[FiB]

Hello all, hubby got me a 'vintage' (OK second hand!!! well used but fine and fab!!!) Barbour for my B'day ( I have pointed out how 'special' I am that I was delighted with a second hand coat and that not many women would have been - he does know me well!!!).....  i think it could do with some TLC and reproofing - any tips?  I also have an similar  'dryazabone' full legnth coat (ebay £20 baragin).... when I looked at the proprietary proofers - they were a small fortune (more than both coats cost)  - will buy to get years out of the coats if no other options but was wondering if anyone had homemade recipes?

[happygolucky]

I have a few coats that I have aquired, all need re proofing...I remember warming the Wax stuff up for my Old Barbour, that was years ago though.......I  would bet that there is something that you can make yourself...I shall watch with interest.....until then...I too will just get wet

[Clarebelle]

I really have no idea, but - I read something the other day about making homemade oilcloth, apparently all you do is coat a piece of cloth with linseed oil. I wonder if the same principle can be applied to jackets etc?

[Alistair]

I use the Barbour thorn proof wax in a tin, just rub it on with your fingers so it's covered an area, loads on the seams, then I get a hair dryer and on a melt it so it soaks in, seems to do the trick, usually do it once a year on my coat, I know it's not home made, but I think it's the principal of melting wax into the cloth that's important?

[OhLaLa]

I have both. The Dryazabone fabrics are not usually waxed so don't require a treatment to reproof.
 
For the Barbour, I wouldn't risk ruining it with a home made prep, you are better off buying a proper wax dressing or sending it off to be done (bit expensive but will come back looking great).
 
Go to a saddler who sells Barbours as they often have a pot of reproofing treatment (or search online to buy it). It's called Barbour Wax Thornproof Dressing.
 
Got this link for you, shows you how to do it:
http://www.barbour.com/anatomy/wax
 

[Alistair]

Oh, my coats at least 8 yrs old, worn an awful lot and completely waterproof still (appart from the wear holes in the cuffs that is), and it's dead good fun rep roofing it and I love the smell which is a bonus, got to go now, there's an asphalt wagon down the road which needs a good sniff...

[happygolucky]

I love the smell which is a bonus, got to go now, there's an asphalt wagon down the road which needs a good sniff...

  Me too......
I used to wear my Barbour all the time until my youngest daughter commented that I looked like I was going to a bonfire party...that was years and years ago....funny how now they are so fashionable............    and useful..................and expensive

[tizaala]

How about tent re-proofer from camping shops, or horse rug re-proofer from tackshops, all should do the trick.

[FiB]

I love the smell which is a bonus, got to go now, there's an asphalt wagon down the road which needs a good sniff...

  Me too......
I used to wear my Barbour all the time until my youngest daughter commented that I looked like I was going to a bonfire party...that was years and years ago....funny how now they are so fashionable............    and useful..................and expensive

lol - you wouldnt say fashionable if you saw this one!!!  I'm not sure anyone would be seen going to a bonfire party in this !!!  BUt I love the worn-ness of it (and it still has it's pockets attached, and the zip works (so no baler twine) so compared to my neighbour's - Its posh!!).  Thanks for all replies - I may have to buy something - but was hoping I could 'cook' up some parafin wax with other goodies and paint on....  I'll keep you posted if I do come accross a recipe

[Fleecewife]

Is it worth turning it inside out and scrubbing the lining with warm water, then hanging it on the line to rinse and dry, before you start reproofing it? 
 
One of my sons reproofed his Barbour using the proper stuff and it went from really disreputable to just about new in one go.  He bought the jacket when he was in his teens and is now about to be 40, so it's lasted very well with heavy use.

[Drummournie]

Is it worth turning it inside out and scrubbing the lining with warm water, then hanging it on the line to rinse and dry, before you start reproofing it? 
 
One of my sons reproofed his Barbour using the proper stuff and it went from really disreputable to just about new in one go.  He bought the jacket when he was in his teens and is now about to be 40, so it's lasted very well with heavy use.

I did pretty much the same as fleecewife mentions above and it turned out great! Lay it down flat on an old sheet if you want to protect the surface and go for it, the result was superb!

[FiB]

OK...  hope so cause the stuff is £20 (£10 a tin, and they say you need more than one    - why they just dont put enough in one tin for one jacket I dont know!).  Think I will give the liner a lick and a promise before I start. many thanks all

[doganjo]

I'd use the proper Barbour stuff too.  I use a good quality paint brush and a hairdryer for my two jackets. I warm the tin up slightly so I can paint it on with the jacket hanging on a coat hanger, in a well ventilated room, then go over oit with the hairdryer to spread the wax.  Doesn't take long, then I leave it at least a day to dry off.

[SallyintNorth]

OK...  hope so cause the stuff is £20 (£10 a tin, and they say you need more than one    - why they just dont put enough in one tin for one jacket I dont know!). 

They do.  One tin is plenty for one jacket - but they say you may need more than one if the jacket is in a tired condition.  Even so, it'll be worth it.  Plus you won't use all of the second tin and what you don't use now will probably be enough for its annual treatment next year