Homemade Waterproofing - Video

[particle]

I stumbled across this video on YouTube and thought I'd share it. There's frequent discussion of homemade mixtures of beeswax and oils, and this is yet another formulation. The guy in the video tells you what to use, how much to use, demonstrates how to make it, shows how he applies it, then proves that it actually works. The end shows how he stores it for easy transport while camping, etc. Great video, but a little hard to hear at times. Worth a watch.

[Matt S]

Yup been using that stuff for a few years, since I read Bob Smalser's article on it. HOWEVER:

The method demonstrated is extremely dangerous. If you are tempted to try this, place the can of ingredients inside a pot of water and heat the outer container.

This is called a 'double boiler' and makes the whole setup a whole load safer, by limiting the temperature of the ingredients to 100 degrees C (212F).

[Vianeth]

Double boiler is definately much safer

Edited December 14, 2012 by Vianeth

[phil7153]

That looks like some top notch stuff! I love to see water just ball up and roll off.

Newbie question, how would this be applied to holsters? Would I just substitute this for my normal finish?

[particle]

Use your fingers and rub it over the entire surface, then warm the leather with a blow drier or heat gun (don't hold it too close) until it soaks in. Buff liberally to remove the excess. You can probably even warm the mixture so it goes on more easily, then brush it on the interior surfaces so you can get in the crevices. And yes, the idea is this is the final finish - something that can be replenished as necessary. Compared to an acrylic sealer that's typically used, this should leave the holster feeling like leather, instead of plastic. I haven't tried this mixture yet, but I think I might still prefer acrylic sealers for holsters since it soaks in really well, and seems to help stiffen the holster considerably. This mixture may stiffen the leather too, but I'm not sure.

[SWFLholsters]

I have been struggling with this issue too, I like the water proofing properties of acrylic but hate the fact that you are basically locked into that finish. I ordered some Sno-Seal and Montana Pitch to see if they would be good alternatives. I did a quick test on some scraps, and to me, Sno-Seal beat the Montana Pitch in the water resistance department. I need to do a more thorough test to be certain that Sno-Seal is better.

I'm including several photos that show the finish difference between Sno-Seal and Angelus 600. I love the way Sno-Seal leaves the leather feeling and looking like leather and that you can reapply whenever needed. The one problem I noticed is that any of these paste heat gun solutions involve more labor and time to apply, especially on belts. I am thinking maybe it could be an option for a few dollars more?

I recently ordered a quart of Angelus 620 with hope that it will tone down the glossy look. I doubt it will change the plastic feel though. I will report back after I get a chance to do more testing.

[The Dawg Club]

Thanks for posting!

[particle]

Larry - Did you notice if the Sno-Seal left the leather being more flexible once applied?

[SWFLholsters]

Hey Eric, on the holster I didn't notice any big change in the retention ability, but the look and feel was very nice, and IMHO a big improvement over acrylic. On the belt I did notice a pretty big difference, kind of like going from a new belt to a nice broken in feeling. No problem with the belts vertical rigidity though.

This combo was for my bother-in-law so I will be able to keep tabs on how it performs. I think the baking after forming really locks in the holster firmness, but we will have to see how it holds up over time.

I just need to figure out how to speed up the application and lessen the labor.

I forgot to mention that I did apply Angelus 600 on the interior of the holster.