Varusteleka Fabric Wax

Believe it or not, there was a time before spray-on treatments and polymer technology, but conditions were as unforgiving as ever. Protection from wind and water was a necessity, which was met with waxed canvas. A combination of paraffin and beeswax is a time-proven way to treat cotton and mixed fabrics to be wind- and waterproof, right on the spots you want it to be.

For some time we wanted to offer wax to go with our Särmä Windproof Smock and Parka, or any other suitable clothes, bags, and so on. Previously we'd help our customers by directing you to buy wax elsewhere, or make it yourself, but it's far easier to just sell the product ourselves.

We could have sourced a ready-made product but wanted to keep things domestic and true to our style. Now we can offer a Finnish-made fabric wax made from domestic paraffin and beeswax.

Weight: 90 grams a piece (about 3.2 ounces). These are hand-crafted, so slight variance is to be expected. One bar will last a very long time anyways.

Tips how to wax your clothes and gear

Long story short: first you rub wax on the part you want to treat with wax. It could be certain areas or the whole thing; this is a major plus with wax, you don't have to make a full rain garment if there's no need to. Then you apply heat with a hairdryer or flatiron to melt and permeate the wax. Use a piece of protective baking paper between the iron and fabric.

To get a more even surface, it's better to make several thin layers rather than pile up cold wax. Repeat until you have the desired level of waxing. For example, the front upper legs of trousers are an area you might want to treat thoroughly. Less waxed areas breathe better!

If you have trouble getting wax off the bar, you can pre-heat it in the sun to soften the wax and pre-heat the fabric also. Pressing and rubbing harder also warms up the wax due to friction.

Please note! The surface texture and color of the fabric will become a bit darker and have a waxed feel to it. A lot of people like the aged look, but it's something you should know. Waxing works well with all-natural fibers and most blended fabrics. A smooth surface helps to get a more even result.

With time the treatment will wear and lose some of the effects. Re-treating is much easier than the whole process from beginning to end. We advise not to wash a waxed garment or bag but wipe stains off with a rag. Good thing you used wax because it repels dirt! Wax comes off in a wash, so do it separately and be prepared to do the whole thing all over again.

For further details and experience, do give this article a read.

Made in Finland.