A Better Way to Waterproof Fabric
TLDRIn this video, the host revisits his earlier claim about creating the best waterproof tarps from recycled bed sheets and silicone. After two years of exposure, the tarps have held up well, with the added benefit of flexibility compared to plastic tarps. However, due to the carcinogenic nature of the solvent used previously, the host introduces a new, non-toxic and less expensive waterproofing method using wax and mineral oil. He demonstrates the process of waxing fabric for tarps and clothing, highlighting the flexibility and durability of the wax coating even in sub-zero temperatures. The video also includes a flammability test and a tutorial on using 'button technology' with a slip knot for securing tarps, showcasing the versatility and practicality of the wax coating for various outdoor applications.
Takeaways
- {"🌟":"The video compares the durability of waterproof tarps made from recycled bed sheets and silicone with those made from plastic, finding the fabric tarps more flexible and durable over two years of exposure to the elements."}
- {"🔍":"A new, less expensive, and non-toxic fabric waterproofing method is introduced, which uses a wax and mineral oil mixture rather than the previously used solvent-based silicone."}
- {"🧥":"The presenter demonstrates the new waterproofing method on a jacket, highlighting its effectiveness in maintaining water resistance without compromising flexibility."}
- {"🚫":"The previous solvent used to dissolve silicone, Napa, is being banned due to its carcinogenic properties, leading to the search for a safer alternative."}
- {"📚":"Ancient techniques of coating fabric in wax are revisited and improved upon with modern materials like paraffin wax and mineral oil to create a flexible and durable waterproof coating."}
- {"🧪":"Different ratios of wax to oil are tested to find the optimal balance between flexibility, water resistance, and ease of application for various fabric items."}
- {"🔥":"The flammability of the wax-coated fabric is tested, showing that while it can burn, it is not easily ignited and poses a similar risk to plastic tarps when proper precautions are taken."}
- {"🧵":"The tot line hitch knot is introduced as a strong method for securing tarps or other fabric items without the need for grommets, providing a secure and adjustable hold."}
- {"🛠️":"The use of an iron to melt wax into fabric is demonstrated for tarps, but for more complex items like jackets, alternative methods such as applying wax paste and using a heat gun are recommended."}
- {"🧼":"Excess wax on the surface of the treated fabric can be removed by applying heat, which allows the wax to be reabsorbed into the fabric fibers, leaving a clean finish."}
- {"📉":"The process of preparing the wax mixture and applying it to fabric is detailed, emphasizing the importance of a double boiler for melting and a low heat setting on the iron for application."}
Q & A
What was the claim made by Ben about the waterproof tarps he made two years ago?
-Ben claimed that the tarps he made from recycled bed sheets and silicone dissolved in a solvent were the best waterproof tarps.
How has the bed sheet tarp made from silicone and bed sheets held up after two years of exposure to the elements?
-The bed sheet tarp has survived well, with only a few stains and holes from rough handling. It still sheds water effectively.
What is the main advantage of using a fabric tarp over a plastic one?
-The main advantage of a fabric tarp is its increased flexibility, which allows the wind loads to be distributed more evenly, preventing tears and tatters that can occur with plastic tarps.
Why is Ben looking for a new fabric waterproofing method?
-Ben is looking for a new method because the solvent (Napa) used in his previous process is being banned due to its carcinogenic properties, and he wants a non-toxic alternative.
What is the new fabric waterproofing method that Ben introduces in the video?
-The new method involves coating fabric in wax, specifically a mixture of paraffin wax and mineral oil, which is less expensive, non-toxic, and maintains the fabric's flexibility.
How does the wax and oil mixture prevent the wax from becoming brittle and powdering when the fabric is folded?
-The mineral oil mixed with the molten paraffin wax makes it softer and more flexible, matching the flexibility of the fabric and preventing the wax from powdering off along fold lines.
What is the ideal wax waterproofing method according to Ben?
-The ideal method is one that does not leave white marks along areas where the fabric has been previously bent and maintains the fabric's flexibility. Ben's new method with mineral oil mixed with paraffin wax meets these criteria.
What is the ratio of mineral oil to paraffin wax that Ben found to be the best for everyday use?
-The best ratio for everyday use is 2 cups of oil for every 2 lbs of wax, which is 500 ml of oil per kilogram of wax.
How does Ben prepare the wax mixture for waterproofing?
-Ben prepares the wax mixture by melting oil and wax together in a double boiler setup, ensuring even heating and preventing overheating or smoking of the wax.
What is the tot line hitch and why is it useful for tarps and tents?
-The tot line hitch is a knot that can be tightened by pulling on the end of a loop and loosened by sliding it down the rope. It's useful for tarps and tents because it allows for a very secure and tight hold without slipping.
How does the wax-coated fabric behave in terms of flammability?
-The wax-coated fabric is more flammable than untreated fabric due to the wax, but it does not easily ignite from sparks. It burns similarly to a candle wick, but with proper precautions, it can be safely used.
What is the benefit of using button technology for securing tarps?
-Button technology, which uses a small object like a marble or pebble with a slip knot in a rope, provides a strong tie-down point without needing to punch a hole through the fabric. It's also more secure and can be used through multiple layers of fabric.
Outlines
🌧️ Waterproof Tarp Review and New Method Introduction
In this paragraph, Ben revisits his two-year-old waterproof tarps made from recycled bed sheets and silicone, assessing their durability against the elements. He also introduces a comparison with ordinary plastic tarps and teases a new, less expensive, non-toxic fabric waterproofing method that he has tested on his jacket. The bed sheet tarp has held up well, with only minor damage from rough handling. Ben emphasizes the flexibility advantage of fabric tarps over plastic ones and discusses the drawbacks of the solvent NAPA previously used, which is being phased out due to health concerns. He then transitions into discussing the ancient technique of wax coating as a safer alternative for making waterproof fabrics.
🧵 Wax Coating Technique and Flexibility Test
Ben explores the use of 100% paraffin wax for waterproofing fabric, noting its limited flexibility when folded. He demonstrates that while the wax-coated fabric maintains water resistance, the folding leads to wax powdering and potential weakening over time. To address this, he introduces mineral oil as a key ingredient to improve flexibility. Through various tests, he determines that a mixture of two cups of oil for every two pounds of wax provides the best balance of flexibility and water resistance without leaving an oily residue. This wax mixture is also shown to be effective for everyday use on clothing and tarps.
🔥 Preparing the Wax Mixture and Application Process
The paragraph outlines the preparation of the wax mixture by melting oil and wax together in a double boiler to prevent overheating. Ben emphasizes the importance of protecting the work surface with freezer paper due to the wax's water and wax impermeability. He details the process of cutting the wax into cubes for easier melting with an iron on a low setting. The ironing process is described as a means to ensure even distribution of the wax into the fabric fibers. Ben also discusses the importance of folding the fabric sheet correctly to avoid untreated spots and the use of a hairdryer for post-treatment to remove excess wax powder.
🧯 Flammability Test and Water Resistance Demonstration
Ben conducts a flammability test on the wax-coated fabric, comparing its burn properties to that of a candle wick. He demonstrates that while the fabric can burn, it's not easily ignited, and proper handling can prevent fires. A water resistance test follows, showing the fabric's ability to repel water effectively, even in sub-zero temperatures. Ben also addresses the issue of excess wax on the surface, which can be brushed off without affecting the waterproofing properties of the fabric.
🔥 Fire Safety and Wax Coating for Complex Fabrics
This paragraph discusses the fire safety considerations for using wax-coated tarps, emphasizing the need for common sense and precaution similar to that taken with plastic tarps. Ben then shifts the focus to applying wax coatings on complex fabric items like jackets. He shares his experiences with different application techniques, including using an iron, a cheese grater, and a paste application method. He concludes that applying wax paste and using a heat gun provides the best results for complex shapes, ensuring the wax stays on the outer layer without soaking through to the inner layers.
🪢 Button Technology and the Tot Line Hitch Knot
Ben introduces 'button technology,' an ancient method of using a small object like a marble or stone as a button, creating a strong tie-down point on a tarp. He demonstrates how to create a 'tot line hitch' knot, which is secure and adjustable, making it ideal for various applications, including tying buttons into fabric and securing tarps or tents. The paragraph concludes with a call for viewer feedback and a thank you to supporters.
Mindmap
Keywords
💡Waterproof Tarp
💡Silicone
💡Paraffin Wax
💡Mineral Oil
💡Flexibility
💡Napa
💡Flammability
💡Wax Coating
💡Heat Gun
💡Button Technology
💡Tot Line Hitch
Highlights
The video compares the durability of waterproof tarps made from recycled bed sheets and silicone with those made from plastic after two years of exposure to the elements.
An innovative, less expensive, and non-toxic fabric waterproofing method is introduced, which uses paraffin wax and mineral oil.
The presenter demonstrates that the new wax method is as effective as silicone in waterproofing, with the added benefit of increased flexibility.
A comparison is made between the flexibility of fabric tarps and plastic tarps, highlighting the superior durability of fabric under continuous use.
The video discusses the environmental and health concerns associated with the solvent Napa, used in the previous waterproofing process.
Ancient techniques of coating fabric in wax are explored as a safer alternative to modern, solvent-based methods.
The use of 100% paraffin wax results in a less flexible fabric, which could compromise the tarp's integrity over time.
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, waterproofing, and ease of application.
The ideal wax mixture for everyday use is determined to be 2 cups of oil for every 2 lbs of wax, avoiding any oil slick residue.
The process of preparing the wax mixture is detailed, emphasizing the safety of using a double boiler to melt the wax and oil.
A step-by-step guide is provided for applying the wax mixture to a tarp using an iron, ensuring an even and thorough coating.
The presenter shows how to deal with excess wax on the treated fabric using secondary heat treatment for a cleaner finish.
Flammability tests are conducted on the wax-coated fabric, demonstrating its safety despite the wax content.
The video concludes with a demonstration of 'button technology,' an ancient method of creating strong tie-down points on tarps without the need for grommets.
A bonus lesson on the tot line hitch knot is included, showing its versatility in securing tarps and other outdoor applications.
The presenter's jacket, treated with the new wax method, is showcased as an example of the technique's applicability to complex fabric items.
The video provides a comprehensive guide on waxing fabric for waterproofing, suitable for a range of items from tarps to clothing.