Waxed canvas is enjoying a major comeback in the style world, and with good reason. It’s durable, functional, and looks great with a rugged aesthetic that gets better over time. You’ll see it used in everything from rugged outerwear, duffel bags of all kinds, dopp kits, and even backpacks. From brands like Duluth Pack, Filson, and Eddie Bauer to younger companies such as DEFY, Buffalo Jackson, and Blue Claw Co, this durable fabric is a popular choice.
This weatherproof fabric is made by applying paraffin wax to a cotton material. This is a process that has been around for a long time and was originally used by Scottish sailors to waterproof their sails. It was then used in military applications, and eventually by a wide range of outdoor gear companies. It is a very rugged, hardwearing material that doesn’t need as much maintenance as some other fabrics, but it does need to be re-waxed from time to time.
The wax coating protects the canvas from dirt, and this makes cleaning a breeze. The fabric doesn’t stain easily and marks or scuffs that would ruin the look of another fabric will simply add character to the bag. It also doesn’t lose its water-repelling qualities over time, although you may need to re-wax it over the years depending on how often you use it and the amount of wear and tear it receives.
You can clean a Waxed canvas bags by hand or in the washing machine, but it is important to remember that you should never wash it in the dryer, as the heat and tumbling action of the washer will damage the fabric. You should instead spot clean it as needed with a small amount of gentle detergent or soap and then re-wax as soon as possible.
After you’ve spot cleaned your bag and it is dry, you should re-wax it to restore its water-repellent properties. It’s a simple process that only requires a bar or tin of canvas wax and a hairdryer to help soften the wax so it can be applied to your bag. Take your bag and apply a thin layer of the wax, working one section at a time and making sure you cover all areas of the fabric. Once the area is covered, apply more wax as needed until you’ve re-waxed the entire bag.
Once you’ve re-waxed your bag, let it sit overnight so that the wax can cure and harden. You can accelerate this process by placing the bag in a warm room or using a hairdryer, but it’s important to remember that you shouldn’t rush this step. When done correctly, your bag will be ready for the next time you need to haul gear with it. This is a great way to make an already durable and versatile bag last longer and keep looking sharp, no matter how many times you use it. Enjoy your new bag! And be sure to check out our selection of Wax Canvas bags from Troop London.
