DIY Waxed Canvas - using an iron vs dryer - easy duck canvas - for waterproofing

Here's a handy guide for you to make waxed canvas! I made 2 bags so I could test different methods for you. The one I set with the dryer did not turn out as nice as the iron. It's an easy way to waterproof fabric.

Waxed canvas also is known as duck canvas, because of its water-resistant qualities.

If you like waxing stuff as much as I do, check out my other waxy videos:

Here's the recipe:
4 parts carnauba wax
1 part beeswax

Paint the wax on and iron the fabric with steam to set.

When using wax, remember that the tools used for the waxing process become wax forever. And when heating wax in any kind of vessel, keep an eye on the wax so it doesn't scorch.

And let's all agree that when I say "washing machine" or "dyer" that I mean dryer. *headdesk

Find Break + Remake here:

Music composed for Break + Remake by Janet Overfield

[Patrick-itnk]

Hey there! I've been experimenting to see how to get some clothes properly saturated, and I figured the clothes dryer could work. It wasn't perfect for me, but I found what helped a lot was using the iron to get it mostly saturated, then tossing a few of these items in bags, still warm/hot, and putting them in the clothes dryer for a little while. Did seem to help further saturate them without me having to hover over, spot checking where I made a mess and added too much in one spot.

[averyroseshow]

So glad I found this video!! I know this video is old but soooo helpful!! And your so funny cracking the wax lol sounds like me lol thanks for showing how to do this!

[stephenfewson]

Totally just stumbled onto you....lol
You're super cute and just cracked me up!!
G'day from Australia. 😉

[oldestsurvivalist]

I buy\use Otter Wax 1-Pint Paste (Just drop it in hot water = liquid). Apply & run a hairdryer over it or toss in canvas bag & Pop it in the dryer on high. Cheaper than buying all those ingredients & no time, mixing or mess to make it.

[greenpolyesterdream]

You’re hilarious and adorable. Thanks for the info!

[peachstatecustoms]

Sorry but "duck" does NOT mean it is waxed canvas, duck refers to how tightly the fabric is woven. All duck cloth and duck canvas is not waxed. Also a simple recipe that does not crack, 1 part beeswax, and 1 part paraffin wax (candle wax). Heat with a heat gun and done. I am thinking the carnauba wax caused the cracking, but that's just a guess.

[jckrbbt]

Hi Joan, just discovered your channel and wanted to let you know I think you’re awesome! This video was super informative and fun to watch!

[Katie-kibe]

I am getting ready to make hand pained canvas wallets. I think I will use a hair dryer to melt it into the fabric after applying. Saw it on another channel and seems way faster and easier. Also I wonder if doing it before sewing project may be easier??? Thanks for the video.

[bugpowert]

I’ve done this quite a bit for hunting gear. Use a heat gun or hair dryer. You are losing a lot of wax trying the other two methods.

[michaelG]

Maybe the dryer didn't work because the towel and additional layers of cloth insulated the heat and didn't allow the wax to get hot enough. Also, how long was it in the dryer for?

[cmx_was_here]

Can you just iron fabric with a sheet of wax paper to get a light weight wax layer?

[scottmr]

Try a hair dryer. Seen some others using a heat gun, just a hair dryer on crack!

[ElaineUnicorn]

do you have a link to the carnauba wax you used?

[petergiacomantonio]

Use a layer of grease proof paper to prevent the wax seeping out of your job rather than into it. Also, have you thought of dipping your piece briefly into the melted wax to let it soak, rather than just painting it on? "It's so crackle-y" Haha.

[BenjaminNew]

Duck means the canvas has a duck weave....