A quick guide on which wax to use to reproof your waxed jacket; 5 alternatives
- Mr. Darcy Downpour
- 13 hours ago
- 6 min read
There's quite a remarkable variety of waxes and brands available when it comes to reproofing your waxed jacket. In this little comparison article, I'd like to serve you several options to help you make an informed decision about which product might be best suited to your waxed needs. Let us set off.
Let me begin with an old favourite of mine. I can wholeheartedly recommend Otter Wax Heat-Activated Fabric Dressing. First and foremost, this wax is an excellent choice for waterproofing your waxed jacket. It does precisely what you'd expect, restoring that lovely fresh lustre your jacket had when you first purchased it from the shop. Now, here comes what's perhaps my favourite aspect: the ingredients in Otter Wax are entirely natural. There's no paraffin whatsoever. In fact, synthetic substances don't appear anywhere on the ingredients list. What's more, the wax has a rather pleasant scent, which is a delightful bonus.
The advantages
I found the beautiful matte finish that Otter Wax provides particularly attractive. If, like me, you have a soft spot for the beauty of patina, then Otter Wax is certainly worth considering for purchase.
Naturally, Otter Wax offers excellent protection against moisture—that goes without saying. This type of wax also lends itself beautifully to all manner of outdoor items such as rucksacks, caps and heats, though I'd personally perhaps opt for a more robust type of wax for those applications.
The wax is easy to work into seams and hard-to-reach areas using a heat gun. Once the wax has cooled, it doesn't become too stiff, and in my experience, the cotton remains pleasantly soft.
The wax comes in both bar form and in a tin. On that note, I'd opt for the tin, as it's rather simpler to warm up.
The disadvantages
If I must mention a drawback, it's perhaps that it can occasionally be a bit fiddly getting every last bit out of the tin. Additionally, if you're waxing a long raincoat, you might find you haven't quite enough. Last year, I treated one of those long riding coats from the Australian brand Driza-Bone, and a single tin wasn't nearly sufficient to wax the entire garment.
When waxing a light beige jacket, for instance, the wax may darken the fabric considerably. Now, this isn't a disadvantage inherent to Otter Wax specifically, but do bear in mind that this can happen. It's not the most economical option, but that's due to the positive qualities I've mentioned earlier.
Let me be quite honest: the industry benchmark, at least in terms of name recognition, is undoubtedly Barbour Thornproof Dressing. This wax has been the gold standard for ages for anyone wanting to keep their jacket in tip-top condition. The moment you open the tin, you know you're dealing with the genuine article: a substantial, somewhat paraffin-like wax with that recognisable, distinctly British scent. A splendid wax to reproof a waxed jacket with.
However, there are a few considerations you might want to weigh before purchasing a tin.
The advantages
The protection is exceptionally durable. A single treatment often withstands multiple seasons of dreadful weather, even if the jacket is worn frequently and you're constantly braving various downpours.
The finish has that classic, slightly glossy appearance that belongs to authentic waxed cotton. Unlike Otter Wax, this gives your jacket an oil-like sheen.
The wax penetrates beautifully and evenly if you warm the tin slightly and work it in with a cloth.
Highly suitable for traditional waxed jackets from the heritage brands such as Barbour, Belstaff and Dubarry.
Available in a large tin, so you've enough for one complete long jacket.
The disadvantages
The composition is based on paraffin, so it's not natural like some modern alternatives. Some jackets specifically call for this type of product, but generally speaking, I personally prefer natural, organic types of wax. However, don't let my opinion steer you.
Because it's an oil-based product, it can take somewhat longer to melt using the bain-marie method. It's also slightly thicker, which means it's important to keep the wax warm whilst waxing; otherwise, it can become a bit difficult to spread the wax evenly.
The scent is quite intense. I find it delightful, but I can imagine not everyone appreciates it. Rest assured, though, it disappears after a few days.
As with any wax, this darkens the colour of the treated cotton somewhat.
Halley Stevenson wax is a solid choice for anyone wanting to properly refurbish their waxed jacket with a traditional wax. What's immediately noticeable is that this wax is somewhat heavier and more robust than certain other brands, making it perfect for heavier use and for the true outdoor enthusiast. Much like Otter Wax, Halley Stevenson provides a reliable waterproof layer that protects your jacket against the elements and gives the fabric that characteristic wax look and feel. A significant advantage is that Halley Stevenson remains faithful to the classic formulation, with paraffin as its base, which benefits the durability of the layer. Consequently, the result is a sturdy, glossy finish that truly benefits your jacket, especially during prolonged exposure to weather and wind.
The advantages
I found this the most robust wax I've used to date. It lasts tremendously long, and you can therefore consider it for rather more heavy-duty items.
The wax spreads well, especially if you warm it beforehand, and penetrates deeply into the fabric.
Ideal for long, coarser jackets and heavier waxed cotton. Excellently suited for a rucksack or a heavy-duty duffel bag.
Because this wax is paraffin-based, a treatment gives the cotton a slight sheen.
The tin is fairly large, so you've enough for multiple applications, which is splendid, particularly when you've a rather larger jacket to wax.
The disadvantages
Application requires some experience and patience; the wax is quite tough and therefore less easy to spread without warming it up. I'd recommend that if you're thinking of using this wax, borrow or purchase a heat gun. Do be careful not to make it too hot, lest you damage the wax or, worse still, the jacket itself.
It can darken the jacket somewhat, which is particularly noticeable on lighter colours.
The scent is present and characteristically paraffin-like, but certainly not bothersome, and naturally disappears after a few days.
Halley Stevenson Everwax is the more natural counterpart to the classic Halley Stevenson wax and particularly appeals to those who value sustainability and the use of plant-based ingredients. This wax combines traditional functionality with an environmentally friendly composition, whereby the paraffin has been largely replaced by beeswax and other natural oils, notably by-products from the food industry.
Due to the substantial absence of oil-based products, Everwax provides a beautiful matte finish without making the fabric terribly heavy. It protects your jacket effectively against moisture, but in a more subtle manner than the robust, paraffin-based waxes. In terms of scent, you'll detect light, natural notes that are experienced as far fresher and more pleasant than with rather more hardcore regular wax such as, for example, Barbour's variant.
The advantages
Made from largely natural ingredients such as beeswax, which supports environmentally conscious choices. Alongside Otter Wax, this could be the right choice for tree-huggers like myself.
Easier to apply thanks to its softer consistency and good 'spreadability', is that even a word? Excellently suited for the lighter type of waxed jacket. Think of your summer jacket, for instance.
Effective water repellency, perfectly adequate for daily use and light outdoor work.
The disadvantages
Less durable and water-repellent compared with the classic Halley Stevenson wax with paraffin. That's to say, if you're outdoors day in, day out in beastly weather, you might want to consider a different wax.
Less well-known and therefore sometimes less readily available than the standard wax. In fact, I've yet to find any shops here in Norway that stock it.
Not ideal for very severe weather conditions or prolonged exposure to rain.
Filson Wax represents a more traditional approach to garment waxing, particularly cherished amongst devotees of robust outdoor gear. Picture this: you're a farmer in Ireland, contending with relentless rain, thick mud, cow poo, and what not. This is precisely the wax you'd want rub onto your waxed jacket. It's specifically designed to provide a sturdy waterproof barrier with a finish that exudes both strength and longevity.
The product bears similarity to other classic paraffin-based waxes, yet there's something distinctly more substantial about this one, making it particularly well-suited to hardcore jackets that need to withstand considerable punishment. I've been harbouring the idea for months now of waxing one of my wool Norwegian jumpers, and I'm seriously considering using Filson for the task.
When you begin working with Filson, you'll immediately notice it's rather more substantial than many alternatives. It takes slightly longer to melt than, say, Otter Wax. Much like other petroleum-based waxes mentioned previously, this one imparts a lovely sheen to your jacket. The characteristic aroma of paraffin is unmistakably present here too, which rather enhances that vintage outdoor experience.
The advantages
Exceptionally durable and robust water-repellent layer, absolutely perfect for intensive use
Penetrates deeply into the fabric, ensuring long-lasting protection against moisture
Delivers a characteristic, subtly glossy finish that many outdoor enthusiasts greatly appreciate
Straightforward to apply with a modest amount of heat, even reaching those tricky seams
Ideal for heavy-duty jackets, bags, and other equipment that needs to stand up to serious wear and tear
The disadvantages
The texture is quite coarse, which can make application without heat rather challenging
Not the most natural product available; paraffin serves as the principal base ingredient
The scent is quite pronounced and may prove rather intense for some users
Has a tendency to darken the fabric, particularly noticeable on lighter colours
