Waxing a suede jacket is a process that will permanently alter its texture and appearance, transforming the soft, napped surface into something resembling waxed canvas or distressed leather. It's typically done to increase water resistance rather than for standard maintenance. If you choose to proceed, understand this is an irreversible change.
Here's how the process, as demonstrated for suede, typically involves applying wax by rubbing and using friction.
The Process: Applying Wax to Suede
Based on techniques for waxing suede surfaces, the primary method involves direct application and heat.
- Prepare the Jacket: Ensure the jacket is clean and dry. Remove any surface dirt.
- Choose Your Wax: Use a wax specifically designed for fabrics or leather, such as a bar of fabric wax or beeswax blends. Test on an inconspicuous area first (like the inside hem) to see the resulting color and texture change.
- Apply the Wax:
- Take your wax bar or applicator.
- You're simply rubbing it all over the jacket's surface.
- Apply firm, even pressure.
- And the friction will heat up the bar. As you can see [referencing the video], it'll start working that wax.
- This friction helps melt the wax slightly, allowing it to transfer onto and begin to penetrate the suede fibers.
- Heat the Wax (Optional but Recommended): The reference mentions, "You need to heat up the [surface]". While friction helps, gently heating the waxed area with a hairdryer on a low setting can help the wax melt further and absorb more evenly into the material. Work in small sections.
- Distribute and Buff: Use a clean, lint-free cloth (like cotton canvas) to gently buff the surface. This helps spread the melted wax, remove excess, and achieve a more uniform finish.
- Allow to Cure: Hang the jacket in a well-ventilated area for at least 24 hours to allow the wax to fully cure and harden. The jacket may feel slightly stiff initially.
Considerations Before Waxing Suede
Waxing suede is not a standard cleaning or maintenance step. It is a transformative process.
- Permanent Change: The soft, fuzzy texture of suede will be lost, replaced by a smoother, often darker, and somewhat stiff finish similar to waxed cotton or distressed leather.
- Increased Water Resistance: The main benefit is improved protection against water and stains.
- Uneven Results: Achieving a perfectly uniform finish can be challenging, especially on a large item like a jacket. Patches may absorb wax differently.
- Color Darkening: Expect the suede's color to deepen significantly after waxing.
| Aspect | Original Suede | Waxed Suede |
|---|---|---|
| Texture | Soft, Napped, Fuzzy | Smoother, Stiffer, Waxy/Distressed |
| Water Repel. | Very Low | High (depending on wax application) |
| Appearance | Matte, Uniform Color | Darker, Potentially Uneven/Shiny |
| Maintain. | Brushing, Suede Erasers, Sprays | Re-waxing as needed, wiping clean |
In summary, while you can wax a suede jacket using the method of rubbing a wax bar to create friction and heat for application, be fully aware that this action fundamentally changes the material's look and feel from suede to a waxed textile.
