How To Waterproof Fabric Naturally? [Process, Time & Cost]

Most of the fabrics get thoroughly wet on coming in contact with water. And even if a fabric is sturdier than usual, the seams which are used to piece an item together, are enough to let in most of the water.

Water can be a major problem for fabrics in scenarios where getting dry is the best way either from the health or maintenance point of view.

Every now and then one might want to have a waterproof mat, tarp, bag, tent, pants, hat, tablecloth, sneakers, etc. so that they remain well protected and are easier to maintain.

The fabrics you may want to waterproof can be anything from denim, canvas, leather, to cotton, linen, nylon, and many more. This article discusses the best approach for waterproofing your fabric naturally.

How To Waterproof Fabric Naturally?

Oils and waxes have traditionally been used for ages to protect clothes and other textiles from the action of water, dirt, and wind.

These are the best natural options that give a matt and rubbery finish to the fabric. They contain lots of fatty acids and aromatic compounds which make them brilliantly hydrophobic and thus, water-resistant.

Below listed are 3 effective methods to waterproof fabric naturally.

Using Pure Beeswax
Using Boiled linseed oil, beeswax, and turpentine
Using Soybean oil and turpentine

1. How To Waterproof Fabric Naturally Using Pure Beeswax?

Beeswax is a natural wax that is secreted by the worker bees. It has a white to yellow tinge to it. Beeswax has hydrophobic and emulsifying properties which repel any water, rust, and dirt which comes in contact with it.

It contains fatty acid alcohols, hydrocarbons, carotenoids, and many more substances. Its melting point is quite high and once applied to the fabric it stiffens it.

A pure beeswax is an ideal option especially if you are waterproofing leather. It gets absorbed into the pores of the leather, sealing and making it waterproof. And also it nourishes the natural fibers of leather.

Pure beeswax (without any other ingredient for waterproofing) gives significantly more pliability to fabrics like cotton, nylon, linen, and more. Moreover, unlike drying oils it doesn’t give out a pungent odor.

Required Items

Procedure [Step by Step]

1. Prepare the fabric to be waxed

1. How to waterproof fabric naturally using Pure Beeswax - Step 1 - prepare the fabric

Wash the fabric with detergent and water if it is dirty. Otherwise, light dirt and dust can easily be brushed off.
Make sure the fabric is completely dry.
Spread a newspaper on the working surface, and keep the fabric on it. This will protect the working surface as wax stains can be hard to remove.

2. Coat the beeswax on the fabric

1. How to waterproof fabric naturally using Pure Beeswax - step 2 - coat the beeswax

Beeswax bar (preferred for bigger fabrics):

If using a beeswax bar, warm it up from one side gently using a heat gun. (If available, a hairdryer can be used instead). This will make it easy to apply.
Rub the bar on the fabric, so that you have enough beeswax on the fabric.

Beeswax pellets (preferred for smaller fabrics):

Keep the beeswax pellets spread out on the fabric.
Cover with parchment paper.
Using a cloth iron on a low setting, press it on the parchment paper.
Make sure that the fabric is well waxed everywhere. You can use more beads if you have to. This approach lets you eliminate doing step no. 3.

3. Heat the applied coat

When you’re done rubbing all your fabric, the beeswax would have cooled. To melt it again, use a heat gun/hairdryer.
Start heating a small section, and rub the melted wax using your fingers so that it gets well absorbed into the fabric.
Finish doing the whole fabric this way.

4. Let the fabric cure

Let the waxed fabric sit for around 24 hours before you use it.

Precautions and aftercare

As the wax coat diminishes over time, you should reapply the beeswax seasonally or as per the need.
For extra protection, the fabric can be coated inside out as well.
Apply more wax on the seams of the fabric, as these areas are more prone to water.
Only cold water should be used to wash the waterproofed fabric. Besides, washing should be manually.
To avoid creases, keep the fabric rolled up instead of folded.
Since the beeswax is flammable, never expose the waxed fabric to extremely high temperatures.

Time

It will take around two days before the entire procedure is finished.

Cost

The approximate cost of required items:

Beeswax bar/ beeswax pellets: $15
Heat gun/iron: $20
Parchment paper (optional): $10

The total estimated cost: $45

2. Boiled Linseed Oil, Beeswax, and Turpentine to Waterproof Fabrics Naturally

Linseed oil is extracted from flax seeds. For waterproofing purposes, boiled linseed oil is used as opposed to raw oil because the former has better drying properties.

Linseed oil is a drying oil which means once it is applied on a surface, it will cure and dry hard. This curing takes place due to a chemical reaction and not due to evaporation simply.

Thus, after application on your fabric, the linseed oil will never vaporize. This oil converts the fabric into ‘tin cloth.’ However, it should not be used to waterproof leather. It will harden and deteriorate the leather over time.

Linseed oil can also be mixed with beeswax. Along with beeswax, it gives a superior finish. This gives the fabric a sturdier feel as well. Wax seals in all the seams, and oil helps it to get absorbed better in the fabric.

To speed up the drying of this waterproofing concoction, turpentine is used. Turpentine is a natural product that comes from the distillation of resin of certain pine trees. It is yellow and a little viscous. It dries simply by evaporating into the air, thereby decreasing the drying time.