Waxing/Oiling A Garment

[jyl]

Slightly off the wall question.

I have a warm jacket that I like quite well. Just the right amount of warmth for Pac NW winters, cozy lining, enough pockets, hood, etc. The only problem is that it is not rain proof or even particularly rain resistant. The exterior fabric looks pretty tight weave, but water soaks in.

So I'm thinking, what if I apply wax to it - along the lines of a Barbour or Filson "oil cloth" raincoat?

Has anyone tried to wax a garment that wasn't originally waxed?

The jacket didn't cost me anything - I think someone left it at my house? - so there's no monetary risk, but I do like it and wouldn't want to have to throw it out.

[masraum]

Interesting! Following to learn more. I've wondered the same in the past.

[911 Rod]

What about the stuff for tents?

[flatbutt]

I have only used Scotch products on some of my backpacking gear.

Like this but not specifically
https://www.amazon.com/Scotchgard-Repellent-Household-Upholstery-Long-Lasting/dp/B085JZ2SNS/ref=sr_1_3?adgrpid=1333708175997443&hvadid=83356909960737&hvbmt=be&hvdev=c&hvlocphy=99024&hvnetw=o&hvqmt=e&hvtargid=kwd-83357120281595%3Aloc-190&hydadcr=24628_13493317&keywords=scotch+waterproofing+spray&qid=1667403791&qu=eyJxc2MiOiIyLjI2IiwicXNhIjoiMS43NSIsInFzcCI6IjE uNTAifQ%3D%3D&sr=8-3

[Roswell]

Is the outer layer of the jacket cotton or a synthetic? Cotton will absorb the wax easily, melt it in with a blow dryer. This stuff:

https://www.amazon.com/Barbour-Weight-Jacket-4oz-Wax/dp/B07P7FFRXT/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_product_top?ie=UTF8

[red-beard]

For non-leather, I think Scotch Guard is a solution. For leather, there are waxes, etc (Mink Oil) that can be used. I remember Mink oil darkening boots but working very well.

[jyl]

Outer is 65% cotton 35% nylon.

[Roswell]

try the bar on a small spot and see if it absorbed

waxed jackets are great, especially with your weather...

[jyl]

Yeah I love waxed jackets. I have a Barbour raincoat which is fantastic, but it is very very beaten up and needs to be sent back for refurbishment, and has no insulation anyway.

[mjohnson]

Following - got a Filson canvas bag/duffle to chase kiddo 9y ago whilst she was in the NICU. Regardless, she's getting it when she's 18, but I wonder about waxing it. It's a beast even without the waterproofing though...

[Evans, Marv]

I have a jacket like that - warm, comfy lining, feels like a heavy fabric shell (don't know what kind of fabric - cotton of synthetic), forest green color. I found it while taking a walk on an abandoned highway. I suppose somebody servicing underground cable in the area put it down & forgot about it. I'm just going to spray Scotch Guard on the shell to make it rain resistant.

[Shaun @ Tru6]

I used resin-coated fabric for our fleece-lined boy's parkas. I wonder if a flexible low durometer resin is something you could brush on. It had a great feel and was completely waterproof.

[jyl]

Looks like resin spray is used by crafters, maybe I'll go check a Michaels' or similar store.

This article mentions another waterproofing method: washing powder and aluminum potassium sulfate - that's a method I haven't heard of. The "immensely potent and toxic" part is a little off-putting.

https://waterprooftips.com/how-to-waterproof-fabric/#:~:text=How%20to%20Waterproof%20Fabric%3A%205%20E ffective%20Methods%201,...%205%205.%20Use%20Washin g%20Powder%20%26%20Alum

[masraum]

Originally Posted by jyl

Looks like resin spray is used by crafters, maybe I'll go check a Michaels' or similar store.

This article mentions another waterproofing method: washing powder and aluminum potassium sulfate - that's a method I haven't heard of. The "immensely potent and toxic" part is a little off-putting.

https://waterprooftips.com/how-to-waterproof-fabric/#:~:text=How%20to%20Waterproof%20Fabric%3A%205%20E ffective%20Methods%201,...%205%205.%20Use%20Washin g%20Powder%20%26%20Alum

LOL! Just a little.