How to wax G-1000

Adapt to whatever nature brings

G-1000 is a tough material and the tight weave (except G-1000 Air) makes it naturally pretty wind resistant. But by adding Greenland Wax, made from a mixture of beeswax and paraffin, you can increase this wind resistant, make the fabric even more durable and add water resistance. By removing it, you can make it lighter and airier.

Note that Greenland Wax offers water-resistance, not waterproofness. Find out the difference here.

Most of our G-1000 garments come pre-waxed; but after a few washes and with regular use the wax will need a top up. And if you know you’re going somewhere that’s likely to be wet and windy, then you can plan ahead and add an extra layer of Greenland Wax. Areas more exposed to the elements like the knees, rear and lower parts of trousers, or the front, hood and back hem of jackets can benefit from some extra wax.

Note that it is only G-1000 that can be waxed.

1. Apply wax

Take the block of Greenland Wax and rub it with long, smooth strokes against the fabric leaving behind a thin, even layer. You’ll want to apply some pressure when you do this, but not too much that your movement becomes jerky.

2. Heat

Using an iron (or a hairdryer) on low to moderate heat, melt the wax into the fabric. Again use long, even strokes. Greenland Wax melts at between 55°C and 60°C (131-140°F), so try to keep the iron temperature around this point – you don’t want the wax to get too runny. Don’t forget to wipe off the iron after use before ironing other garments.

3. Repeat

This step isn’t always necessary, but if you want to make the fabric even more water resistant, repeat the process several times rather than applying a single, thick layer of wax. This is a good idea for exposed sections of the garment such as the hood and shoulders or the knees and rear.

Waxing on the go

You can pour hot water in a Nalgene (or similar) bottle and use it as an improvised iron for waxing your garment on the go.

Another way is to use the flame of a camp stove to melt Greenland Wax. If you choose this method to wax on the go, hold the garment roughly 20-30cm above a steady flame. Don’t start too close! Begin further away and slowly move the garment closer to the flame until you see the wax starting to melt. Be careful not to burn the fabric or yourself. Keyfeatures out the fabric over the flame and move it back and forth until the wax has melted. Note: using a flame risks melting and burning the fabric, so use it with caution!