Quick Answer

To re-wax your Tin Cloth Barn Coat at home, choose the correct reproofer for your fabric finish, clean the coat, apply wax evenly, and heat-set it for maximum water resistance.

Know Your Fabric Finish

Before you start, check whether your barn coat has a dry finish or an oil finish. The Women's Dry Tin Barn Coat uses dry finish Tin Cloth, which is unwaxed and designed to be reproofed with a dry wax reproofer. Oil finish garments, by contrast, need a paraffin-based wax to maintain their classic feel and weather resistance.

Using the wrong product can change the fabric's hand or reduce breathability. Dry wax reproofer renews water resistance without altering feel or breathability, while oil finish wax adds a traditional waxy coating that may darken the fabric slightly.

Gather Your Supplies

You'll need the correct reproofer, a clean cloth or sponge, a heat gun or hair dryer, and a well-ventilated workspace. If you're working on a dry finish coat, the Dry Wax Reproofer is formulated to keep the fabric's breathability intact. For oil finish garments, the Oil Finish Wax is the appropriate choice.

Check the weather—you'll want to let the coat dry for 24 hours after waxing, so plan ahead.

Step-by-Step Re-Waxing Process

  1. Clean the Coat: Brush off any loose dirt or debris with a soft brush. For stubborn spots, use a damp cloth—let the coat dry completely before waxing. Waxing a dirty coat traps grime and reduces effectiveness.
  2. Choose the Right Wax: For a dry finish coat like the Women's Dry Tin Barn Coat, use Dry Wax Reproofer. For oil finish garments, use Oil Finish Wax. Using the wrong wax can alter the fabric's feel or breathability.
  3. Apply Evenly: Apply the wax in small, even sections using a clean cloth or sponge. Work the wax into the fabric with circular motions, covering the entire surface. Thick or uneven application leads to blotchy spots.
  4. Heat to Set: Use a heat gun or hair dryer on a low setting to gently warm the waxed areas. This helps the wax absorb into the cloth for better protection. Keep the heat moving to avoid overheating or melting the fabric.
  5. Let Dry and Inspect: Let the coat dry for 24 hours. After drying, use a damp cloth or sponge to even out any uneven areas if needed. Check for missed spots and reapply if necessary.

Products Mentioned

  • Women's Dry Tin Barn Coat: The Women's Dry Tin Barn Coat is made with dry finish Tin Cloth, the unwaxed version of Filson's signature fabric, and features a warm cotton-flannel lining and corduroy-lined collar. Because the fabric is unwaxed, it requires a dry wax reproofer rather than an oil finish wax to restore water resistance without changing the coat's feel or breathability.

    Women's Dry Tin Barn Coat

    Women's Dry Tin Barn Coat

  • Dry Wax Reproofer: Dry Wax Reproofer renews water resistance without changing the fabric's feel or breathability; apply evenly, let dry, and use a damp cloth or sponge to even the finish if needed. This is the correct product for the Women's Dry Tin Barn Coat, ensuring you maintain the coat's performance and comfort.

    Dry Wax Reproofer

    Dry Wax Reproofer

  • Oil Finish Wax - No Color: Oil Finish Wax is a paraffin-based wax for reproofing oil finish garments; apply an even layer and warm with a heat gun or blow dryer to help it absorb. Choose this wax only if your barn coat has an oil finish, as it provides the traditional waxy protection those garments are known for.