How Effective Is Hot Dipping Veg Tan In Paraffin Or Bees Wax?

[impulse]

I have always used a neatsfoot / beeswax / parafin wax mixture in the 60/40 ratiio, but in addition use a few drops of eucalyptus oil which prevents mould.

Lois

[jlrowe]

I have always used a neatsfoot / beeswax / parafin wax mixture in the 60/40 ratiio, but in addition use a few drops of eucalyptus oil which prevents mould.

Lois

Never thought about that....great tip!

[billybopp]

Does the eucalyptus oil leave enough of a scent to be noticable??

Bill

[huffdad]

Eucalyptus is definitely noticeable, although it has a very low flash point. 118 F, if I remember correctly, but don't quote me. If you apply the mixture with added heat, most of the volatiles evaporate away. Orange oil is another anti-mold essential oil, and it has an equally low flashpoint.

[Troy I]

I've heard pure Cedar Oil is a good mold deterrent. To me it has a very pleasant smell as well.

This is not from experience, but something I read somewhere.

[makitmama]

I make a lot of waxed canvas and leather bags. I have a mix of 60% beeswax and 40% oil that I use- and the last batch was done with sweet almond oil. I always put in 0.5% rosemary essential oil because it is a natural antibacterial/preservative, and makes everything smell wonderfully pine-scented.

This 'recipe' developed as it did because I make many of my own skin products- scrubs, shea butter, soap, lotion, lip balm, et cetera. I do not sell stuff anymore, so I don't send it off to the FDA to be tested- but I preferred rosemary to germicides in my skin stuff. No rosemary EO for pregnant women, please!

I have a bag that has been carried for 8 years by my spouse, who is Air Force. Of course, I don't know everywhere this bag has been, but he has put it thru the wringer. I used Horween straps/flaps/tabs, and have had to replace a couple of snaps with carabiniers. I just re-waxed it this winter, and it is holding up well. I love the patina of beat-up waxed canvas!

to make a long story short, I have stopped doing my canvas first and then sewing my bag. It is easier on my equipment to make the bag first, including leather. Then, I wipe on my soft smooshy oil mix, grab the heat gun, and melt it into the fabric and leather.

[Dwight]

I make a lot of waxed canvas and leather bags. I have a mix of 60% beeswax and 40% oil that I use- and the last batch was done with sweet almond oil. I always put in 0.5% rosemary essential oil because it is a natural antibacterial/preservative, and makes everything smell wonderfully pine-scented.

This 'recipe' developed as it did because I make many of my own skin products- scrubs, shea butter, soap, lotion, lip balm, et cetera. I do not sell stuff anymore, so I don't send it off to the FDA to be tested- but I preferred rosemary to germicides in my skin stuff. No rosemary EO for pregnant women, please!

I have a bag that has been carried for 8 years by my spouse, who is Air Force. Of course, I don't know everywhere this bag has been, but he has put it thru the wringer. I used Horween straps/flaps/tabs, and have had to replace a couple of snaps with carabiniers. I just re-waxed it this winter, and it is holding up well. I love the patina of beat-up waxed canvas!

to make a long story short, I have stopped doing my canvas first and then sewing my bag. It is easier on my equipment to make the bag first, including leather. Then, I wipe on my soft smooshy oil mix, grab the heat gun, and melt it into the fabric and leather.

OK, . . . we've got orange oil, . . . cedar oil, . . . eucalyptus oil, . . . and now, rosemary.

Question 1: Where do all you folks find these things?

Question 2: How much do they cost?

Question 3: How much do you use , . . . weight? ratio? measured?

That would be good information to have.

May God bless,

Dwight

[huffdad]

I can get essential oils at my local "head shop". There's a store here called Earth Mother Health Food that sells all manner of vitamins, herbs, specialty foods, specialty soaps, etc. Among their inventory is food grade essential oils. Your local wal-mart may or may not have them. Candle scents are not the same thing as essential oils.

Or if you are so inclined, make your own by grinding a plant to a pulp, soak it in alcohol, then strain the alcohol and either bottle that, or mix with olive oil, then bottle it. Most of the antifungal essential oils have a very low flashpoint, so it mat not be wise to heat them.

*edit*

A 1 oz bottle will cost approx $5-$8. I don't remember how much I used, but it is approx 1 drop per 1 oz of oil/fat. A little goes a long way with essential oils. I've never measured precisely how much I drop in. I just guess each time.

Edited January 26, 2016 by huffdad

[makitmama]

http://www.chemistrystore.com/

is my favorite vendor. They can also explain the difference, for instance, between Rosemary Oleoresin and Rosemary essential oil. Also a great source for palm oil, shea butter, or anything else to make your spouse happy. 'Body Butter' at a fancy store is 25-30 bucks, and I make it literally for 3 bucks. Using pure ingredients and no chemicals.

Oh, and I would put my waxed canvas up against Filson or any of the other expensive brands in a heart-beat. Just be careful in really hot climates...

Edited January 26, 2016 by makitmama

[Dorado]

Y'all know if anyone makes a leather scented essential oil? I love the smell of leather but it tends to fade. I'd love to treat my leather to keep that scent for longer.