Waterproofing a coat

[57plymouth]

I have a Carhartt that has served me well for the past 8 or 9 years. I was thinking about getting a Filson, but it occurred to me that the only thing I don't like about my Carhartt is that it is not waterproof.

Has anyone ever successfully waterproofed a Carhartt coat? How did you do it? Am I barking up the wrong tree?

 

[Inusuit]

I've tried a couple of methods to waterproof cotton garments. Not much success with the spray-on stuff you can buy at Target or sporting goods stores. I have not tried the wax sold by Filson and others on non-Filson garments, so I don't know if that would work. Typically my new Carhartt coats, the original stiff canvas ones, not the pre-washed, are fairly water proof until they've been worn a lot and/or washed. Just FYI, I have a Filson waxed rain jacket that has been somewhat disappointing in regards to water repellency. I haven't worn it a lot, re-treated it myself a couple of times. When I did wear it working the rain, it soaked through in about an hour. I sent it back to Filson. They re-treated it at no charge, but I don't really trust it.

 

[Aether]

I've reproofed a couple of Barbours before, it's a bit time consuming and messy, but not hard. Not sure if it would work on your Carhartt?

Check out this thread for a discussion on rewaxing jackets: http://www.thefedoralounge.com/showthread.php?t=34513

 

[57plymouth]

Will the wax soak into the wool lining?

My coat is 8 or 9 years old. It was pretty stiff originally, but it's an ol' softy now. It fits right, the pockets are right, it has the right amount of lining, but I'd like some waterproofing. I don't want to treat it with something, and it not work. Then I won't have a great coat anymore, but a formerly great coat.

 

[Todd V]

There is a discussion of this topic here:

http://www.instructables.com/id/How-to-wax-waterproof-a-Carhartt-coat/

If you try it, do report back with the results!

 

[Aether]

You warm up the wax so that it completely impregnates the outer, so it probably would soak into the liner a bit, par for the course with a waxed jacket I'm afraid.

Did a quick search and this came up: http://www.instructables.com/id/How-to-wax-waterproof-a-Carhartt-coat/

Good luck!

 

[dhermann1]

That's a pretty neat website in general.

 

[57plymouth]

So there is the Filson wax, the Barbour wax, and what else? Anyone think that Sno Seal would work? Any other suggestions? I'm thinking I might give this a shot. I have two pairs of Carhartt pants that are the same age as the coat. They are too big for me now, but I might give this method a shot on them. They would make incredible pants to wear over sweat pants or thermals in the winter.

 

[Todd V]

Cabela's offers a tin of wax at a lower price.

I found some information here about waxing cloth, though they are mainly just arguing with each other. [huh]

http://www.woodworking-online.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=9772