How to Re-Wax a Canvas Jacket

Canvas jackets have a long history behind them and have been a complexity of male attire for quite some time. Over the years, we’ve perfected the methods of re-waxing canvas jackets, restoring them to their original look and feel; but you won’t have to re-wax your jacket often.

Having come around during the 19th century, canvas jackets were designed to last even in the harshest of conditions. Intended to protect the wearer from the cold, waxed canvas jackets were constructed specifically for warmth, though they’ve become more of a novelty in the modern age. More-so than many other article of clothing, waxed canvas jackets are timeless and fascinating entries in the long history of fashion.

Ever wonder where your canvas jacket may have originated from? Well, it all started with the deep blue…

Waterproofing History

How did the waxed canvas jacket come about? It all dates back to the early 19th century and started with a keen observation of the flax-based fabric of the clipper and merchant ship seals. On the high seas, the sails would become wet and wind up catching the wind better. The more water they took on, the faster the ship seemed to sail as air could not pass through the saturated fabric. Keeping in mind that the sails needed to be wet to be at their most effective, sailors considered the possibility of waterproofing them while retaining the ability to better catch wind and sail at higher speeds.

To do so, the concept to cure the fabric with Linseed oil came about. Unlike sails saturated with water, those cured with Linseed would remain lightweight, making them just as easy to hoist and release as when the sails were dry. Now, it seems like there’s still a long ways to go until the concept of curing fabric with Linseed oil to waterproof it to go from ship sails to jackets, but sailors were much smarter back then than they get credit for.

Noticing how much more efficient the sails were after being waterproofed, sailors then turned to their attire. What if they could wear normal clothing and avoid getting bogged down by water saturation? With a possible answer to the dilemma, 19th century fisherman developed the first slicker jacket, though there were still improvements to be made.

Linseed oil calcified fabrics, making them even more difficult to move in than when they were waterlogged. No matter the original color of the fabric, Linseed oil also caused it to yellow overtime, giving garments an unclean and old look. Fisherman were also having issues with flax, the material used to waterproof linen canvas clothing and wound up turning to cotton canvas materials.

The lighter and cheaper cotton remained soft, unlike flax, and was easy to maneuver in regardless of the conditions. Gradually, cotton canvas replaced flax and was constructed in two ply while retaining its softer, malleable qualities. To keep it as such, Linseed oil was set aside for Paraffin wax, which prevented fabric stiffening and yellowing. With that revelation, the waxed canvas jacket was born and has been a popular option well into the modern age. During World War II, the British Armed Forces turned to the waxed canvas jacket, making it the only army to wear waterproof clothing.

Long after the war, waxed canvas has become a staple of fashion, popping up in trends across generations. One crowd that constantly turns to waxed canvas jackets are motorcyclists. It’s a testament to the durability of the jacket to be favoured by people who, at any moment, could find themselves scraping against asphalt.

If there’s one thing every owner of a waxed canvas jacket will agree on, it’s that re-waxing it is essential to lasting wearing. Reapplying wax ensures that the jacket retains its waterproof qualities and continues to have that staple look expected from waxed canvas.

Should you go the route of a waxed canvas jacket, caring for it can be a little more involved than your typical windbreaker, but the lasting effects are well worth the extra work.

 

How to Re-Wax Your Canvas Jacket

It may sound like one of those tasks that takes two seconds and you’re done, but re-waxing a canvas jacket is a little bit of a process. First of all, you’re going to need four essential supplies that you should be able to find easily. Then, there’s the actual process, which is a four-step ordeal that requires patience and care.

The Necessary Supplies

Before you even think about waxing your canvas jacket, you’ll need these four items:

     1. Wax

A no-brainer necessity. There are several different brands and kinds of wax you can buy, which we’ll get into a little later on. While the decision is partially based on preference, you may find that people tend to lean toward paraffin wax. If you go with paraffin, you also want to invest in a mask as it’s known to give off pollutants that can be harmful when inhaled.

No matter the type of wax, always re-wax your jacket in a well-ventilated room.

     2. Heat Gun/Hair Dryer

It doesn’t have to be anything fancy, so long as it is a steady and direct heat source.

     3. Bristle Scrub Brush/Lint Roller

            Don’t buy a steel brush or anything with bristles that don’t move against the fabric. If the brush is too stiff, soften it up a bit so it’s softer and easier on your jacket.

Your standard lint roller will work, but avoid one of those fabric shavers.

     4. Clean Cloth

            Just a soft cloth that will be used to wipe off excess wax. Doesn’t need to be anything fancy.

 

The Re-Waxing Process

With your wax chosen and supplies purchased, you’re ready to get down to business. Follow these steps carefully and to a “T” and your jacket will come out looking brand new.

 

Cleaning Your Garment

            Before you do anything, make sure your jacket is clean. That means removing any signs of lint and debris to prevent it from getting caught in the wax. Whatever you do, don’t toss your jacket into a washing machine and don’t use any detergents or soaps while scrubbing it.

Applying the Wax

            Once the jacket is free from all debris, it’s time to go old school and apply the wax. The process is slow and requires care. Your jacket is delicate, so the process of applying the wax should be as well. Using the cloth, rub heated wax onto the jacket, making sure to coat the entirety of the exterior. Since wax keeps your jacket waterproof, you want to hit every inch of the canvas, including at the seams and all nooks. Avoid getting wax on the interior of pockets.

 

Heating Your Jacket

            When you’re satisfied with your wax application, take the heat gun or hair dryer and turn it to its lowest setting. Evenly run the dryer or gun over the jacket, making sure to heat every inch of it. Once the wax appears to be dry, hang the jacket up and let it sit in a dry, warm area for up to 24 hours.

The Test Run

            It’s time to see if all your hard work paid off. As mentioned previously, if you properly re-waxed your jacket, it should repel liquids. Spray water on it to make sure the droplets roll off the canvas and don’t get soaked in. The canvas should also retain a glossy sheen if the wax dried properly.

 

The Best Waxes for Your Canvas Jacket

Now that you know what you’re doing, let’s take a look at some of the wax products you should be doing it with.