Waxed cotton garments and wax jackets; what do you need to blend your own wax?

If you spend as much time outdoors as I do and harbour a deep appreciation for wax jackets or waxed cotton, this article on waxed cotton is perfectly suited for you.

You can wax all things cotton. From bags to caps and other garments. But in this particular case I'll talk about wax jackets, because that's what I do. Ideally, you should re-wax your jacket annually to maintain its waterproof qualities and, importantly, to extend the lifespan of the fabric—ensuring your beloved garment can serve you, or the one after you faithfully for decades to come. Therefore it makes sense making your own blend of cotton wax for making your jacket waterproof again. Here's a little guide to walk you through the process of creating and applying your own wax mixture.

The advantages of homemade cotton wax

• It's more economical

• You maintain complete control over the wax's rigidity

• The ingredients can be sourced locally

• There's an immense satisfaction in crafting something yourself

Required ingredients

My tried-and-tested wax formula for all jackets comprises three simple ingredients: beeswax, paraffin wax (candle wax), and baby oil. Indeed, you read that correctly. While the precise mixture may vary slightly depending on the jacket, I recommend the following ratio for a wonderfully supple wax: 45% paraffin wax, 55% beeswax, and 10% baby oil. As mentioned, you can adjust these proportions to your preference—for instance, increasing the baby oil relative to the paraffin wax will yield a more flexible finish.

• Paraffin wax (candle wax) - available in blocks or flakes

• Beeswax - self-explanatory

• Baby oil - I prefer Johnson's natural version.

Mixing method

Employ the au-bain-marie technique. Bring a pot of water to the boil and place a smaller pan within it. This is where you'll melt and blend the ingredients in the aforementioned proportions. Never heat the wax directly over flame, as this poses a fire hazard. It's advisable to melt the wax beneath an extractor fan and ensure proper ventilation in your workspace.

Use a whisk to thoroughly combine the ingredients. Once everything has completely melted and mixed, you can begin waxing your jacket. However, I'd recommend pouring the mixture into a mould—soap bar moulds work splendidly.

Some wax bars of my own making

A wax bar roughly the size of a soap bar is typically sufficient for treating one jacket. This means that when autumn approaches and you wish to prepare your jacket for the season ahead, you need only melt the bar using the same method described above.

Easy, isn’t it? It is, and a very satisfying job indeed.  Darcy