MERIT BADGE
WAXING CANVAS
You can thank mid-19th-century sailors for applying linseed oil to their sailcloth, which helped sails catch wind without weighing them down. In the 1930s, paraffin wax replaced the oil (which had a tendency to yellow over time), and waxed canvas became popular with the military for uniforms and, yes, tents. To coat your own cotton canvas with a wax finish (hello, durable dining chair upholstery!), first remove any debris with a lint roller, then warm the fabric with a hair dryer. (This will help evenly distribute the wax.) Rub wax (try Otter Wax, $13; otterwax.com) across canvas in broad strokes until the surface is covered. Work the wax into the canvas with your fingers, reheat, and repeat until fully worked in. Hang in a warm, dry…
