One of the best things about a Barbour is that it is made to last a lifetime, and a little care each year keeps it that way. Over time, the wax that keeps your jacket weatherproof wears thin, so the fabric starts to look dry and pale and stops beading rain. That is your cue to re-wax it. It is a satisfying job, and you can do it yourself at home in an afternoon.
When to re-wax
As a rule of thumb, once a year is plenty for most people, ideally before the wet season sets in. If your jacket looks dry and patchy, or water no longer beads and rolls off, it is ready for a fresh coat.
What you will need
A tin of Barbour Thornproof Wax Dressing, a sponge or a soft cloth, a bowl of hot water, and a warm room to work in. A hairdryer is handy too, though not essential.
1. Start with a clean jacket. Wipe it down with cold water and a sponge to lift off any dirt. Never use warm water, soap, detergent, or a washing machine, and never dry clean or tumble dry a waxed jacket, as all of these strip the wax.
2. Warm the wax. Stand the closed tin in a bowl of hot water for a few minutes until the wax softens to a smooth, easy-to-spread consistency. Warm wax goes on much more evenly than cold wax.
3. Apply thin, even coats. Using the sponge or cloth, work the wax into the fabric in thin layers, following the same direction all over. Pay extra attention to the dry, hard-working areas: the seams, creases, elbows, cuffs, shoulders, pockets and around the zip.
4. Warm it in. Go over the jacket with a hairdryer on a warm setting, or hang it somewhere warm, so the wax melts gently into the cloth and evens out. Wipe away any surplus with a clean cloth so you are not left with sticky patches.
5. Leave it to dry. Hang the jacket up overnight in a warm room to settle and dry. If any areas still look thirsty in the morning, give them a second light coat.
A few tips
Less is more, thin coats worked in well beat one thick, gluey layer. Work in a warm room, protect your table and floor, and keep the wax off the corduroy collar and the tartan lining. Take your time and enjoy it, it is part of the pleasure of owning a jacket that gets better with age.
Would rather leave it to the experts?
When it comes to a professional re-wax, or any repair such as a new zip, fresh cuffs or a lining patch, the best people to look after a Barbour are Barbour themselves. We do not offer a re-waxing or repair service ourselves, so this is the route we would always point you to. Through their Wax for Life service you send your jacket to their South Shields factory, where their dedicated team carefully repair and re-wax it before returning it to you, good for many more seasons. It is a lovely example of buying well once and keeping it for life.
You can arrange it online at barbour.com, or speak to Barbour customer services on 0800 917 3000, open Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm and Saturday 10am to 4pm.
If you would rather re-wax it yourself at home, we do stock the Barbour Thornproof Dressing in store, so you can pick some up whenever you need it.
Method reflects Barbour’s own care guidance. Repair and re-wax service: Barbour Wax for Life, South Shields.
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