can do so, if you're okay losing the waterproof nature of the fabric. In this case you must rewax again after the bag is dry.

Doing any of the following will damage or remove the proofing (exterior canvas) and may void the bag's warranty:

· Do not dry clean

· Do not machine wash

· Do not tumble dry

· Do not use soap or detergent of any kind

· Do not use solvents or bleach

· Do not force dry or expose to a direct flame

· Do not expose to direct sunlight for a long period of time (such a rear car window)

REPROOFING

Most waxed cotton bags will need regular reproofing within a year if worn frequently, or even sooner if you notice that the coat is drying out due to exposure to the elements. Uneven, shiny or dry areas, or where moisture no longer beads, is a good indicator to reproof those specific areas. It is not necessary to reproof the entire bag unless it has been washed.

By reproofing your waxed bag, you can bring bakc its original water-resistant finish. On top of prolonging the life of your bag, reproofing will also revive the fabric's colour and help to prevent holes from forming along the seams of your bag. Bags can be as good as new with an easy application of reproofing wax.

· Be sure that the bag is clean and dry. Lay it on a flat surface and apply the wax sparingly wiht a soft, lint-free cotton cloth.

· Try using a hair dryer to warm the wax an the cloth and on the bag as you apply it. This will make the aplication easier and more uniform.

· Spread the wax evenly, working it into the fabric a circular motion. Do not coat the surface too thickly or it will not be able to absorb it all. Seams and worn areas will require more wax.

· Wipe off the excess wax and hang bag to dry overnight in a well-ventilated area.

· The next day, spread out any excess wax not absorbed. Apply more wax to the areas that still appear shiny or dry.

WHERE TO GET THE WAX

Using paraffin is definitely the old school way to go, but it has it downsides. Filson, for instance, makes a paraffin wax, though it’s specifically for maintaining already waxed items. Sure, you can apply it to your non-waxed clothing, but you won’t get the same result, and the application is a bit more difficult and involved.

Paraffin is also the byproduct of fossil fuels, and is found to be toxic in some uses. In candles, for instance, it has been found to be a source of indoor air pollution. When you wax with paraffin you have to make sure the room is well-ventilated, and it’s a substance you just may not want infused into your clothing.

For these reasons, We decided on recomend Otter Wax (we have no affiliation, nor is this an ad). It’s the only natural waxing product out there, which appealed to us. It’s also specially formulated to treat and waterproof non-waxed items and has the easiest application process of any product out there. It’s also the only wax carried and endorsed by Huckberry, so you know it’s a winner.

STORAGE

To ensure the longevity or your wax cotton coat, always be sure to hang it in a well-ventilated area. Dried mud, sand grit and dirt should be removed as soon as possible, as it will have an abrasive affect on the waxed cotton.

Items stored not completely dried or stored in a humid area may very well develop mildew. Once stored, regularly inspect your bag for mildew or mildew-indicating smell to prevent damage form occurring to your bag.

Hang or roll/fold your bags in a dry, cool and well-ventilated space.