Guide: How to Recondition Waxed Canvas
Waxed cotton canvas, it’s the timeless companion of people who loiter in the wilderness, it thrives on adventure, its durable, and it has a wide range of uses. But, it does require a little bit of care to keep it in the best condition.
In this guide we will teach you how to recondition cotton waxed canvas, extending its life, and ensuring that its always ready for the next trip.
Materials Needed:
Beeswax or a beeswax blend with natural oils (we prefer natural ingredients as we often use our waxed canvas as a surface to prepare food).
Clean, lint-free cloth or brush
Heat source (hairdryer, iron, or heat gun)
Clean, dry cloth for buffing
Step-by-Step Reconditioning
Step 1: Assess the Canvas
Begin by inspecting the canvas for areas that have lost their protective wax coating or worn through and need repair.
Pay close attention to areas where the fabric often bends or creases - these areas tend to need the most frequent attention.
This is also a good opportunity to remove loose mud and dirt. A stiff brush can help to remove dry grime stuck deep in the fabric weave.
Step 2: Gentle Cleaning
For stubborn dirt, resist the urge to douse your canvas item in warm water. Instead, use a damp cloth to moisten the dirt and work it out. Washing with warm or hot water will remove the wax and oils even more and can be tough to remove from other surfaces.
If you do use water here, make sure the item is completely dry for the next step.
Step 3: Applying Your Wax
There are a couple of ways to do this depending on the consistency of your wax. Some waxes can be rubbed directly onto the item from the bar, however other softer waxes may require a cloth or sponge to apply. Softer waxes are great for boots and leather, and stiffer waxes can be better for canvas items like our Terra Waxed Canvas Ground Mat.
If applying directly from the bar, lay your item out flat and get stuck into rubbing the wax onto the fabric.
A good wax bar should apply reasonably smoothly and evenly. We use beeswax with a blend of other natural oils to deliver a consistency that rubs on easily, without being too sticky.
Keep applying the wax until the item has a good even layer atop the fabric.
Ensure you pay extra attention to seams and other hidden areas.
Pro tip: You can also slightly pre-heat the canas using an iron, hair dryer or heat gun. This will help the new wax apply smoothly & evenly - especially if your wax is fairly hard.
Step 4: Melting The Wax
Once the wax is applied to the cotton, you will need to work it into the fibres. This only happens by applying heat and liquefying it, so use a hair dryer or heat gun, or iron to carefully melt it in evenly.
If you use an iron, it helps to cover the element in tin foil so you don’t get it covered in wax.
For the best results, you will need to work the wax into the fibres with a bit of force, this is why we like to use the iron method as it physically presses the wax into the fabric and provides an even coat.
Be careful not to overheat the wax and item. You only need enough heat to melt the wax. For beeswax, this is around 65-75°c (149-167° F).
If you have applied too much wax you can wipe away the excess using a clean cloth. Excess wax can make the item stiff and hard to work with.
You can repeat applications to build up the wax and improve the waterproofing, however, more wax will make the item stiffer, so use your best judgement on this.
Note: If you’re using a heat gun, be careful not to get too close or hold in one spot for too long as you will risk igniting the cotton.
Step 5: Allow to Cure
Set the freshly waxed canvas aside in a warm and dry place to let the wax cool and re-solidify.
Depending on the wax you used, you may need to leave it to set for 24-48 hours for the best results.
Step 6: Buff the Surface (optional)
You can buff the canvas using a clean, dry cloth. This final touch removes excess wax, leaving a smooth and renewed surface. We don’t usually do this ourselves, as that little bit of extra wax can help to protect the item until it wears off again.
Maintenance Tips:
Regular reconditioning (every 6-12 months or as needed) ensures lasting resilience and water repellency.
Store your waxed canvas items in a cool, dry place between adventures. Make sure the item is dry before storage to avoid mildew building up.
Try to enjoy the unique process that makes your waxed canvas gear so robust and distinctly yours.
Our goal has always been to create gear that collects the same stories that you do. Waxed canvas is a perfect example of this. With this timeless fabric, you're not just caring for your waxed canvas; you're building those stories with gear that will shares your journey through the untamed wilderness.
