WAXED CANVAS CARE

 

Caring For Waxed Canvas


What is waxed canvas and how do I care for it?

The waxed canvas we use is sourced from a family-owned and operated company that has been expertly applying this process to high quality fabrics for nearly 100 years in the USA. Waxed canvas is a utilitarian and highly specialized textile that precludes normal cleaning. Just as you wouldn’t wash leather/suede product such as shoes, gloves, or jackets, you won’t be able to wash or dry clean your waxed canvas. A periodic cleaning with a damp cloth is all that is needed. High stress areas such as shoulders, elbows and cuffs can be refinished with a wax refinishing compound, which can help restore the wax finish meant to stand up to weather and hard work. This material can be compared to an oiled leather in many ways and should be cared for in a similar fashion. The wax compound that the fabric mill uses on the canvas is Martexin Wax.


How do I store and clean waxed canvas?

Waxed canvas should be stored in a cool, dry, well-ventilated space. Because waxed canvas is an organic, cotton-based material that can trap moisture under the waxed coating, mildew will naturally start forming if it is stored for long periods in an enclosed space where there is not a lot of constant air ventilation/circulation (like a closet). You especially want to avoid damp and warm environments like garages, attics, and basements; this helps to maintain the waxed canvas' integrity and prevent mold growth. When not in use for extended periods, consider re-waxing your garment to replenish the protective layer if needed.

Interior cleaning: you can try spraying with a vinegar solution (1:1 white vinegar and warm water) or gently wipe with a damp rag & mild soap. Dry completely, preferably in direct sunlight. Because cleaning can remove some of the waxed finish, you may need to re-apply wax as needed.

Exterior jacket stains that set into the jacket are a part of the life of the jacket now. Do not rub at them with a rag as this will leave a scuffed look and change the color of the fabric in that area. You can use a soft cloth or soft brush to brush away any dirt sitting on the top of the fabric.


How is the wax applied?

The US-based fabric mill that we source the fabric from has a proprietary process for applying the waxed finish. The wax is not applied topically. It is applied using a very specialized process which actually impregnates the canvas with the wax, allowing the wax to fully saturate the canvas, and leaving the canvas with very little tackiness or sticky waxy feel. It also adds longevity to the water repellency and overall strength of the fabric. Waxed canvas is NOT water-proof and is not meant to be worn as a rain jacket, but it has natural water repellency due to the waxed finish. If you get your jacket completely soaked in the rain, you can expect shrinkage and overall stripping of the waxed finish.

How do I re-wax my jacket?

We get asked a lot if we re-wax jackets, the answer is no. The fabric comes to us already treated with wax, that is not a process we do ourselves. Over the life of your jacket, the waxed finish will naturally diminish with wear and you can expect to have to re-wax it to maintain the finish. Re-waxing will darken the overall color of the jacket. There are several online tutorials on how to re-wax a jacket, but here's a good "how-to" video.