A Guide to Making Canvas Wax

 

Canvas wax that has been applied, but needs melting in

Making your own canvas wax is a great skill to learn. It's also cheaper than buying it from the shops as well.

Firstly, you're going to need a few materials:

Paraffin wax 
Beeswax
A mould
A tin can
A cooking container
Leather work gloves

Canvas wax fresh from the mould

The ratio for creating the wax is 9 parts paraffin wax to 1 part beeswax. For example, if the mould I am using holds 100 grams, I am going to measure out 90 grams of paraffin wax and 10 grams of beeswax.

Once you have created your blend of paraffin wax and beeswax, place the mix into the tin can. Once you have completed this step, you can take your cooking container and fill it up with water and place your tin can with the wax mixture inside.

Now place the container on a heat source and bring the water to a rolling boil. This technique is called the double boiler and is safe way of melting your wax without setting it on fire. Once the water is at a boil, the wax will begin to melt. During this time, you can prepare your mould by ensuring that it is clean and on a flat surface, ready for the pouring process.

Once the wax has melted, put on your leather work gloves and pick up the tin with the melted wax, pour it slowly and from a height of 8 inches. This will help to ensure that air bubbles are kept to a minimum. Once the mould is full, leave the wax to set overnight. 

Your wax can now be removed from your mould and is ready to use.

Water beading on waxed canvas

How to Apply the Canvas Wax

Applying the canvas wax is a simple process. First ensure that the canvas you wish to wax has been  cleaned. Any dirt that is in the fabric will make it harder for the wax to soak into the fabric and make it waterproof. Once you are sure the fabric is clean, you are now ready to apply the wax.

Take your canvas wax and begin applying it to the canvas in long strokes. ensuring that even pressure is applied at all times. Do this until the fabric is completely covered. Now the wax is ready to be melted into the fabric. For this process a hot flat iron, a heat gun or even a hairdryer can be used to melt the wax into the fabric. Be careful not to apply too much heat and burn the fabric. Do this until all the wax melts into the fabric. Repeat the above steps if the waxed canvas is going to see lots of use, such as a tarp or backpack. 

Your canvas is now waxed and ready to use.