What is Oilskin?
Oilskin is a durable waxed fabric used to make water-resistant apparel capable of lasting up to 25 years. Modern oilskin is made by permeating liquidised wax onto large sheets of cotton or canvas. Garments are commonly used for farming, fishing, camping, and working outdoors.
History of Oilskin
Sailors at the turn of the 19th century discovered old ship's sails could be waterproofed with linseed and whale oil and sewn into incredibly protective wet weather gear. It didn't take long for fame of the oiled fabric to spread to the land. Australian farmers and stockmen at last had a fabric that would not only keep them dry in the heaviest thunderstorms but was strong enough to withstand the working life on the land. For many an oilskin coat became a bed for a night under the stars or even an emergency shelter for a newborn lamb.
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Benefits of Oilskin: |
Drawbacks of Oilskin: |
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· Waterproof fabric · Wind Restricting · Extreme weather protection · Long garment life · Breathable |
· Need to be kept in a dry/ventilated area · Need to be reproofed every 3-10 years · Prone to mould in high humidity areas · Can’t be washed in a washing machine
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How to Care for your Oilskin
- ​Allow to dry naturally after use
- Store hanging in a dry, well-ventilated area
- Keep away from naked flames or artificial heat
- Clean at regular intervals
- Do not bleach
- Do not machine wash
- Do not iron or dry-clean
- Do not wring, spin or tumble dry
- Reproof the stitches if altering garment
- Do not wash exterior with soap or detergents *unless reproofing
- Reproof your oilskin every 3-10 years (or as needed)
How to Clean an Oilskin
- Gently remove dirt using a soft brush or cloth.
- Using cold water dab with a sponge or hose down.
- For woollen linings use a small amount of wool wash and water.
- For mouldy garments sponge or hand wash with diluted vinegar, after this your garment may need to be reproofed.
- Allow garment to dry naturally.
How to Reproof an Oilskin with Wax
We recommend reproofing your oilskin every 3-10 years (depending on wear) to maintain its water-resistant qualities. A 400g tin is sufficient to reproof a full-length coat.
- Remove all surplus dirt from the garment by wiping down with a wet cloth or hand washing in cold or lukewarm water using antibacterial detergent or pure soap.
- Allow garment to dry naturally.
- Remove the tin lid and place tin in a hot water until the wax liquidises. Note the hot water level should be 3cm lower than the tin. CAUTION: Handle carefully to avoid scalding
- Apply melted wax directly onto garment using a soft cloth, sponge, or paintbrush. A thicker coating should be applied to the shoulders, neck, and seams of the garment.
- *Optional* Once the garment is waxed use a hair dryer on a low-warm setting to even out patches, this will allow the wax to seep deeper into the fabric for a longer lasting finish.
- Hang garment in a warm place and allow to dry.