How can I "waxproof" a work apron.

[Dawn S.]

I am making a work apron out of denim. The work being done is quite messy and gets hot wax splattered everywhere. Is there something I can apply that will work as a "shield" from wax, slime and goo? I know about Scotchguard, but was wondering if anyone has heard of some new, wonderful, magical substance that I can just spray on, or dip the apron into, so that the wax does not penatrate and can just be flicked off.

Dawn
In beautiful Northwest Montana

[Margo C.]

Dawn, I don't know how it would work with wax, but you might want to try some fusible vinyl. I found some at the local Jo Ann's.

http://www.thermowebonline.com/dyn_p...02&k=82331

[Margo C.]

How about an apron made from the new funky oilcloth that is popular now? It's fabric with a slick finish on the outside. It's great for totes, but might work for an apron.

[Dawn S.]

Thank you Margo and Michelle! But, I really want something that soaks into the fibers of the denim, so that the apron can still "breath." Wearing an oilcloth, or vinyl coating for 8 hours would be too warm, and I'm afraid the hot wax might melt it. This is to be an all day apron, not a 2 or 3 hour hobby apron.

Dawn
In beautiful Northwest Montana

[Dawn S.]

I don't know where or how you'd get this, but it sounds like teflon is what you need! Perhaps there is some way to paint the apron front with teflon? Just brainstoming here...


BTW, what are you doing that you're in need of a wax and goo proof apron for 8 hours a day? Inquiring minds want to know...!!

[Margo C.]

Yes! Inquiring minds want to know!

Maybe Scotchguard would be the answer after all? Try treating a small piece of the denim and see how it works.

I can tell you that Scotchguard on denim pants is NOT effective when you are putting together a ski outfit on the cheap! I fell at the top of the hill and my pants were so slick I couldn't stop sliding until I got to the bottom!! But....I did stay DRY! :roll:

[Pamela O.]

Thank you Margo and Michelle! But, I really want something that soaks into the fibers of the denim, so that the apron can still "breath." Wearing an oilcloth, or vinyl coating for 8 hours would be too warm, and I'm afraid the hot wax might melt it. This is to be an all day apron, not a 2 or 3 hour hobby apron.

Dawn
In beautiful Northwest Montana

What about the wax that is used on Barbour coats? It soaks into the fibers.The jacket remains flexible but is resistant to wind and rain. I don't know how it would work on an apron.

[Renata L.]

I could not think of anything that you could coat denim fibers with so that wax would stay on the surface. The problem is that denim is relatively porous so even scotchguard would not prevent wax from soaking through your apron. For a little better protection, I would recommend lining your apron with something like cotton duck (there are some lighter weights out there than the typical canvas), because it has a tighter weave than denim. The wax, even if it soaks through the denim, is unlikely to go through the second layer because the heat of molten wax dissipates as it hits the air. The lining will give you a little better protection and will still make your apron breathable. The only thing I think you can do for the wax on your apron is to put ice on the wax to freeze and it will pop off a little easier. I know this does not give you exactly what you are looking for but it may be an alternative in case you don't find the ideal solution.
Renata

[Betty J.]

I have an idea...how about tent and camping gear waterproofing. I have not used this particular brand, but I found this link that says it also helps against oil:

http://www.google.com/products/catal...d=0CIsBEPMCMAA

If the link doesn't work, I just googled "tent waterproofing"

Hope that helps.

[Renata L.]

Dawn,
I just realized in my previous post I did not offer the reason I made the recommendation. Good spray-on repellents can work but all depends on the fabric you are spraying it on. Repellents protect the fiber itself but you still have to consider the space between the fibers, which repellents have no effect on. So, if the fabric is relatively porous, you might protect the fabric from penetrating the fibers, but not between the fibers. If the fabric is pretty dense, your repellent might provide better coverage. Some industrial aprons are lined with cotton duck to provide better coverage, yet breathability. I'm not sure exactly what the intended purpose of your apron will be. Metal casters, for example, often use leather aprons, which provide some breathability, flexibility, less penetrability and more safety protection.
Cheers and hope you find something that will work for you! Renata

[Renata L.]

THINK TWICE before you put some of the WATERPROOFING stuff against your skin....

Is it toxic????

WILL it absorb through your skin


I think those are considerations for you.... Not Anti DYI but is what you are planning safe???.... Laminate fabric might be the way to go

[Dawn S.]

In answer to your questions, this apron is worn all day by my DH when he is in the foundry, depending on what process he is doing. The company does Bronze metal casting. The pay is low but, very interesting "artisic" work. We don't spend much on his work clothes, and I am just making him an apron so that he can remove it at breaktime in order to be able to rest his arm on his belly etc, without laying it on soft wax, and sticking to it. It needs to be breathable because he is very warm blooded right now from medication. I will check on the tent and camping gear stuff, and Lady Rags, it does NOT go against his skin. Not to worry. (I want the wax to pop off, so that the apron will last longer! Build up over build up, means eventually it just has to be tossed! We have "tossed" lots of clothes!)

Dawn
In beautiful Northwest Montana

[Dawn S.]

i suggest that you will have an apron from leather!

[Betty J.]

The waterproofing does not say anything about being toxic, but it does suggest using it for bedrolls and backpacks, so I would think it would also be ok for aprons. I suspect there are non toxic varieties.

[Betty J.]

I was just ironing something and used my Teflon sheet to protect it. That made me think: Somewhere, you should be able to buy large teflon sheets or on the roll and you could sew it onto the critical areas of the apron front. I got my sheet with my Bo Nash set. It's about 12" wide and 20" long.