6 tools you need to rewax and reproof a wax jacket

With various manufacturers offering different suggestions, I thought it might be helpful to create a simple list of tools you need to rewax a wax jacket for those keen to maintain and reproof their jacket themselves.

As I’m not beholden to any brand and only speak from personal experience, I won’t recommend products you don’t genuinely need. These are simply the items I’ve used while rewaxing over 50 jackets.

Cleaning the jacket

To clean your wax jacket, I recommend having both a sturdy sponge and a brush at the ready. A sponge is particularly effective for removing any mud from the coat. Once that’s done, you can use a microfiber cloth to wipe away any remaining lint or dog hairs. This step is crucial, as you don’t want to trap those bits of fluff under the wax when you begin the rewaxing process. And remember, always use cold water for cleaning your wax coat to avoid damaging the fabric.

Consider: an ordinary kitchen brush and a microfiber cloth

Warming the Wax

To warm the wax, using the au-bain-marie method, you don’t need anything particularly fancy, just a kitchen and a few saucepans will do. However, if you plan to rewax your jacket in your garage or shed, you might consider purchasing a basic camping stove to heat the water, allowing the wax container to melt slowly. In my workshop, I use a simple gas burner, similar to the one I carry when hiking through the Norwegian wilderness.

Consider: any basic camping stove or burner.

The Wax

First, you might wonder what kind of wax to use. I often make my own blend—a mixture of paraffin wax, beeswax, and baby oil—since I rewax a variety of jackets. Some need a stiffer finish, while others benefit from a more supple texture. If you're not inclined to make your own wax, I suggest opting for ready-made wax, especially for the casual home waxer.

Consider: Barbour wax, Otter Wax, or perhaps make your own custom blend as I wrote about in this article.

Melting the Wax into the Fabric

Once the wax has been applied, either in liquid form or as a solid, you'll want to ensure it fully penetrates the fabric, especially into the seams. While a hairdryer can be used for this, I find it lacks the necessary heat and takes too long to be truly effective. A heat gun, on the other hand, works wonders. I use one for nearly every jacket I rewax.

Consider: a basic heat gun but nothing too expensive, as you might only use it once a year. Or simply borrow one from a neighbour.

Spreading the Wax

When the wax is warm, you’ll want to spread it evenly across the jacket, paying special attention to any areas that might have been missed. This part is very much down to personal preference. I often use a sponge, but I’ve also been caught using an old teared-up t-shirt.

Consider: a natural sponge, rather than a synthetic one.