From what I understand, oilcloth is just cotton or canvas that's been
soaked in some type of wax. Has anyone out there done this on their
own? Does anyone know what type of wax you use, or where to source
it?
I'm thinking of trying to oil some Carhart clothing for the winter and
for rainy days when working outside. I'm thinking of something like
this - http://www.filson.com/428.HTM - only at about a fourth of the
price.
JP
*****************************
What's a "paraffin-based wax"?
Jay Pique wrote:
> >> From what I understand, oilcloth is just cotton or canvas that's been
> >> soaked in some type of wax.
No, it's covered in _OIL_ Otherwise it would be called "waxcloth"
I've done this. I've even posted web pages about it. Do some Google,
FFS.
The instructions are all in a pamphlet by Bill Knight, "Staining and
Finishing for Muzzleloading Gun Builders" - try a US gunshop. His
recipe is based on modifying a commercial boiled linseed oil to reduce
the acidity, then painting it onto sized canvas or calico.
My experience is that it's a total PITA to do, and the results are
poor. It's worth doing, but only on a re-enactment basis, not as a
practical material. I went from the basics, with my own lead-dried
home-boiled raw linseed.
- Don't use an iron pan when boiling, it causes it to stay sticky
forever afterwards.
- Make the oil in the Autumn (Fall), then overwinter it in bottles
containing a chunk of lead. Coat the cloth in the hottest part of
Summer.
- Make a lot more oil than you expect to need.
- Use a tightly woven cloth and don't size it (IMHE). The coating is
strong but not particularly well attached. Over-sizing causes adhesion
problem.
- Allow as long as possible for drying time between coating and use.
It can remain tacky for years, if you're unlucky.
And Sarah, I'm sorry about the fish...
Jay Pique wrote:
>> On Sat, 18 Sep 2004 14:51:50 -0400, "firstjois"
>> <[email protected]> wrote:
>>
>>> Jay Pique wrote:
>>>>> From what I understand, oilcloth is just cotton or canvas that's
>>>>> been soaked in some type of wax. Has anyone out there done this
>>>>> on their own? Does anyone know what type of wax you use, or
>>>>> where to source it?
>>>>>
>>>>> I'm thinking of trying to oil some Carhart clothing for the winter
>>>>> and for rainy days when working outside. I'm thinking of
>>>>> something like this - http://www.filson.com/428.HTM - only at
>>>>> about a fourth of the price.
>>>>>
>>>>> JP
>>>>> *****************************
>>>>> What's a "paraffin-based wax"?
>>>
>>> I think there was (at some point) a kind of **oil** cloth. Vermont
>>> Country Store (on internet and catalogue) is currently selling
>>> either tablecloths or aprons of true (they said) oil cloth.
>>>
>>> I remember canvas cloth impregnated with parafin ( buy near canning
>>> supplies or in candle shop) used as tarps but they weren't washable
>>> - cloth's wax all cracked up in warm soapy water and poof - no
>>> longer "water-proof" .
>>>
>>> Interesting, just the same.
>>
>> My goal is to make material like that which Filson uses in its
>> oilcloth garments. They refer to their cloth as being coated with a
>> "paraffin-based wax". Is it your understanding that what they do is
>> heat up a bunch of wax and then dump the material in it? Can I use
>> straight canning paraffin? Maybe I'll give it a shot.
>>
>> Thanks for the info.
>>
>> JP
Yikes! Can't just dump material into the melted wax.
I think the straight paraffin is too inflexible by itself and people who do
batik add bees' wax to give the wax flexibility. I think a batik person
would add more or less bees' wax to change the amount of cracking the wax
mix would do when dipped into cold water. You can get a double boiler from
the kitchen section of a second hand or thrift shop, put water in the
bottom, waxes in the top, don't think you'd use a cover. Have your fabric
washed and dried. You might put cardboard cut outs of the clothing inside
the clothing so the front and back don't stick together when you brush
(cheap bristle) and you might have to cover the cut outs with wax paper,
too. If you like your life you might put newspaper all over the floor
where you are working (kitchen?) and wear throw-away clothes, waxes in the
washing machine will bring out the worst in your S.O.. I think I'd get an
iron from the second hand store, too. Any parts of the clothing with too
much wax can be ironed over lots of newspaper padding. Excess wax goes into
newspaper (some may go into the iron, that's why you get one from the
second hand store) . You'll need to test temperatures. And you'll need to
test brushing hot wax into cloth, too. Tack similar cloth to an empty
frame, help keep your fingers from hot wax.
See Batik Wax in www.google.com
This company has a good reputation and sells premixed batik wax:
http://www.dharmatrading.com/html/eng/3465-AA.shtml
If you get wax on a good piece of clothing send it to be dry cleaned. It's
the only way to get 100% of the wax out without destroying the fabric.
Josie
J. Clarke wrote:
> Michael Daly wrote:
>
>
>>On 20-Sep-2004, [email protected] (Andy Dingley) wrote:
>>
>>
>>>No, it's covered in _OIL_ Otherwise it would be called "waxcloth"
>>
>>Some is covered in oil paint. They don't call it oilpaintcloth.
>>
>>Wax was introduced in the 30's to reduce the stiffness of oilcloth
>>and to avoid the yellowing that linseed oil caused.
>>
>>The materials changed over time, from linen to cotton, from oil
>>to oil and wax or even paints. The name stayed.
>
>
> Well, actually, Filson, Drizabone, Belstaff, and the like tend to call it
> "waxed cotton", but anybody who's lived with it knows that it's oiled, not
> waxed. You can tell that from the stain it leaves on everything it
> touches.
>
>
>>Mike
>
>
I seem to recall a receipe for oilcloth, possibly in one of the Lee Valley
reprints. If my brain doesn't reset when I walk out the door I'll check it
tonight.
oe
On Thu, 23 Sep 2004 09:37:00 -0400, "J. Clarke"
<[email protected]> wrote:
>You call it "wax", I call it "oil",
Then you're just plain wrong. Barbour and Drizabone use wax.
This
http://codesmiths.com/shed/things/boxes/sarah/
is a drying linseed oil. Totally different materials, process and end
result.
--
Smert' spamionam
On Tue, 21 Sep 2004 20:22:47 -0400, "J. Clarke"
<[email protected]> wrote:
>So what is that stuff that comes off all over everything that is placed in
>contact with waxed cotton?
Emulsified wax, or "grease" if you prefer (for the distinction between
the two is getting pretty thin here - a saponified oil vs. an
emulsified oil).
>> For oilcloth the fibre staple length is less important, and you need a
>> looser weave or else the oil has poor adhesion and will flake.
>
>How does a liquid "flake"?
It cures after you apply it.
--
Smert' spamionam
Andy Dingley wrote:
>> Jay Pique wrote:
>>>>> From what I understand, oilcloth is just cotton or canvas that's
>>>>> been soaked in some type of wax.
>>
>> No, it's covered in _OIL_ Otherwise it would be called "waxcloth"
See:
http://www.vermontcountrystore.com/shopping/product/detailmain.jsp?itemID=6175&itemType=PRODUCT&RS=1&keyword=oilcloth
[snip]
You can probably call anything just about anything you want.
Josie
On Tue, 21 Sep 2004 06:50:13 -0400, "J. Clarke"
<[email protected]> wrote:
>Well, actually, Filson, Drizabone, Belstaff, and the like tend to call it
>"waxed cotton", but anybody who's lived with it knows that it's oiled, not
>waxed.
No, it's waxed. Different stuff to oilcloth.
For waxed cotton, it's important to use a really long staple cotton
and a tight weave. This is why Barbour's coats are still superior to
all others - they use a better fibre.
For oilcloth the fibre staple length is less important, and you need a
looser weave or else the oil has poor adhesion and will flake.
--
Smert' spamionam
Jay Pique wrote:
>> From what I understand, oilcloth is just cotton or canvas that's been
>> soaked in some type of wax. Has anyone out there done this on their
>> own? Does anyone know what type of wax you use, or where to source
>> it?
>>
>> I'm thinking of trying to oil some Carhart clothing for the winter
>> and for rainy days when working outside. I'm thinking of something
>> like this - http://www.filson.com/428.HTM - only at about a fourth
>> of the price.
>>
>> JP
>> *****************************
>> What's a "paraffin-based wax"?
I think there was (at some point) a kind of **oil** cloth. Vermont Country
Store (on internet and catalogue) is currently selling either tablecloths
or aprons of true (they said) oil cloth.
I remember canvas cloth impregnated with parafin ( buy near canning
supplies or in candle shop) used as tarps but they weren't washable -
cloth's wax all cracked up in warm soapy water and poof - no longer
"water-proof" .
Interesting, just the same.
Josie
Michael Daly wrote:
> On 20-Sep-2004, [email protected] (Andy Dingley) wrote:
>
>> No, it's covered in _OIL_ Otherwise it would be called "waxcloth"
>
> Some is covered in oil paint. They don't call it oilpaintcloth.
>
> Wax was introduced in the 30's to reduce the stiffness of oilcloth
> and to avoid the yellowing that linseed oil caused.
>
> The materials changed over time, from linen to cotton, from oil
> to oil and wax or even paints. The name stayed.
Well, actually, Filson, Drizabone, Belstaff, and the like tend to call it
"waxed cotton", but anybody who's lived with it knows that it's oiled, not
waxed. You can tell that from the stain it leaves on everything it
touches.
> Mike
--
--John
Reply to jclarke at ae tee tee global dot net
(was jclarke at eye bee em dot net)
Andy Dingley wrote:
> On Tue, 21 Sep 2004 06:50:13 -0400, "J. Clarke"
> <[email protected]> wrote:
>
>>Well, actually, Filson, Drizabone, Belstaff, and the like tend to call it
>>"waxed cotton", but anybody who's lived with it knows that it's oiled, not
>>waxed.
>
> No, it's waxed. Different stuff to oilcloth.
>
> For waxed cotton, it's important to use a really long staple cotton
> and a tight weave. This is why Barbour's coats are still superior to
> all others - they use a better fibre.
So what is that stuff that comes off all over everything that is placed in
contact with waxed cotton?
Hang your wife's best silk dress between two waxed cotton coats if you think
that it's not oil, and see how long you live.
> For oilcloth the fibre staple length is less important, and you need a
> looser weave or else the oil has poor adhesion and will flake.
How does a liquid "flake"?
--
--John
Reply to jclarke at ae tee tee global dot net
(was jclarke at eye bee em dot net)
Andy Dingley wrote:
> On Tue, 21 Sep 2004 20:22:47 -0400, "J. Clarke"
> <[email protected]> wrote:
>
>>So what is that stuff that comes off all over everything that is placed in
>>contact with waxed cotton?
>
> Emulsified wax, or "grease" if you prefer (for the distinction between
> the two is getting pretty thin here - a saponified oil vs. an
> emulsified oil).
>
>>> For oilcloth the fibre staple length is less important, and you need a
>>> looser weave or else the oil has poor adhesion and will flake.
>>
>>How does a liquid "flake"?
>
> It cures after you apply it.
I've not noticed anything flaking off my 20 year old Drizabone.
--
--John
Reply to jclarke at ae tee tee global dot net
(was jclarke at eye bee em dot net)
Andy Dingley wrote:
> On Thu, 23 Sep 2004 00:13:58 -0400, "J. Clarke"
> <[email protected]> wrote:
>
>>I've not noticed anything flaking off my 20 year old Drizabone.
>
> Drizabones are waxed, not oiled.
>
> They're also less heavily coated than a Barbour and less waterproof -
> if you live in Ireland, you notice this ! OTOH, they transfer stains
> less than Barbours.
You call it "wax", I call it "oil", perhaps we can compromise that they're
all "greased".
--
--John
Reply to jclarke at ae tee tee global dot net
(was jclarke at eye bee em dot net)
Andy Dingley wrote:
> On Thu, 23 Sep 2004 09:37:00 -0400, "J. Clarke"
> <[email protected]> wrote:
>
>>You call it "wax", I call it "oil",
>
> Then you're just plain wrong. Barbour and Drizabone use wax.
>
> This
> http://codesmiths.com/shed/things/boxes/sarah/
> is a drying linseed oil. Totally different materials, process and end
> result.
"Drying linseed oil" is not the only kind of oil you know. The stuff I put
in my car does not dry and does not come from linseed but it is nonetheless
oil. The stuff on a Drizabone is closer to that than to what one makes
candles out of.
--
--John
Reply to jclarke at ae tee tee global dot net
(was jclarke at eye bee em dot net)
On 20-Sep-2004, [email protected] (Andy Dingley) wrote:
> No, it's covered in _OIL_ Otherwise it would be called "waxcloth"
Some is covered in oil paint. They don't call it oilpaintcloth.
Wax was introduced in the 30's to reduce the stiffness of oilcloth
and to avoid the yellowing that linseed oil caused.
The materials changed over time, from linen to cotton, from oil
to oil and wax or even paints. The name stayed.
Mike
On Sat, 18 Sep 2004 14:51:50 -0400, "firstjois"
<[email protected]> wrote:
>Jay Pique wrote:
>>> From what I understand, oilcloth is just cotton or canvas that's been
>>> soaked in some type of wax. Has anyone out there done this on their
>>> own? Does anyone know what type of wax you use, or where to source
>>> it?
>>>
>>> I'm thinking of trying to oil some Carhart clothing for the winter
>>> and for rainy days when working outside. I'm thinking of something
>>> like this - http://www.filson.com/428.HTM - only at about a fourth
>>> of the price.
>>>
>>> JP
>>> *****************************
>>> What's a "paraffin-based wax"?
>
>I think there was (at some point) a kind of **oil** cloth. Vermont Country
>Store (on internet and catalogue) is currently selling either tablecloths
>or aprons of true (they said) oil cloth.
>
>I remember canvas cloth impregnated with parafin ( buy near canning
>supplies or in candle shop) used as tarps but they weren't washable -
>cloth's wax all cracked up in warm soapy water and poof - no longer
>"water-proof" .
>
>Interesting, just the same.
My goal is to make material like that which Filson uses in its
oilcloth garments. They refer to their cloth as being coated with a
"paraffin-based wax". Is it your understanding that what they do is
heat up a bunch of wax and then dump the material in it? Can I use
straight canning paraffin? Maybe I'll give it a shot.
Thanks for the info.
JP
On Tue, 21 Sep 2004 00:32:49 -0400, "firstjois"
<[email protected]> wrote:
>Andy Dingley wrote:
>>> Jay Pique wrote:
>>>>>> From what I understand, oilcloth is just cotton or canvas that's
>>>>>> been soaked in some type of wax.
>>>
>>> No, it's covered in _OIL_ Otherwise it would be called "waxcloth"
Oh, "Oilcloth". I thought he said "Loincloth".
Bill.
"Bernie Hunt" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> My wife and I have waterproof dusters for horseback riding. I've reproofed
> her's before, but I can't remember where I got the wax/oil. I was rather
> thick in consistancy, so I brushed/wiped it on and then hung the coat in
the
> sun to let it heat up and soak in. I'd start looking around Barbour or
> Orvis's site for the wax. Then you may be able to find it cheaper on the
net
> somewhere else.
>
>
> "Jay Pique" <[email protected]> wrote in message
> news:[email protected]...
> > From what I understand, oilcloth is just cotton or canvas that's been
> > soaked in some type of wax. Has anyone out there done this on their
> > own? Does anyone know what type of wax you use, or where to source
> > it?
> >
> > I'm thinking of trying to oil some Carhart clothing for the winter and
> > for rainy days when working outside. I'm thinking of something like
> > this - http://www.filson.com/428.HTM - only at about a fourth of the
> > price.
I've got a bunch of Filson Tin Cloth and Shelter Cloth garments for extreme
brush and woods hunting conditions. If you use "Filson's Original Oil
Finish Wax" http://www.filson.com/1A.HTM you could probably soak the Carhart
enough for it to be relatively water proof. I've retreated some of my
heavily used Filson garments several times using the following methodology:
Put the tin in hot water to soften it up. Then spread a heavy coat of the
wax on the garment and use a blow dryer to melt it in.
John
On Thu, 23 Sep 2004 00:13:58 -0400, "J. Clarke"
<[email protected]> wrote:
>I've not noticed anything flaking off my 20 year old Drizabone.
Drizabones are waxed, not oiled.
They're also less heavily coated than a Barbour and less waterproof -
if you live in Ireland, you notice this ! OTOH, they transfer stains
less than Barbours.
My wife and I have waterproof dusters for horseback riding. I've reproofed
her's before, but I can't remember where I got the wax/oil. I was rather
thick in consistancy, so I brushed/wiped it on and then hung the coat in the
sun to let it heat up and soak in. I'd start looking around Barbour or
Orvis's site for the wax. Then you may be able to find it cheaper on the net
somewhere else.
"Jay Pique" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> From what I understand, oilcloth is just cotton or canvas that's been
> soaked in some type of wax. Has anyone out there done this on their
> own? Does anyone know what type of wax you use, or where to source
> it?
>
> I'm thinking of trying to oil some Carhart clothing for the winter and
> for rainy days when working outside. I'm thinking of something like
> this - http://www.filson.com/428.HTM - only at about a fourth of the
> price.
>
> JP
> *****************************
> What's a "paraffin-based wax"?