Oilskin canvas is waterproof.Sometimes it's called "oilcloth" instead.Traditional oilskins are made from tightlywoven cotton fabric and a solution of boiled oil and mineral spirits.The process is easy and intimidating.If you know how to make a basic oilskin canvas, you can use it in a lot of things.
Step 1: Cut your fabric to the size you need.
If you don't use linseed oil on fabric, you will end up wasting it.The best fabric for this is canvas, but can also be used with duck cloth, heavy cotton, or linen.
Step 2: The fabric should be washed, dried, and iron.
You should wash the fabric in cold water.Use a high heat setting to dry it.
Step 3: Add designs to the fabric.
If you want to paint or dye your fabric, now is the time to do it.You can't add designs to the fabric until you treat it.The linseed oil will help seal your designs.Paint, stencil, or stamp designs onto it with fabric paint leave your fabric blank for a natural effect.
Step 4: Allow the fabric to dry completely.
It must be completely dry before you can paint, dye or leave your fabric blank.How long this takes depends on the paint you used.Leaving the fabric out to dry in the hot sun can speed things up a bit.
Step 5: You can put your fabric in aventilated area.
Hang large pieces of fabric from a clothesline outside.Make sure to smooth out anywrinkles by placing smaller pieces of fabric on drop clothes.It's important that you work in aventilated area.Linseed oil can cause headaches.
Step 6: You need to protect your work surface.
Put on a mask and gloves.Put a protective covering over your work surface.
Step 7: In a bucket, mix equal parts of mineral spirits and boiled linseed oil.
How much you use depends on how much fabric you are using.Make sure you are using equal amounts of both liquids.For example, 1 cup of mineral spirits and 1cup of boiled linseed oil.If you are dyeing a large, king-sized sheet, plan on using 3 cups of each liquid.
Step 8: You can use the linseed oil solution to paint the fabric.
To apply the solution to the fabric, use a wide, flat brush.Work your way from one side of the fabric to the other using long strokes.
Step 9: Take larger pieces of fabric and dip them.
You can dip the fabric into the bucket if you didn't hang it.Lift it out with a stick and squeeze the excess oil from it.
Step 10: It's a good idea to wipe up pools or spills with a rag.
The fabric and your work surface are included.Regardless of how you clean it up, linseed oil will leave behind stains.You don't want puddles of it around.You should not discard the rags you used to clean the spills.
Step 11: There is a well-ventilated place to dry the fabric.
As the oil dries, it gives heat.Even if there are no sparks to ignite it, it can still explode.If there is a roof over the set-up, it is the best place to dry the fabric and rags.
Step 12: The fabric and rags should be hung up to dry.
Wrap the fabric and rags around the clothesline or rack.The heat generated by the curing process will be dissipated.It will help the fabric dry quicker.
Step 13: The fabric should be left there until it dries.
Depending on the humidity in your area, this can take as little as three days to a week.The fabric will take longer to dry if it is humid.The oilskin no longer feels tacky or sticky.You can discard the rags after they are dry.This is a fire hazard so don't throw them away sooner.
Step 14: If you want, apply a second coat.
This will help waterproof the fabric even more.If you have any leftover linseed oil, put it in a jar or can and use it for another project.You can paint the back if you painted the oil on.You have the chance to fill in any bare patches.
Step 15: If you want, remove the fabric.
Even after it dries and cures, there will be a faint smell to it.Leave the fabric outside for a few days.The odor will be dissipated by this.