Homemade Waterproofing for Boots- Easy & Natural
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- Опубликовано: 7 май 2015
- I was sick of my boots constantly getting soaked in the mud. None of the store bought waterproofing sprays worked for me, so I finally decided to make my own. This homemade waterproofing recipe worked so well that I want to share it with you.
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This recipe is perfect. I put my boots to the test today and im impressed. I used this method about a month ago and use my boots pretty hard. Today I was in the rain all day covered in mud, poultry poop, and water. These boots have been totally saturated on the outside all day and my feet are 100% dry, almost doesn't make any sense. Thank you for this water proofing method, 100% works!!
Quick question, how long this last?? N do u have to keep reapplying? I m on a trek n shoes will keep getting wet regularly
Bees are so awesome.
Yeah, they're buzzing.
@@king77703 bruh that's the definition of a dad joke right there
Great recipes thanks, I used my product while still in liquid form, worked really well. It’s been three week now in snow and mud and it’s holding extremely well. Water and mud just runs of it and the boots stay shiny. Thanks again.
This is basically the same as I did when waterproofing my steel toe Caterpillar boots. I used and still use lots of Dubbin (I think also known as "saddle soap" which is basically same ingredients as your formula) and dark brown shoe polish. Only thing I would suggest is to first remove your boot laces when applying so that you can really get the formula everywhere needed. My boots are now 100% waterproof and water just falls off the leather.
I used the same kind of recipe with a little variation. insteed of Petroleum Jelly (in Germany also known as "Vaseline") I used pure pharmaceutical grade Lanolin. I also ended up with different amounts: I used 4 fl.oz. Lanolin, 2 fl.oz. of Bees Wax and 1 teaspoon of vanilla fraguent oil. Works really good during the cold and rainy seasons in Germany (and we have a lot of them).
One related question, how do you remove the excess wax off the boot? I used a cloth now the cloth is stuck with the wax and became hard😂
I just simply use a Hairdryer and heat the access, then simply remove it while it is warm.
@@avict1
don't waste it - cut in strips and it makes great firelighters
1/5 beeswax and liquid paraffin best way
As a budding beekeeper, this sounds like a fantastic idea, I always have these supplies on hand!
I would put them down, it can cause Skin Irritation.. and also reminds the Bees that you are a taker not a Giver !!!
Just did this to my Timberland Earthkeepers, works amazing. Cooking it was fun and pretty self explanatory, and if you ever played baseball and had to break in a glove, working in the wax will pretty much be second nature. As you can see in the video there is some color darkening, but I like the color change. Anyway, awesome recipe.
A new manly cologne!!! You never know. I have done outdoor things for many years and your feet are one of the most important things to look after. Great video.
Bruce
Bruce Pender lol I'd where it as a cologne. And good point. Thanks Bruce.
The Outsider you would wear it where ?
True.
@@TheOutsiderCabin you should wear it as cologne than cause girls would definitely dig that kind of smell
I used to pass this local beeswax goods store and i always thought "When in the world would I ever need beeswax!?" ...and now I have boots lol
It also helps to heat the boots to open the pores in the leather. Great recipe.
what should i make those boot on lol 150?
Hi there... ive just tried your formula and applied it to my boots. Im heading off to the hills of Wales UK, lets see how this goes. I think ill do this to all my boots from now on. Thanks for creating this great video, all the best from Kieron in the UK
I used your recipe on my Nicks Tactical Boots. I applied the liquid to my boots with a brush while it was still hot and also used my heat gun (on low) to open up the leather pores even more, to fully absorb into the leather. Turned out very well and this waterproofing should last for a very long time. I concur, the sandalwood scent smells great.
This is very cool, I have this pair of knee high riding boots, this mix will do wonders for my boots, keep them mud and bug free! High five dude!
The Outsider: Thank you very much for this. Somehow, those delicate little sprays that are so expensive, they don’t do the job for anybody who actually uses their boot for more than just going between the house and the vehicle. This will be super useful. It will be hard to just keep a little bit in a threaded 10 with a seal at the top cover just to have a little extra in my bag packed for camping, to keep ahead of the boots Once they’re done.:)
Great project. Looking forward to seeing this cabin build.
Carolina Prepper Thanks! I'm looking forward to starting on the cabin. June just can't come fast enough.
Very nice video. I like where you put the side-by-side comparisons and before and after's
I do the same recipe but I heat the leather with a hair dryer and it draws all the waterproofing into the leather also there’s a commercial product that’s called snow seal that’s made from beeswax works great
Great video
Hey, just wondering, how do you get the excess wax off the boot?
I used a cloth and now it got wax all over it and became hard
@@avict1 warm the boot up and brush off the excess with a bristle brush - sounds like you did not get enough heat to soak it all in, or used too much wax.
@@bigoldgrizzly too much wax it was. I didn't realize the wax is realy realy thick. I applied while the wax was still liquid. I finally used a hairdryer to heat the shoes and remove the extra wax. Thanks for the suggestion.
@@avict1 Glad you sorted it..
Thank you for sharing! I have been looking to waterproof my boots. Again thank you.
Bees wax toilet seal rings available anywhere toilet repair supplies are sold and cheap to buy. Use hairdryer to soak in waterproofing.
Perhaps in the USA, but we don't use those wax rings in the UK. I also doubt they're used in many European countries. Luckily, cosmetic grade beeswax is cheap enough to buy.
Yup in Canada
@@another3997 I'm sure Bees wax is used in UK for toilets.... but everywhere is trying to change that from natural safe materials to plastics and chemical laden. Stuff.... I have poured my own wax toilet seals.... sure they are cheap... but saving 3 bucks on a job takes less time than having to go buy seals too.... you just need a mold or some painters tape
Thank you so very much for this! I have to wear special leather shoes, this will help preserve them. Blessings!
Interesting video! I m very sure you can use the very same wax as car polish tire shine leather seat protector and many other uses around the house. Also one suggestion : next to e apply the wax on pre heated show. Use heat gun or hairdryer or even oven in a very low temp to warm-up the boots and then start to rub! You get much deeper intial penetration so you built up a better fundation.. Tnx
Thank you for this video. I've been researching this and your ingredients are simple, natural and inexpensive - so far I think it's the best.
It's been awhile since you made this video. Do you still use this mix and are you still happy with the results?
Thanks again, blessings to you and your family.
A better recipe that I am using includes (1) beeswax; (2) a little lanolin; (3) turpentine and sometimes a drop or two of fabric dye (used on brown dress shoes). The whole is blended with a spoon after the wax has solubilized in the turpentine solvent. Occasionally, I add a bit of low melting point paraffin or carnauba wax to the suspension to create a harder surface after drying, but on work/hiking boots this is not necessary. Be aware that petrolatum jelly (mineral oil), while aiding in water repellency and solvency, is also "desiccating" to leather as it does not let the natural moisture of the humid foot environment keep the collagen strands of the leather supple. Leather, like our skin, needs not only water repellency, but also hydration to maintain the micro-architecture of the leather fibers and disulfide cross-bonding between protein molecules. Lanolin is ideal for both shielding leather fibers from excess water (and hence oxidation damage), but is also hygroscopic, allowing just the right amount of moisture in. Sometimes I use a hair dryer on LOW to marginally melt the waxes, allowing faster penetration. Caution must be used when doing this, as, should the heat be excessive, it can actually do damage.
Excellent post. What ratios do you use for the ingredients?
Hi, this is really interesting, can i ask you to elaborate more on the hygroscopicity of lanolin? i have searched online but haven't found much.
Also, are there other oils with those proprieties that don't desiccate leather? Possibly vegetable ones.
I was thinking of using coconut oil since i have read it has a low "iodine value" and so it has a higher "oxidative stability" and goes rancid more slowly than others, lanoline is quite close though, what do you think about the coconut one? and linseed oil?
What exact proportions are you using?
This mixture works well I have been using it for years to waterproof boots and wax jackets. I use a 50:50 mix of bees wax and paraffin wax plus enough petroleum jelly to make the mixture soft enough to apply with a cloth. Liquid paraffin can also be added to further soften the mixture. Apply with a cloth and use a heat gun/hair drier to melt mixture so it soaks in. The results are excellent.
Thanks for the explanation
You ever experiment with mineral oil instead of petroleum jelly?
Pre heat oven to lowest setting. Turn off oven. Insert boots. remove boots after about ten minutes one at a time to apply waterproofing mix. this opens the pores of the leather to allow deeper penetration of the mixture.
Was looking for this comment.. that’s what I do too 😊
If your feet are like mine, use your next door neighbor's oven while they are away on holiday ;
I broke the replay button for the intro. So satisfying...
nature certainly has all the good stuff that mankind has learnt to use, great descriptive video & no doubt will become most useful to all house holds. I was in awe of the History of your slice of Maple Tree very relevant to mankind. I knew about NZ & the suffragettes fighting for the right for Women to vote. Sir Edmund Hilary (NZ) supposedly 1st on Mount Everest & the Atom bomb was created by a local guy Rutherford from Nelson South Island NZ. You & your wife did a wonderful job getting this information out there. thank you & you may have guessed I am a New Zealander who resides in Australia, so enjoy guys n girls enjoying our Planet their Way.
Nice man. Very rugged and cool project I plan to do in the future.
You can use the extra beeswax to make spoon butter for your wooden spoons and other things like wooden cabinets and tools. 1/2 beexwax, and 1/2 olive, canola or another light oil from the kitchen. I use it on a lot of stuff!
Nick Horne Great idea. I should give that a try. Thanks Nick!
OR sell it to other Bees and make a profit
I will try your recipe to water proof my boots, Thanks for sharing!
That's a great combo, I'll have to remember this next time I need to do some waterproofing!
JT Bear Awesome! Thanks JT
Great recipe. Scrub it in good. Another tip: use a hair dryer / hot-air-gun / full-sun for a bit - melts the product in nicely; then re-apply and build-up double protection on the leather.
Great video! Looking forward to trying this. I’ve heard having a propane gun/blow torch can be useful to help melt the wax into the seams. I would definitely recommend removing laces first before applying wax!
Alot of boots have nylon/synthetic thread, do NOT use flame/high heat.
Unless you like to sew of couse!
Man when you were making that mixture it's just like how my fiance makes her canddles ! Will be giving this a try I'm tired of spray/wipe ons that fade away in a couple of days
This is great, especially for hiking where not continually walking in water. The colour change doesn't matter, unless you're a poser. Thanks Outside-Fun 1
Terrific video. Thank you for uploading
I just used some candle wax but I'll try this!
VERY nice I was just about to waterproof my boots so I'm going to give this a try. I actually have a bunch of beewax laying around so this will be great! Thanks for sharing!
SouthPaw Bushcraft There you go! Now you can put some of that beeswax to use. Thanks SouthPaw.
awesome job thanks im adding that to my mental tool box👍
Seems like a great waterproofing method. If you ever have the chance to get bear fat That is the best I ever tried . My boots lasted for a month at least before having to touch them up . And that was in daily walks in water . I know it isn't readily available but if you know a trapper or bear hunter I am sure he could give you some. Simply heat it up and wipe it on let it soak overnight .
Great tip. Thanks
Russell Malone Thanks Russell.
Awesome thanks for the share thats great I will definitely give this a go!
This is so awesome, tell me though can I use this for my tent?
Thanks Outsider, great for Costco deerskin gloves. Stay safe
If you would remover shoelaces would do better job of waterproofing
if you look closer you will notice fabric, probably cordura under laces.
If you would spell correctly, then he would probably listen
What spelling mistakes?
Lol he though cordura was a typo 🤣😂🤣🤣
He said remover shoelaces instead of remove.
Thanks for sharing your knowledge.
Thank you~I'm gonna do this.
Great advice. Wado for sharing.
ENJOY....THE SIMPLE LIFE
that's awesome I'll try it!
Looks like a great waterproofing for leather boots. Would you say this is better than mink oil?
Awesome video bud thanks
Nice job!
Great recipe thanks...I have a question : The leather on my Altberg desert tabbing boots is 2mm full-grain suede. The lining is fully breathable Cambrelle. I have understood that this type of lining and suede will dry out quicker than Goretex and heavy leather...so...I want to use the boots in UK wet weather conditions and logically want to waterproof, but will applying your beeswax-vaseline solution defeat the breathability of the boot and its drying-out properties as well as blocking breathability for the foot inside ? There are periods when my boots are exposed daily for two weeks at a time to wet conditions. Thanks to anyone who can advise :)
Wow this is amazing. I can't wait to do this to my boots!
Couple of questions:
Do you think this would work on combat boots? The leather is a bit different and I polish them often.
Why didn't you take off the laces?
When you reapply does it have to be melted to soak in properly?
Um just like leather you wanna keep your laces dry as well because if it soaks into the laces it'll expand them and cause it to be less good when you tying them as it'll be deformed
Just did this process to my boots except I slightly warmed my boots with a hair dryer first to open the poors then applied the warm wax to them let it cool, then warmed them again to soak it in. I'm gonna apply a second coat in a few days since I have plenty left over
I’ve made some in the past with beeswax and lanolin. I used a hairdryer to gently melt the wax mixture in. I don’t know if it really waterproofed anything but they do seem to be permanently hydrated.
Awesome video thanks a bunch
great tip. thanks
Hey bud, couple of recommendations and I guess basic info. That process you did to your boots is called tining. Anyways, remove laces for better access next time. Microcrystalline wax works way better and I don’t see a problem adding some beeswax and sandal woods for smell but I suppose they would reduce the effectiveness. Also, preheat your boots to atleast 100 just to open the pores of the leather. A paint brush also will make it easier to apply when it’s still super hot and thin. Last recommendation is to use a heat gun after to remelt it on the boots to allow it to absorb even deeper. You can also tin your pants and jackets btw.
Looking forward to trying this, but before I do I would like to know if it will work on my hiking boots that have black suede?
Thanks for the info', i think i'll try it.
step 1 buy a pair of good boots
step 2 take the laces out
step 3 heat up mixture
step 4 applie liquified mixture with bare hands
Kenneth Brasket step 6 make dinner
Step 7 I have my free pee to drop on your boots to see if the waterproofing still works hahah
They ain't boots
Nate Hill, yes, your process is correct. Some people tend to overheat the boot with a hair dryer, so I recommend just putting the boots out in the bright sunshine after the application in the summer OR put them near the house heating vent if it is winter.
With bare hands like a true mountain grizzly man! Lol
Thanks for sharing.
Beeswax candles/chunks are available at most craft stores for DIY candle making or at health food stores too!
Thank you for doing this diy. An excellent job. I have only one question however, you said after the application of the solution that one of the boots "had moisture on the inside, but the socks stayed dry." Was that a faux pas or did I miss something in the video or do you have some sort of special socks? Not being a horse's hiney here, merely asking a question. So other commenters, don't pounce on me or 'Outsider' because of the Q. I have a bee supply very near by and my wheels of ideas are already turning in my head...
thanks for the info
I hope you get a bunch of views. You did a great job on this video and it will help many ppl. You will have to try it on a canvas tarp next ..:)
Custom Chris Thanks Custom Chris!
theres a lemon wax out there i used to use for a trench coat with bees wax in it. years later(at least 10 years or so), my coat is still almost like new. gotta get some for my boots :D
How long does the wax stay on for?
@@khalil7011 you just buff it in, don't use too much! :D
That's good stuff.
Nice work!
harley96cube Thanks Harley!
You can also use a small torch to melt the mixture into the leather for a longer lasting dryness.
If not wanting to make your own at home, stop by a western clothing store or buy mink oil online. Same benefit though I prefer to set my boots out in the sun so the leather will heat up and pores expand. The sandalwood oil is a great idea. The darkened leather is character.
I tried with mixture of beeswax, nestfoot oil and vaseline on my veg tanned leather boots. It works very good. Before, it absorbs water like sponge.
I suggest heating the boots with a hairdryer after applying the waterproofing compound to really melt it into the leather ! Leave overnight and then buff with a damp polishing cloth.
Awesome video thanks
Would it work with tea tree oil or lavanda oil same as with the sandalwood?
Great video! Thanks for the class! Can you share the source where you got the bee wax?
Sweet video.I wanted to know if this recipe also makes the leather less or not breathable...? What do you think?
Well done video, good sir.
Thanks for sharing
boiled linseed,pine tar,beeswax.Is what I use on tin cloth leather and steel.The mix ratios are on youtube follow directions when melting the mix together closely to avoid a fire.Cheap effective and highly recommend it.
nice vid, i want to ask you does it lose breathability (100%) of the boots too much? and can i use this method on my sneakers with mesh material? tnx
In the British Amy we used bees wax to get our boots, to a very high gloss shine, but we kept the wax molten and painted it on the boot , maybe if you kept it molten and used a paint instead of that big brush. You never know until you try
great idea. shared
Use a hair dryer on the boots and let the wax mixture really soak in.
neat trick for wax (also barbour wax)
L Collins I agree, that's the only thing I would have added to the video, great job!
L Collins never ever use a hair dryer on any type of leather. you are rapidly heating the leather and the oils are leaving the pores too fast causing the leather to crack. room temp will allow the oils in the leather to gradually rise to the top and gives the leather time to mould in itself
How long does the homemade wax stay on those leather boots before you have to apply more? Do you the homemade wax would work on a leather motorcycle jacket? What else could it waterproof?
I wonder if heating with a blow dryer would have helped it soak in to the seams better? Plus, I would have removed the laces so I got better coverage.
Do you think it might work for waterproofing a canvas backpack?
So spray on stuff is just for things like suede, or fancy shoes you don’t want to discolour.
I use SnowSeal, which is basically the same thing. If you really want it to soak in, you can warm the boots slightly to liquify it and open the pores of the leather.
Just be aware that the more water proof, the less breathable.
Cool to make your own stuff though. I’ll have to keep an eye out for bees wax
Thank you. I thought bees wax would do it. Now to find some wax.
Coconut oil also works and you can use that as a hair gel too.
I've heard petroleum jelly is bad for leather over time. Have you tried using a hair dryer to warm the leather for better penetration? It sucks it up like a sponge.
The best place to find bees wax is the ring that goes on the bottom of a (crapper) commode. The wax seal is bees wax. I use it in a home made polish for wood.
.... but my crapper leaked all over when I took the seal out - boots were great ;
I’ve got some shiny leathers, will the brush application completely destroy the finish?
Does this give the leather a softer/smoother feel?
There are several products commercially available for the same cost or less. Murphys Australian beeswax is beeswax and petroleum jelly and is sold to coat cornrows and can be found in the ethnic hair section at Walmart and Rite aid for four dollars, enough to do several pairs of boots. The other is Howards beeswax furniture polish which has beeswax, mineral oil and citrus oil and cost about 10 dollars. Mineral oil and petrolatum are derived from the same source. They are much easier to apply than the method in the video. They are easy to rub on the the boot. add extra around seams and stitching. Simply rub in in with your fingers. Then carefully take a hair dryer and heat until the material soaks into the boot. You can apply a second coat by hand again and rub or buff with a rag to get a nice sheen and remove excess material. Do not put your boots in the oven to soak the product. Once the boots are warm it is very easy to rub in the second coat by hand. As long as you use a light touch the is no danger to the leather since it is already coated with the product and is actually adding oils NOT removing them.
Heat, heat, heat is the key ! Really dry out the boots before you start and remove the laces so you can get right into all the crevices as boots often leak at the base of the tongue. Preheat the boot with a hairdryer, and keeping the dryer on, apply wax straight from the hot pot and spread it and keep applying till it stops soaking in and starts to remain a little wet on the surface everywhere. Keep the heat on and brush with a dry bristle shoe brush or paperhangers brush, Remove any excess with a canvas or cotton wad, burnishing hard. I use a 40/40/20% mix of Beeswax/Paraffin wax/Clear Mineral oil - totally waterproof and nice and flexible. - like the idea of essential oils - keep insects off and mask the smell of my feet ;
will this work on a nubuck leather?
I need to do this
So my boots are just fashion faux leather boots, will this still work on them? and will it change the colour of them if its not real leather?