Waxed canvas cotton has been used as a resilient, water resistant material since the mid 19th century. It originated when sailors discovered wet sail cloth was more efficient than dry in terms of wind resistance. However, wet sails are heavy and they began experimenting with linseed oil and eventually wax to develop the waxed canvas like I use in Artifact Bags.

Waxed canvas is naturally water resistant and more breathable than nylon and other synthetics. With use the material can develop a wonderful burnished patina (like leather).

Care of Waxed Canvas:

Do not dry clean, machine wash, or machine dry waxed canvas. Use cold tap water to gently surface clean with yours hands, a sponge, or a scrub brush. Mild soap flakes may be used, but do not use detergent – it will break down the wax!

Rewaxing:

The wax will eventually thin with continual use over time and may lose water resistance. If you want to restore your waxed canvas, simply hand apply an approved product like Otter Wax or Martexin Wax then apply heat to allow the wax to impregnate back into the canvas. You can use a hair dryer, but I like to let my rewaxed bags bask in the hot summer sun and it does the trick.