reproofing Wax: how to make at home.

Reproofing wax for oilskins is very expensive.  I’ve been researching on how to make my own for cheap.  Here is basically what  I’ve learned across so far.  Please note that I haven’t made any yet so anyone interested in experimenting with this recipe is welcome to it.  Let, me know how it comes out.

1/2 pound wax(bee’s wax or paraffin)

1/2 quart raw linseed oil

1/2 quart turpintine

optional:

1/2 cup orange oil( for smell)

1/2 cup pine tar(? helps keep wax soft when cold? not sure.)

Heat the linseed oil and melt wax into oil.  This should be done outdoors with care since both are flammable ingredients.  A double boiler might be helpful.   Once all wax is melted, remove from heat and add turpentine to mixture.  Add optional ingredients now if desired.  The proportions aren’t exact.  More wax gives better protection and a stiffer coat while more linseed oil offers less stiffness but less protection.   Turpentine helps thin the mixture but requires more outdoor airing time(Your coat is going to smell heavily of turpentine.)   Also,  wax need not be food grade.  you can save a lot of money by buying unprocessed bee’s wax.

How to Apply:

place reproofing container into boiling water until reproofing wax melts.  brush on thinly  in small sections of the coat.  go over the whole coat with a blow dryer to melt the wax thoroughly into coat.  Let air for a few days outdoors out of the rain until smell is acceptable and .  A warm place away from direct sunlight is good.

Update:

I got around to making some reproofing oil. I edited the recipe after reading all I can online about reproofing formulas.  thre current forumla is:

2 part Boiled Linseed oil

2 part mineral oil( available at drug store )

2 part paraffin wax( available at supermarket as parowax)

1 part mineral spirits(paint thinner)

1/2 part vitamin E oil( available at drug store )

How to make:

I did this in the kitchen with windows fully open and kitchen door open because I was afraid of fumes. actually there wasn’t much fumes and I think the open window would have been enough.  I boil the stuff over the stove top burner in a old coffee can.  I found it no more dangerous than frying chicken but do so at own risk.  First, put linseed oil  and paraffin wax in pot/container and place over medium heat.  The wax melts faster if its been cut up into peaces.  Once wax melts.  take off heat and stir in other ingredients.  The stuff will be very watery, don’t let that fool you. it will dry hard.  After its cooled enough, poor it into a container that’s low and wide so you can scoop your hand into the container later.  To use, place container in sink of hot water for a few minutes.  This will melt the mixture enough for use. or place container in boiling water for a few minutes.

The above wax works fine but smells and is some what greasy.  I heard store bought ones do too.  But I think I can make one better and cheaper than the store stuff.  My next try will not use linseed oil or paint thinner at all.  New formula:

1 part mineral oil

1 part paraffin wax

1/4 part vitamin E oil

1/4 part lanolin

As soon as my shipment of lanolin comes in i’ll make a new batch.

Tags: dressing, how, make, oilskin, recipe, reproof, reproofing, tincloth, wax