A Better Way to Waterproof Fabric
TLDRIn this video, the host revisits his earlier claim of creating the best waterproof tarps from recycled bed sheets and silicone, and assesses their durability after two years of exposure to the elements. He compares them with ordinary plastic tarps and introduces a new, less expensive, and non-toxic fabric waterproofing method using paraffin wax and mineral oil. The host demonstrates the flexibility and water resistance of the wax-treated fabric, even in subzero temperatures, and addresses the flammability concerns. He also shares a technique for applying the wax coating to complex fabric items like jackets and backpacks, and provides a bonus lesson on using 'button technology' with a tot line hitch for secure tie-down points on tarps.
Takeaways
- π The video discusses the durability and effectiveness of waterproof tarps made from recycled bed sheets and silicone, which have withstood two years of exposure to the elements.
- π An ordinary plastic tarp is compared to the bed sheet tarp, showing the plastic tarp in tatters due to its lack of flexibility and tendency to tear along stress points.
- π The presenter, Ben, introduces a new fabric waterproofing method that is less expensive, uses non-toxic ingredients, and is applied to his jacket to demonstrate its effectiveness.
- π« The previous waterproofing process using a solvent called Napa, which is similar to gasoline and carcinogenic, is deemed unsuitable for continued use due to health and environmental concerns.
- π An ancient technique of coating fabric in wax is explored as a safer alternative to the solvent-based method, with modern paraffin wax being used instead of beeswax.
- π§ͺ Different wax treatment recipes are tested, with varying amounts of mineral oil added to the wax to increase flexibility and prevent flaking when the fabric is folded.
- π§₯ A wax mixture using 2 cups of oil for every 2 lbs of wax is identified as the best recipe for everyday use, providing flexibility and a non-oily finish.
- π οΈ The process of preparing the wax mixture and applying it to fabric using an iron is demonstrated, emphasizing the importance of a low heat setting and a well-protected work surface.
- π‘ The use of secondary heat treatment, such as a hairdryer, is shown to remove excess wax from the surface of the treated fabric, ensuring a clean and even finish.
- π₯ Flammability tests reveal that the wax-coated fabric burns similarly to a candle wick but is not easily ignited by sparks, making it a safer option for outdoor use.
- 𧡠The video concludes with a demonstration of 'button technology,' an ancient method of creating strong tie-down points on tarps using simple knots and buttons, showcasing its continued relevance and utility.
Q & A
What was the main claim made by the speaker about the waterproof tarps made from recycled bed sheets and silicone?
-The speaker claimed that the waterproof tarps made from recycled bed sheets and silicone were the best.
How long have the tarps been exposed to the elements?
-The tarps have been exposed to the elements for the last 2 years.
What is the key benefit of using a fabric tarp compared to a plastic one?
-The key benefit of using a fabric tarp is increased flexibility, as it allows the loads of the wind to be distributed more evenly throughout all the fibers, preventing tears and tatters.
Why is the solvent used in the previous video to dissolve silicone being banned in many places?
-The solvent, similar to gasoline, is being banned because it is carcinogenic, and exposure in a workshop environment could be much higher and more dangerous.
What is the new fabric waterproofing method introduced in the video?
-The new fabric waterproofing method introduced is coating the fabric in wax, specifically paraffin wax mixed with mineral oil, which is non-toxic and less expensive.
What is the ideal wax mixture ratio for everyday use as mentioned in the video?
-The ideal wax mixture ratio for everyday use is 2 cups of mineral oil for every 2 lbs of wax, which is equivalent to 500 ml of oil per kilogram of wax.
How does the wax mixture prevent the white marks that indicate flexibility issues?
-The mineral oil mixed with the molten paraffin wax makes it softer and more flexible, matching the flexibility of the fabric and preventing the crumbly effect along fold lines that cause white marks.
What is the recommended method to prepare the wax mixture for waterproofing?
-The wax mixture is prepared by melting oil and wax together in a double boiler setup, which prevents overheating and ensures an even mix.
How should one apply the wax mixture to a tarp for waterproofing?
-The wax mixture is applied to a tarp by cutting it into cubes and melting it into the fabric using an iron on the lowest heat setting, ensuring an even coating.
What is the tot line hitch and why is it useful for tarps and tents?
-The tot line hitch is a knot that tightens up a rope by sliding the knot along the line and provides a very secure hold when tightened around a button. It's useful for tarps and tents because it allows for a very tight and secure attachment without slipping.
How does the speaker demonstrate the effectiveness of the wax coating in terms of waterproofing?
-The speaker demonstrates the effectiveness by showing how water beads up on the coated fabric and does not soak through, even in subzero temperatures, maintaining its flexibility and waterproof properties.
Outlines
π§οΈ Waterproof Tarp Test and Fabric Treatment
In this paragraph, Ben revisits his two-year-old waterproof tarps made from recycled bed sheets and silicone dissolved in a solvent. He compares their durability and water resistance to a regular plastic tarp and introduces a new, less expensive, non-toxic fabric waterproofing method using wax and mineral oil. Ben demonstrates the effectiveness of the wax method on a jacket and discusses the flexibility and water shedding capabilities of fabric tarps versus plastic ones.
𧡠Wax Coating Technique and Flexibility
The focus of this paragraph is on the drawbacks of using 100% paraffin wax for fabric waterproofing, such as reduced flexibility and the tendency of wax to crumble and fall off when fabric is folded. Ben then introduces mineral oil as a key ingredient to improve the flexibility of wax coatings. He explains the process of mixing wax with oil to achieve different levels of flexibility and shares the optimal recipe for everyday use, which is two cups of oil for every 2 lbs of wax.
π₯ Preparing the Wax Mixture and Application
This paragraph details the preparation of the wax mixture by melting oil and wax together in a double boiler. Ben emphasizes the importance of protecting the work surface with freezer paper due to the wax's water and wax resistance. He demonstrates how to cut the wax into cubes for easier application and uses an iron to melt the wax into the fabric for a waterproof tarp. The process is described as requiring a low heat setting on the iron and a well-folded sheet to ensure even wax absorption.
π§ Testing the Waterproofing and Flexibility
Ben conducts a waterproof test on the treated fabric in freezing conditions, showing that the wax-coated fabric remains flexible and waterproof. He also addresses the issue of excess wax on the surface, which can be removed by brushing or applying heat. The paragraph concludes with a flammability test, demonstrating that the wax-coated fabric, while burnable, does not easily ignite and can be extinguished with fingers.
π₯ Fire Resistance and Wax Application Techniques
The paragraph begins with a test on the fire resistance of the wax-coated tarp, showing that it does not easily catch fire from sparks or embers. Ben then discusses the application of wax on complex fabric items like jackets, where using an iron is less effective due to the wax passing through multiple layers of fabric. He explores different methods, including using a cheese grater, a heat gun, and applying wax as a paste for better control and even absorption.
πͺ’ Button Technology and Knot Tying
In the final paragraph, Ben introduces 'button technology,' an ancient method of using a small object like a marble or stone as a button to create a strong tie-down point on a tarp. He demonstrates how to create a slip knot with a rope and secure it using the tot line hitch, a knot that tightens with pulling but slides freely. This knot is praised for its versatility in various applications, from securing tarps to tying down tents.
Mindmap
Keywords
π‘Waterproof Fabric
π‘Silicone
π‘Tarp
π‘Paraffin Wax
π‘Mineral Oil
π‘Flexibility
π‘Napa
π‘Flammability
π‘
π‘Wax Coating
π‘Tote Line Hitch
π‘Button Technology
Highlights
The video tests the durability of waterproof tarps made from recycled bed sheets and silicone after two years of exposure to the elements.
An ordinary plastic tarp is compared alongside the bed sheet tarp, showing its inferiority in terms of flexibility and longevity.
A new, less expensive, and non-toxic fabric waterproofing method is introduced using wax and mineral oil.
The host demonstrates the waterproofing process on a jacket, emphasizing the flexibility and water resistance of the treated fabric.
The traditional solvent used to dissolve silicone, Naptha, is highlighted as a carcinogen and is being phased out due to health concerns.
Ancient techniques of coating fabric in wax are explored as a safer alternative to modern, toxic methods.
The use of 100% paraffin wax leads to reduced flexibility and potential issues with the fabric, as demonstrated with a treated sample.
Mineral oil is identified as a key ingredient that, when mixed with paraffin wax, increases the flexibility and effectiveness of the waterproof coating.
Different ratios of oil to wax are tested to find the optimal balance between flexibility, water resistance, and ease of application.
A specific wax mixture recipe using 2 cups of oil for every 2 lbs of wax is recommended for everyday use, providing a good balance of properties.
The process of preparing the wax mixture is detailed, including the use of a double boiler to melt the wax and oil together.
Protective measures, such as using freezer paper, are suggested to keep the work surface free from wax absorption during the waterproofing process.
The application of wax onto fabric using an iron is shown, with an emphasis on the iron's ability to distribute wax evenly and penetrate multiple fabric layers.
The finished wax-coated tarp is demonstrated to be waterproof, flexible even in subzero temperatures, and free of flaking.
Excess wax on the treated fabric can be easily removed with a hairdryer or secondary heat treatment.
Flammability tests show that the wax-coated fabric is not easily ignited, making it a safer alternative to traditional materials.
The video concludes with a demonstration of 'button technology,' an ancient method of creating strong tie-down points on tarps using simple knots and buttons.
The tot line hitch knot is introduced as a versatile and secure knot for various applications, including attaching buttons to fabric and securing tarps.