Reproofing/Waxing a Barbour

[Fardad]

I've made a mess on mine (first attempt), I'd like to ask if there are areas of the jacket that have more wax (blotches of) than others, over time, would they 'even' out?

It's almost an embarrassment how I've waxed this thing (even though I've used the hairdryer, followed the instructions,..etc). There are blotches of 'shiny' parts (more wax) and it looks a little weird.

The thing is, I've heated the wax to the point where it's liquid, but as soon as I go to apply it, it absorbs and hardens immediately (hard to spread out consistently). Even in a warm room.

argh, any tips?

 

[Micawber]

I've made a mess on mine (first attempt), I'd like to ask if there are areas of the jacket that have more wax (blotches of) than others, over time, would they 'even' out?

It's almost an embarrassment how I've waxed this thing (even though I've used the hairdryer, followed the instructions,..etc). There are blotches of 'shiny' parts (more wax) and it looks a little weird.

The thing is, I've heated the wax to the point where it's liquid, but as soon as I go to apply it, it absorbs and hardens immediately (hard to spread out consistently). Even in a warm room.

argh, any tips?

Drape the coat over a heating radiator or other moderate heat source and allow it to thoroughly warm up. Obtain a clean, lint free cloth and proceed to work in / wipe off the surplus wax.

Alternatively use a hairdryer as a heat source. Work the hairdryer (or even an electric paint stripping gun at a distance) over the garment at the same time using a cloth as described above. Warming up the cotton results in a far more even spread and penetration of wax. Overheating the wax can ruin it.

Patches of surplus wax on the garment can take on a polished appearance in wear and attract dirt. Waxproofs only need rewaxing when they go dry or start to leak water, you don't really want to make them too waxy otherwise anywhere you sit wearing the coat will show evidence of your presence!

I've been a non fashion wearer of Barbours and other waxproofs for more more decades than I care to remember so hope this may be of help.

 

[Alan Eardley]

Good advice.

We used to have a guy at Belstaff (George Barnish) who did little else all day but reproof waxproof garments. He'd done it for about twenty years and was great at it! You can't really expect to make a super job first time.

Alan

 

[Fardad]

Drape the coat over a heating radiator or other moderate heat source and allow it to thoroughly warm up. Obtain a clean, lint free cloth and proceed to work in / wipe off the surplus wax.

Alternatively use a hairdryer as a heat source. Work the hairdryer (or even an electric paint stripping gun at a distance) over the garment at the same time using a cloth as described above.

Exactly what I'll do. Thank you very much!
Does anyone know (or have any pics of people proofing jackets) how the factory reproofs their jackets? (Tools? Perhaps a tube that feeds an end sponge with a consistent supply of hot wax which one just 'rolls' on like paint). Just curious.

 

[Hemingway Jones]

I sent mine to Barbour in New Hampshire, which is their N American headquarters. They reproofed mine for around $40 and it came back looking brand new. I think it was gone for 3 weeks in the off season. I was very satisfied.

 

[Micawber]

Exactly what I'll do. Thank you very much!
Does anyone know (or have any pics of people proofing jackets) how the factory reproofs their jackets? (Tools? Perhaps a tube that feeds an end sponge with a consistent supply of hot wax which one just 'rolls' on like paint). Just curious.

I've never seen anyone use a gizmo like that, getting the garment warm is more important than heating the wax - if it's too hot it scorches the cotton anyway.

 

[Fardad]

I want to develop a patina in the jacket as quickly as I can. Shall I exclude some areas from being reproofed to obtain this? Thanks.