How to wax a hat

Your hat gets wet, it’s time to waterproof it right with a bar of ultra durable & non-toxic fabric weatherproofing. That’s right, your hat will never get drenched in the rain again!

How to waterproof a hat

There are a lot of ways to skin a cat, but far fewer to properly wax a hat. So, lets get down to brass tacks. First off, never use carcinogenic waterproofing sprays. They stink and are terrible for the environment. Second, the process is fairly easy, you essentially rub a bar of waterproofing wax into a hat. So, grab your favorite blended or natural fiber hat and prepare yourself for a convenient step-by-step guide to a whole new level of durability and water-shedding performance.

The best way to wax a hat

How to wax a hat:

It’s a good idea to use a well constructed fabric hat made from cotton or a poly blend for the best adhesion. We suggest you pick up a 2oz bar of Fabric Weatherproofer, Dauber Palm Brush, and a quality news paper like the Wall Street Journal

Crisp new look for years of performance

Any old hat will do, but the cotton Rothco Twill Boonie hat featured in this article is an outdoors-mans best friend. It’s thick weave and quality construction will make wax application a breeze.

Before you begin, check for any dirt or stains, as the wax will make these permanent. So, give it a thorough washing and dry it completely.

Thick fabrics with a loose weave tend to require a heavier wax application due to the larger space between the fibers – but on the flip side, thinner fabrics with a tighter weave are a snap.

The extended guide

Waxed hat on a stump with a bar of fabric wax and dauber palm brush

Fabric wax and turned over hat on a stump

Fabric wax being applied to the brim of a hat

Waxing outerwear has been a staple of arctic explorers and seafaring types since about the turn of the century. Understandably, this sort of fabric treatment may seem odd to the casual observer. But, this method is proven to provide the most durable protection against the elements when compared to modern treatments. So, follow along as we transform a hat into something worthy of the heartiest outdoors-man.

Step 1

Gather your bar of fabric weatherproofing, dauber palm brush and recent copy of the Wall Street Journal. Then, lay everything out on a clean work surface as you prepare for the next step.

Step 2

Next, crumple up your newspaper and evenly stuff the crown up to the band with a light pack. Remember, excessive tamping or forceful stuffing can permanently damage or misshapen your hat. Also, make sure to fill all the nooks and pockets with even density.

Step 3

Remove your fabric weatherproofing bar from the package. Then, lightly rub it on a discrete patch of fabric on the underside of your hat. This will give you a good idea of the final appearance. So, make sure this is the coloration and texture that suits your studly appearance.

Step 4

Begin rubbing the bar in circular movements across the brim, making sure to lay down an even coating. Force is your friend here, it’s nearly impossible to over apply fabric weatherproofing and the heat caused by friction will aid in adhesion.

As the wax slowly begins to heat up by way of friction, you’ll notice that you can start making longer strokes with the bar. Make sure you’re using the edges of the bar to get into the creases and other hard to reach areas.

Step 5

There will be spots that are hard to get flat enough to wax easily. Just use your hand on the back side to support the fabric? and keep things taught. Also make sure to press wax into grommets and seams so water has no place to get through. Rain will find any imperfection and seep through, defeating your best efforts.

Step 6

If you see some patches like this, you need to apply more friction and heat with your fingers. If you can’t spruce up that splotchy appearance with your hand, some light heating with a hair dryer will sort it out.

Step 7

You will see a dull sheen develop as you saturate the fibers of your hat with fabric weatherproofer. All of the little holes between fibers should be completely sealed so water cannot penetrate.

Good old fashioned elbow grease is the only way to get this done right. Not only will this keep rain out, it will reinforce the threads and prevent fraying and abrasion to extend the life of your hat.

Step 8

If there is any excess wax around stitching or seams, just use a brush or your finger to lift it off the surface. It should not be tacky to the touch and can be used immediately after application.

Your hat will require periodic spot cleaning. Luckily, this is easier than a laundry machine. Just pick up some spot cleaner here at Hawk Tools and drip a couple drops on the offending area. Use the dauber palm brush to scrub deep dirt and stains out. Remember, if you apply fabric weatherproofing right, stains and dirt can not penetrate and latch onto fibers, so cleaning can be “brush and go”.

If you have sweat build up in your hat, just pick up a bottle of our face mask cleaner spray to stop odors. Now go forth and conquer your next horizon with confidence in your outerwear.