r/myog • u/The_LoneCoder • 1d ago

Canvas tarp for fabric?

Im planning on making a waxed canvas messenger bag. Is buying a waxed camvas tarp from amazon, or local hardwars store ne a decent way to get fabric? Local stores dont stock any.

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3

u/uznme 1d ago

buy canvas, wax it.

5

u/drenathar 1d ago

This is the way. The YouTube channel Nighthawkinlight has a good video about different types of diy wax and silicone waterproofing treatments. This will give more flexibility on color, thickness, and coating type and will likely be a lot cheaper.

2

u/Lexinoz 1d ago

Came to mention this YouTuber. He did very extensive testing on cheap home made ways to wax any cotton fabric to become rainproof.

3

u/The_LoneCoder 1d ago

Like i mentionned, no local shop sells it. Online shops are about twice the price of buying a tarp. Was just wondering if this was a decent cost saving alternative.

3

u/drenathar 1d ago

They meant buy plain unwaxed canvas and then apply wax yourself. Any thick cotton fabric should work fine.

3

u/nonoohnoohno 1d ago

Canvas tarps tend to be loosely woven. If it's free returns it can't hurt to try, I guess.

But I find a big difference between canvas I buy at the craft store and canvas tarps.

1

u/nonoohnoohno 1d ago

By the way, Walmart and Hobby Lobby both carry cotton canvas. Amazon does too.

3

u/BoSewCo 1d ago

If you buy canvas, make sure it’s duck canvas. Thats a tighter weave more appropriate for making a bag. Also, while it’s more expensive to purchase pre-waxed fabric, you might spend just as much on wax and oil to diy anyway. I would recommend looking at bigduckcanvas.com and sailrite.com for waxed and unfinished canvas. Both carry good stuff.

1

u/EveAndTheSnake 1d ago

Why use waxed canvas over waterproof canvas for something like a bag that doesn't really need to be breathable?

1

u/ground_ivy 18h ago

My guess is that OP has an aesthetic preference. There is obviously a very big tactile and visual difference between waxed canvas and waterproof canvas. A lot of people like the look of waxed canvas, especially once it gets lots of creases in it. Also, there are people who prefer natural fibers.

1

u/DragonCenturion UP of MI 1d ago

I've made a couple projects using the canvas tarps from harbor freight. They've held up well.

1

u/FledglingBags 12h ago

My preferred method is to wax the fabric after the build so the seams are waterproofed also.