How to Waterproof Fabric: 3 Easy Ways

3 SIMPLE WAYS TO MAKE DIY WATERPROOF FABRIC.

For those of us who work, play, or commute outdoors, rain can ruin a day. Backpacks get soaked and damage expensive tech devices inside, and waterproof covers for camping and patio gear often cost and arm and a leg! 🦵☔ Recently, I tested several methods for how to waterproof fabric.

In this article, I share my research in 3 simple, easy-to-follow tutorials to make fabric waterproof. Even better: these fabric waterproofing methods are eco-friendly and may even use supplies you already own!

Learning how to waterproof fabric is useful for many DIY projects, including 🥪⬜DIY food wraps, 🎒 Reusable grocery bags, 💺 Canvas patio furniture covers, 🌧️ Rain ponchos, and ⛺ camping gear.

Mục Lục

What You’ll Need to Waterproof Fabric:

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Method 1: Waterproof Fabric with Beeswax and Drying Oil

I used this method to waterproof my new DIY forager’s bag, because I needed the bag to be waterproof and more pliable than a pure wax waterproof fabric method.

First, melt beeswax in a double boiler. I used an old coffee can for this, so that I could store the leftovers for later. used about 4 oz beeswax for my harvester’s bag, which is the size of a reusable grocery bag.

Next, remove the melted was from the heat and stir in the drying oil. I used walnut oil for this project, because it is a food safe option. In general, use a ratio of 2:1 wax to drying oil.

Once the mixture begins to harden, use a spatula or popsicle stick to spread the mixture on the fabric you want to waterproof. Use a fabric made of natural fibers; natural fibers such as cotton are hollow, which allows them to absorb the waterproofing mixture. Be sure to add extra to the seams of your fabric. At this point, it will look like a mess–that’s ok!

Finally, preheat your oven to 300 F, line a baking sheet with foil and place your fabric in the oven. It’s ok if you need to fold the fabric to get it to fit on the baking sheet. The heat will help the fabric to absorb the waterproofing material.

Once the waterproofing mixture is totally absorbed into the fabric, remove it from the oven and lay flat to cool.

Finished Waterproof Forager’s Bag

Method 2: Waterproof Fabric with Paraffin Wax

I used this method to waterproof a reusable canvas grocery bag, which I will also use to harvest vegetables from my garden this year.

Paraffin wax is very inexpensive and easy to obtain online or at a grocery store. If your wax comes in a large block, the first step is to grate it into fine pieces. Or, obtain paraffin in pellet form.

Preheat your oven to 300. Lay your fabric on a large baking sheet lined with foil, and cover it with a layer of wax pellets. Place the tray in the oven, and allow the pellets to melt completely.

You might need to repeat this step several times to fully cover your fabric, depending on how much you are attempting to waterproof and how heavy the fabric is.

Once the fabric is completely coated, lay it flat to cool. Be sure to cool the fabric unfolded; otherwise, it will dry stuck together and you will need to warm it again to

Method 3: Waterproof Fabric with Boiled Linseed Oil and Mineral Spirits

I used this method for the canvas tarp that acts as a rain splash guard over the wood pile on my porch. This is an incredibly easy method for waterproofing fabric; however, because the materials used can be harsh, this method should be performed only outdoors in a well-ventilated area.

First, mix equal parts mineral spirits and boiled linseed oil. Next, soak the fabric in the mixture until fully coated. Finally, hang the fabric to dry outside in a well-ventilated area for several days. The smell will dissipate after 1-2 weeks.

Important safety consideration: Do not fold the fabric until it is fully dry, and do not fold cloths or other materials that are soaked in mineral spirits or boiled linseed oil. These substances generate heat as they dry, and can be flammable if not disposed of properly. Boiled linseed oil is also not food-safe.

This is a great option if you want to create your own waterproof patio covers, DIY an old-school canvas tent, or waterproof clothing for bushcraft or other outdoor use.

How to Care for Waterproof Fabric

Clean your waterproof fabric in cool water, with a gentle sponge and mild soap at the most. Warm water or abrasive brushes will strip the waterproofing away from the fabric.

These methods to waterproof fabric utilize waxes and oils to coat and fill the fibers of natural fabrics. This means that over time, with wear and tear, the waterproofing will weather away. You may need to re-waterproof your fabric occasionally, depending on how much you use it and under what conditions.

Why you should waterproof fabric yourself instead of buying

💸 This DIY saves money

When you are deciding whether to waterproof your fabric yourself or to buy it already waterproof, there are several costs to consider.

The cost of the fabric is one factor, but the time and effort required to waterproof it yourself is another. You should also consider the value of what you’re protecting, and how long you need the fabric to be waterproof. If you are planning to use the fabric for something that will be exposed to water frequently, such as an outdoor tarp or awning, it may be worth the investment to buy fabric already waterproof. Tech fabrics tend to hold up longer in extremely wet conditions without mildew or rot.

However, if you only need the fabric to be waterproof occasionally, such as for a camping trip, you can save money by waterproofing it yourself. Waterproofing fabric yourself does require some time and effort, but it is a relatively simple process. The key is to make sure that the fabric is completely dry before you begin, and that you apply the waterproofing product evenly.

If you take the time to waterproof your own fabric, you can save yourself a lot of money in the long run.

☔ You have control over the degree of Waterproofing

You can make a heavy-duty waterproof fabric for an outdoor project or a light-duty waterproof fabric for an indoor one. Waterproofing your own fabric is a great way to customize the level of waterproofing to your needs. Some fabrics are naturally more waterproof, while others will need to be treated heavily. If you are unsure, consult a fabric store employee or do some research online.

Once you have the right fabric, you will need to prepare it for waterproofing. If your fabric is new, you will need to wash and dry it before waterproofing. This will remove any finishes or treatments that could prevent the waterproofing from working properly.

🏕️ You can use eco-friendly fabric waterproofers

Waterproofing your own fabric is more eco-friendly than using industrially treated waterproof fabric. Firstly, the process of waterproofing your own fabric is less energy-intensive than the process of treating fabric with chemicals in a factory setting. Secondly, when you waterproof your own fabric, you can control the type and amount of chemicals used, ensuring that only eco-friendly chemicals are used in the process. Using the wax-based methods above, you can eliminate harsh chemicals completely.

Finally, waterproofing your own fabric allows you to reuse and recycle fabric that would otherwise be discarded, further reducing your impact on the environment.

Other Considerations

For beeswax or paraffin food wraps, follow the instructions for waterproofing with a food-safe drying oil, and add a small quantity of pine resin. Pine resin will help the food wraps stick together and keep them pliable. Read here for tips to sustainably harvest pine resin.

For outdoor, non-food applications, consider adding pine tar to increase pliability, durability, and an added layer of waterproofing to your fabric.

For a tutorial on how to care for fabrics such as suede, check out this post. Or read about how to care for leather here.

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