Care (rewaxing)

Hello all

I have a few different methods of waterproofing to share with the community.

Depending on the amount of time outside and the regularity of applying canvak or other waterproofers will determine when you need to do this... or the old method is to rewax when it 'Starts to Leak' :)

Some people can get away with over the counter sprays... but... the 24/7 outside crew need more... especially if it has already started to leak/

Linseed Oil:

There is an old method in using Boiled Linseed Oil on canvas... but... linseed oil could spontanious combust rags when still wet. (old is not always good LOL)

this is a 50/50 mix of linseed oil and mineral spirits... this is good for canvas tents as they do not have overlaping sections of canvas to hold the oils and possibly combust.... if you want to try it... its at your own risk :) ... but... this method was used upto the late 1800's it is a proven and well documented method of waterproofing canvas.

Waxing:

Wax Method #1....

Wax Stick:

wax can be applied with a wax stick and then using a heat gun it will melt and absorb into the fabric... time consuming .... and lots of rubbing LOL

Wax Method #2.....

Wax Paste:

wax is applied using a mixture of chemicals and then using a heatgun will melt itself into the canvas.

(4) Beeswax

32oz. Mineral Spirits

-optional Boiled Linseed Oil 2 oz

The beeswax you can get from any home store (toilet bowl rings :) ) you need 4 for a full soft top.

1) in a pot heat (do NOT boil) the mineral spirits and boiled linseed oil.

2) when heating put the beeswax in and stir till completely melted

3) allow to cool ... it will form a paste

4) rub the paste on the canvas (take care around windows)

5) using a heat gun melt the paste into the fibers as you apply in areas of about 1-2' sq

6) allow the canvas to fully dry

7) done :)

Wax Method #3 .... MY PERFERED METHOD :)  

Wax Brush-On:

basically the same as paste till step #2.

wax is applied using a mixture of chemicals and then using a heatgun will melt itself into the canvas.

(4) Beeswax

32oz. Mineral Spirits

Solvent-Proof type brush 

-optional Boiled Linseed Oil 2 oz

The beeswax you can get from any home store (toilet bowl rings :) ) you need 4 for a full soft top.

1) in a pot heat (do NOT boil) the mineral spirits and boiled linseed oil.

2) when heating put the beeswax in and stir till completely melted

3) while the mixture is still wet apply to canvas using a 'Solvent-Proof' brush like a chip brush from HD

4) take care around windows it is runny and if it gets on the window it could discolor if not removed

5) using a heat gun go over the areas that you brush to fully allow the wax into the fibers

6) allow the canvas to fully dry

7) done :) store theb excess ... it will become a paste... reheat when needed to keep a liquid

Silicone Method  *** permanent*** (Can not be undone!!!)

Spray-On:

Silicone is applied using a mixture of chemicals and then allowed to dry.

tube clear 100% silicone

Mineral Spirits

16oz clear water bottle (empty and dry)

windex style spray bottle (empty and dry)

This is the same type of silicone you can get from any home store. You will not need the whole tube.

Mix only what you need to apply... can not be stored.

1) in a clear 16oz water bottle (dry no water inside) fill 3/4 with mineral spirits

2) add silicone to the mineral spirits untill there is 1 1/2" from the top of the bottle

3) shake bottle untill all silicone has been disolved into the mineral spirits

4) transfer into windex style bottle

5) spray onto canvas surface

6) allow the canvas to fully dry... accelerate with heat gun if desired

7) done :)