Wax ON or Wax OFF

[MaxElmar]

Looking at a new Domke F-803 -

Should I go "wax" or "no wax" canvas? Advantages? Disadvantages? Can one simply apply wax to other colors? (I notice they sell the wax by the tin.)

Thanks in advance!

Chris L.

 

[back alley]

isn't the domke wax for the domke waxwear bags?
does it work on their regular canvas bags?

 

[Huss]

Waxed clothing/material is great for hardcore rainy conditions. Problem is some of that can transfer onto your hands, thus onto your cameras etc.
I wouldn't use it for that reason alone. YRMV

 

[E.M]

I use Domke since 20+ years and much prefer the non wax for reasons mentioned above and prefer the look of the regular one , I 'm just using my second F2 , so good !

 

[taemo]

i've had my Ruggedwear Domke F2 for over 2 years now and never noticed any smudges on my clothes.
It came with the tin wax (clear wax) but actually never applied it nor ever felt the need to apply more

 

[Ronald M]

Carry a plastic bag.

 

[Roger Hicks]

You could also use Sno-Seal, a silicon wax for winterizing boots. Rub it in with your fingers, heat it with a hair dryer. Probably a bit messier and stickier than the Domke wax but it would do the same thing. Eventually the tacky feel fades. Sno-Seal really darkens leather/canvas, though, but it is cheaper.

Or just leave it the way it is. I have a used Domke Large Messenger Bag that I just bought and am pondering what to do with it. Might just leave it alone.

I'm not sure waterproofing with wax is the answer. My Leica M5 and M6 with a couple good M-lenses runs about $3,500 - what would I be doing out in the rain with expensive gear anyway? Even when traveling in the city, you can always duck into a doorway. Or use a plastic bag as Ronald M has suggested.

Good luck to you, Chris!

Taking pictures? I've used Leicas, Nikons and Hasselblads in the rain.

Cheers,

R.

 

[SolaresLarrave]

One of my bags came with the wax... and it's a pain to apply (it's the rugged F5XB). The Domke bags are already fairly water repellent so don't bother with the paste.

 

[JHutchins]

True enough. I've used Olympus OM gear in the rain with no ill effects. But why tempt fate?

thanks,
Steve in New Mexico

Because it's better than hiding from it?

Perhaps hiding from the rain is a reasonable solution in New Mexico. It isn't everywhere though. I'd not spend much time with my camera, or outside at all, if I were afraid of getting wet.

For short periods out in the rain an ordinary canvas bag is reasonably protective. If you stay out long it becomes saturated. It still more or less protects your things from falling water but it becomes an absurdly humid environment that is not so good for your camera. Not sure I see the advantage to buying a non-waxed bag and waxing it -- you'll get a much better finish if you get the factory waved bag. Waxing a cotton canvas bag will waterproof it but the factory waxed bag has a more expertly applied finish and may have s different weave that makes it easier to wax and maintain the finish.

 

[JHutchins]

I'd also say that waxed cotton is a better material for cool climates than hot ones. Here in Juneau waxed cotton is right at home. You don't see much Barbour stuff (though you do see some) but this is the native habitat for Filson oil finished gear. It's in widespread use because it works well.

When waxed cotton gets hot, though, it gets a bit smelly and markedly soft and the finish may well bleed on to other fabrics in contact with it. That's when you have to worry about it staining your clothes.

 

[ChrisPlatt]

Fabric protector spray will make your canvas camera bag more water-resistant.
I apply 3M Scotchguard to my Domke bags after machine washing (to soften and "break-in").
Apply to exterior surfaces only; spray outdoors to avoid inhaling fumes.

Chris

 

[Rob-F]

You could also use Sno-Seal, a silicon wax for winterizing boots. Rub it in with your fingers, heat it with a hair dryer. Probably a bit messier and stickier than the Domke wax but it would do the same thing. Eventually the tacky feel fades. Sno-Seal really darkens leather/canvas, though, but it is cheaper.

While we are on the subject of alternative treatments, I have waterproofed several Domke bags with Nikwax. It is not really a wax, that is just the trade name. It is a spray for waterproofing outdoor gear and clothing. I buy it at REI. I'm sure it is available elsewhere too. It does darken the sand colored Domke bags, but the result is pleasing.

As to Sno-seal, I have always used it on my shoes and boots in the winter. It's a good waterproofing product, as well. But I think Nikwax is a lot easier to apply to bags.

I do own a Domke Waxwear/Ruggedwear F6. I bought it because I like the looks. Haven't had it out in the rain yet. The wax has not rubbed off on my clothing or anything else. I wouldn't worry about that.

 

[JoeV]

Fabric protector spray will make your canvas camera bag more water-resistant.
I apply 3M Scotchguard to my Domke bags after machine washing (to soften and "break-in").
Apply to exterior surfaces only; spray outdoors to avoid inhaling fumes.

Chris

+1

~Joe

 

[taemo]

Fabric protector spray will make your canvas camera bag more water-resistant.
I apply 3M Scotchguard to my Domke bags after machine washing (to soften and "break-in").
Apply to exterior surfaces only; spray outdoors to avoid inhaling fumes.

Chris

interesting, will give this a try.
is it this one here?

also, how often do you wash your bag and apply the spray protector?

 

[ChrisPlatt]

interesting, will give this a try.
is it this one here?

also, how often do you wash your bag and apply the spray protector?

Dead link for me. This one appears to be your best buy:
http://www.amazon.ca/Scotchgard-Outdoor-Fabric-Gear-Protector/dp/B00XC89378/ref=pd_bxgy_121_img_2?ie=UTF8&refRID=0K8SQB6YYMGTHVDRAE39

I machine wash a canvas bag once when new to soften it up a bit.
On occasion I've washed an older bag again when it became soiled.

I don't machine dry them; the hardware will get scratched up
and I'm afraid the canvas might shrink and pucker in places.

I like to apply the protectant spray before the bag is fully dry.
I theorize that this may allow deeper penetration into the fabric.

Chris

 

[taemo]

Dead link for me. This one appears to be your best buy:
http://www.amazon.ca/Scotchgard-Outdoor-Fabric-Gear-Protector/dp/B00XC89378/ref=pd_bxgy_121_img_2?ie=UTF8&refRID=0K8SQB6YYMGTHVDRAE39

I machine wash a canvas bag once when new to soften it up a bit.
On occasion I've washed an older bag again when it became soiled.

I don't machine dry them; the hardware will get scratched up
and I'm afraid the canvas might shrink and pucker in places.

I like to apply the protectant spray before the bag is fully dry.
I theorize that this may allow deeper penetration into the fabric.

Chris

Thanks for the link and the tip.
I might re-wash my F2 and apply the spray later this month.