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How To Reproof An Oilskin Coat

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Learn How To Reproof An Oilskin Coat And Extend The Life Of Your Favourite Waterproof Wear

If you own an oilskin coat then you most likely rely on its waterproof qualities above all else. One of the best things about an oilskin coat is its water repelling ability as well as its durability. It is an investment which, if looked after, can last many years if not decades. For this reason it is useful to learn how to reproof your oilskin coat. Reproofing your coat will inject it with a new lease of life and extend its useful life. If you are wondering how to reproof an oilskin coat this page will take you step by step through the process. Oilskins make great raincoats and are terrific in cold and windy conditions as well but the proofing needs to be replenished from time. The good news is that once your oilskin coat has been reproofed it will totally rejuvenate it and you'll think you're wearing a brand new coat. Don't leave it too long though. Your coat will benefit from regular reproofing.

This great Outback Trading Unisex Low Rider Duster is available from Amazon.com. Image credit: Amazon.com

The Old Oilskin Coat Before Starting

This Old Coat Desperately Needed Reproofing

Oilskin

My husband has had this oilskin coat for more than 20 years. We first bought one for each of us when we decided to embark on a whitewater rafting holiday back in the mid 1980's. These coats have served us extremely well as waterproof outer wear for all this time. I gave mine away not so long ago as I finally accepted I was probably never going to wear that size again. A few months ago my husband decided to wear his to one of the kids soccer games on a particularly wet weekend and came back drenched. It was then that we realised that the coat needed re-proofing.

You Will Need

A tin of re-proofing wax
A small saucepan
A small paintbrush
A place to work (outdoors on a warm day is best)
Floor coverings if desired
a clean rag
a hair dryer (optional)

You Will Need Reproofing Wax

To Reproof Your Oilskin Coat

Kakadu Reproofing WaxThere are several reproofing waxes available. They are all essentially based on a paraffin wax or bees wax base and are all very similar.They come in a solid form in a tin and need to be heated before they can be applied. The traditional waterproofing substance was linseed oil but this is no longer used as the smell can be quite overpowering and the garment tends to become quite stiff.

This Kakadu 3A04-NAT-SMALL 60G Microwaxreproofing Cream SMALL, Natural (12 Pack) is available from Amazon.com

Reproofing Options

How To Reproof An Oilskin Coat

Joseph Lyddy Dry Proof Dressing

How To Reproof An Oilskin Coat

Duckback Oilskin Treatment

How To Reproof An Oilskin Coat

Fabric Wax : All Natural Water Repellent by Otter Wax


Australian Style Drover's Coat

A Terrific Oilskin Coat

How To Reproof An Oilskin CoatBuyer feedback: "This is a terrific, heavy-duty coat which makes you actually want to run out into a storm just to scoff at the elements at every opportunity." - By T. Smith (Petaluma, CA)

Down Under Oilskin Drover Brown Large

Amazon Price: (as of 06/01/2012)Buy Now

Continually battling the harsh elements of the Aussie outback, the frontier demanded a waterproof, comfortable - without saying, "tough as nails" duster. The Drover coat sports a extra generous cut, non-wicking oilskin collar, cape, neck tab, stylish double front closure, large cargo and handwarmer pockets, adjustable storm cuffs, wide gusset, leg straps and soft premium lining. Outback Proven & Tested! Available in Black or Brown.

Before You Start

Reproofing your oilskin coat

Remove any dirt and dust. Hose down the outside of the coat or wipe over with a damp cloth depending how dirty the coat is and leave the coat to dry. Avoid getting the inside of the coat wet.

First Step Melt The Wax

Reproofing WaxPlace the tin of wax in a small saucepan and fill with water to come about half way up the side of the tin. Place saucepan over heat and bring the water to the boil. The wax will gradually melt and become a golden colour.

Melting The Reproofing Wax

The wax starts off as a solid

The wax starts off as a solid

The wax starts off as a solid
As it melts it gradually changes colour from cream to honey
The melted wa is a rich golden colour

Take Care

The melted wax and the tin will be hot.
The wax will stay melted longer if kept in the hot water so carrying the saucepan with the tin in it is best both for safety and practicality

Apply The Reproofing Wax

It's up to you how you want to go about this but I found the best way that worked for me was to hang the coat over the back of an outdoor chair and start from the top. So I started with the hood the worked my way down the shoulders and the front and back panels. Lifting the shoulder flap I applied the waterproofer to the area of jacket underneath and gradually worked down. With one hand inside the coat, move the position around as you work so that you get to all areas of the coat. The wax sets quickly so you may need to stop and reheat it or work in stages. Once you have finished applying the reproofer hang the coat to dry.

The Combo Oilskin Coat

How To Reproof an Oilskin CoatBuyer review - "I ride a motorcycle in South Eastern Virginia. In the rain at 60 miles an hour this Duster keeps me dry and the lining keeps me warm. It is a great idea for bike riders because the tail splits and the leg straps keep the coat around your legs in the rain and snow." - Duster Dave (David M. Hummel "Jolly Ox" (SE Virginia) )

The Combo (Medium, Brown)

Amazon Price: (as of 06/01/2012)Buy Now
List Price:

As at May 1, 2012 Amazon sale price not displaying: Sale: $149.00

This full-length oilskin coat with a removable fleece liner represents great value. When the fleece liner is removed you have a cotton liner and a lighter weight coat, suitable for those rainy days in spring. A great 3-season coat, fitted with storm cape, soft cotton collar, back gusset, leg straps and double entry pockets.

Final Stage

to reproofing an oilskin coat

To finish off reproofing your oilskin coat you'll need to apply heat to work the wax into the fabric and give your coat a smooth even glossy look. This can be done one of two ways. It is probably best to lay the coat on a flat surface with an old sheet or something similar underneath to protect the surface. You can either use a hair dryer or very hot water to do the next step. You'll need a rag to work the wax into the coat. If using hot water, soak the rag and work it over the coat refreshing with hot water frequently. Using a hair dryer and a clean rag use the same principal. Pay particular attention to the seams to ensure they are well sealed.

Kakadu Traders Australia® Traditional Oilskin Drover Coat

Oilskin CoatWaterproof comfort, Aussie style! 12-oz. cotton oilskin shell with microwax finish. Sheds wind and rain, yet breathes for comfort Cotton lining printed with a map of Australia, just in case Detachable cape for extra protection. Snap storm collar Gussetted riding vent in back, for motorcycle, ATV, horseback. Leg straps keep lower flaps in place around legs. Reinforced elbow patches. Large double-entry snap-flap pockets. 2 inside pockets. Snap adjust at wrists. Snap double storm flap. Accepts a button-in liner A traditional full length heavyweight oilskin Drover coat with double stacked patch pockets, removable cape, storm collar tab, snap closure covered by large snap down storm placket, drawcord waist, adjustable cuffs.

Kakadu Traders Australia® Traditional Oilskin Drover Coat

What Is An Oilskin Coat?

This video explains what an oilskin coat is and some of the benefits
Outback Trading Oilskin Collection
by EquestrianCollection | video info

2 ratings | 1,510 views
curated content from YouTube

Do You Have An Oilskin?

Would You Reproof It Yourself?

  • JaguarJulie May 17, 2012 @ 9:08 am | delete
    Wow, I never contemplated reproofing an oilskin coat ... shoot, I never owned one. It seems quite involved, you know? How does the coat actually smell after wearing it a lot? Is there an odor to the oil products? Kind of interesting!
  • scarlettohairy Apr 28, 2012 @ 8:35 pm | delete
    I love articles like this that tell a practical skill step by step. I don't have an oilskin but this is great information!
  • Michael Apr 20, 2012 @ 1:50 am | delete
    Oilskin all the way.
    It wears like iron and lasts for decades and is easily repaired with a needle and thread if need be. I reproof mine twice a year for good measure, once in the summer and once around new years to keeps me dry and wind proof in the rain at 60MPH .
  • paperfacets Jan 5, 2012 @ 12:57 pm | delete
    I'll take one like in the intro photo. lol An oilskin coat is a good investment, might as well keep it waterproofed.Good instructions on that.
  • CreativeArtist Jan 4, 2012 @ 11:11 pm | delete
    No I don't have an oilskin, but if I did, your instructions would prove very useful.
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