How to Care for and Re-Wax a Tin Cloth Vest

Quick Answer

Clean your Filson Oil Tin Cloth Vest with a stiff brush and cold water, then re-wax it with Filson Wax to restore its weather resistance and abrasion protection.

How to Re-Wax Your Tin Cloth Vest

1. 1. Clean the Vest: Remove loose dirt and debris with a stiff brush or a damp cloth. For stubborn grime, use cold water and a mild soap, then rinse thoroughly. Do not machine wash or use hot water—it can strip the wax. Let the vest air-dry completely before waxing. Damp fabric won't absorb wax evenly.
2. 2. Apply Filson Wax: Lay the vest flat on a protected surface. Rub Filson Wax directly onto the fabric, focusing on high-wear areas like shoulders and elbows. Use a hair dryer on medium heat to melt the wax into the fibers, then spread it evenly with a clean cloth. Work in small sections to avoid over-saturating. Too much wax leaves a sticky residue.
3. 3. Heat and Set the Wax: After applying, use the hair dryer again to fully melt the wax into the fabric. The vest should look uniformly darker and feel slightly tacky. Let it cool and cure for at least 24 hours before wearing or packing. Skip this step and the wax may flake off. Patience ensures a durable, even finish.

Product Facts

• Oil Tin Cloth Vest - Dark Tan: Our Oil Tin Cloth Vest is built with our iconic abrasion- and weather-resistant oil finish Tin Cloth that's proven its mettle in the rain-soaked forests of the Pacific Northwest for decades. Regular re-waxing keeps this vest performing as a barrier to wind, brush, and moisture in demanding outdoor and workshop conditions.