How to Make Canvas Wax/Greenland Wax - Bushcraft

Waxed canvas gear has been used for along time in the outdoors. It offers a durable and long lasting waterproof fabric. In this video, I show how you can make your own canvas wax at home.
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Gear List:
Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark II
Sigma 30mm 1.4 DC DN
Olympus 30mm 3.5 Macro
Panasonic 14mm 2.5
Boya BY-MM1

[@enviticus]

This should be added as an Asmr video. It's quite relaxing actually

[@autumnkraft]

Glad you enjoyed it! It's actually quite peaceful when making the wax and I wanted to convey that in the video. Thanks for watching! - Hayden

[@korennii2049]

thank you for taking the time to share this with us!

[@autumnkraft]

No problem! Glad you enjoyed the video!

[@jasonsulkowski3812]

Thank you for doing this video!!

[@autumnkraft]

I'm glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for watching - Hayden

[@grimsouls7647]

I was searching this, tank you 💓

[@autumnkraft]

No problem at all! Thanks for watching! - Hayden

[@g.j.1100]

very interesting and useful. Thanks!

[@autumnkraft]

Glad you found it helpful! - Hayden

[@hampshireoutdoorsandsurviv9340]

very good i enjoyed it alot

[@autumnkraft]

Thanks Mike, glad you found it useful - Hayden

[@hipsterindietrash6105]

Does this differ from Otter Wax, and are there any additives you think would assist in the process? Also, why the 9:1 ratio, what changes whenbyou adjust it in either direction?

[@autumnkraft]

Otter Wax is made from 100% natural materials. There are no need for any additives, but you can experiment of you wish to do so. I found the 9:1 ratio works the best. You can add more beeswax and this will give a longer lasting, more durable canvas wax. The main downside is that I will make the wax more brittle. The paraffin wax is what gives it flexibility in the fabric. - Hayden

[@hazzardoutdoors]

Brilliant advise assume this can be used on fjallraven stuff after...

[@autumnkraft]

Absolutely! Works perfect! - Hayden

[@k98killer]

What is your preferred method for applying this wax?

[@autumnkraft]

I've found the best way to apply the wax is to rub the wax into the canvas. Then using a heat gun, hair dryer or even a flat iron if you're old school, melt the wax into the fabric. repeat these steps twice and you should be left with a excellent waterproof fabric. - Hayden

[@k98killer]

@@autumnkraft thanks. I've tried melting the wax in a double boiler and applying with a paint brush, then using a hair dryer to distribute it more evenly, but that resulted in oversaturation and excessive stiffness in some areas.

[@autumnkraft]

@@k98killer I usually go for a single coat on the areas where you want movement and suppleness in the fabric, then apply two coats to areas where movement is not required. I've tried the applying the wax melted direct onto the fabric and often find it will oversaturate. Applying the wax dry then melting has worked perfect for me every time and is my preferred method! - Hayden

[@k98killer]

@@autumnkraft a few more questions: 1) what are the qualities of the different mixes? E.g. pure beeswax vs pure paraffin vs 1:1 mix, etc. 2) do you warm up the wax any before rubbing them into the canvas, or just rub it on while it is cold?

[@autumnkraft]

@@k98killer 1) I experimented with several different ratios in regard to the mix of beeswax and paraffin wax. Using pure beeswax will flake off the fabric. Using pure paraffin wax is doable but the beeswax is better at waterproofing the fabric, so it's worth adding in. when I tried a 1:1 mix I found it too brittle and it flaked off. 2) I do not warm up the wax before applying. Rub the wax into the fabric cold and then use a heat gun/hair dryer or if you want to go with a traditional method, use a flat iron that has been warmed gently on coals. Use a low heat and you'll see the wax melt gently and soak into the fabric. If you have any more questions or need any more help, feel free to message me on my social media and I'll be happy to help you further and answer any more questions you may have. - Hayden

[@stringlarson1247]

Ya'll can make a funnel with newspaper or cardboard to avoid spilling . . . as I been reminded again and again and again my times :)

[@autumnkraft]

Top Tip! This is something I usually do, but when it came round to doing the video, it was misplaced haha! Thanks for watching! - Hayden

[@stringlarson1247]

@@autumnkraft Ha! I do the same thing in my kitchen with many sized pans, containers and actual funnels. #mindlessnesspractice

[@mustamuri]

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