If you’re asking, “Are hemp fabrics waterproof?” the answer is no. At least not to the modern standard of waterproofing. If you get the angle right, you can keep dry underneath hemp canvas tight weave in a Hemp Canvas swelling. The fiber itself swells, thereby creating a block to the rain coming in. Just like the hemp fabrics that covered the wagons that went west across the USA or the tents that kept the troops dry in any engagement over the last 1000 years, or indeed, the very best examples are where hemp was used as the sealant of choice for plumbing the world over until PTFE tape was created and that all hoses used for fire-engines and in offices/hotels were made from hemp. So, there is a way of keeping dry with just natural hemp fabric.
Hemp is a highly absorbent fiber, and to bring it up to modern waterproofing standards, it needs to be treated with a waterproofing agent to become water resistant. A tightly woven hemp canvas may keep out the water briefly but will quickly become saturated. If you’re thinking of using hemp fabrics to create a waterproof jacket or perhaps making a waterproof hemp shower curtain, you will want something reliable and 100% effective.
How do I Waterproof Hemp Fabric?
There are a few different ways to achieve waterproofing for hemp fabrics. They range from natural options to more synthetic techniques. Let’s start by taking a look at the natural option: beeswax.
Beeswax
Beeswax has been used for a variety of uses for thousands of years. Created by honey bees, the wax, When melted onto fabrics, creates a barrier that makes the fabric waterproof. You can easily waterproof your fabrics using beeswax with iron and greaseproof/parchment paper. If you’ve bought a block of beeswax, grate it into small chunks. You can also purchase pre-grated beeswax, which cuts out this first step. Then, get your iron hot, stick it to the highest setting, and let it heat up to full temperature. Put one greaseproof paper to protect your ironing board, then lay your fabric on the paper. Sprinkle some grated beeswax onto the fabric and place a second piece of greaseproof paper over the top. Next, run your iron across the top of the paper until the beeswax melts and absorbs into the fabric. You may need to add more gratings on top of the fabric to cover any missed spots.
Another way to apply beeswax is to melt the entire block in a container within a pot of hot water on the hob/stove and then apply the melted wax with a brush using small, firm, circular motions.
Pros
- Natural
- Environmentally Friendly
- Easy to apply yourself
Cons
- The wax may re-melt in extreme heat (>65°c)
- Not vegan friendly
So, there’s one natural option for waterproofing your hemp fabric; now, let’s look at an artificial solution: Nikwax.
Nikwax
Nikwax is a synthetic waterproofing spray based on the polymer 10x.10i. It is highly effective at waterproofing fabrics and comes in an easy-to-apply spray form.
This elastomer-based waterproofing agent is non-toxic and does not harm the environment. Furthermore, the company takes its responsibility for protecting the environment seriously. In 2017, they announced that they were the first outdoor company in the world to balance their carbon emissions from their entire operation, dating back to the very start of the company 40 years prior. They’ve also worked with the World Land Trust to offset their carbon emissions by planting trees and preserving natural environments for wildlife to flourish.
Pros
- Highly effective
- Non-harmful to the environment
- Breathable
Cons
- Made from synthetic polymers (plastic), it could be better if you’re looking for that all-natural waterproofing solution.
There are many other options for waterproofing hemp fabric, but these two are our favorites. Your chosen one will ultimately depend on your values, needs, and end-use. Try out a few options on some sample swatches before committing to one waterproofing solution over another. We suggest picking up A5 swatches of our hemp fabrics and doing your waterproofing tests.
Disclaimer: This article is originally published on blog.thehempshop.co.uk
