Garment Treatment Recipes

Blackspur Co. – Proven Oilskin Recipes

There is no single “correct” formula — only what works for your conditions, your gear, and your preference.

Over decades of use — from coastal rain and salt spray to inland dust, cold mornings, and long days in the field — we’ve refined a set of blends that consistently perform.

These are not theoretical mixes.
They are working recipes — built, worn, adjusted, and proven over time.

Use them as a starting point. From there, make them your own.

The Stockman’s Blend (All-Round Performance)

Balanced, reliable, and true to traditional oilskin

Best for: General use, coats, ponchos, everyday field wear

Ratio (by weight):

30% Microcrystalline Wax
20% Paraffin Wax
10% Organic Raw Beeswax
20% Polymerised Linseed Oil
10% Tung Oil
10% Solvent (Gum Turpentine or d-Limonene)

Example Batch (1000g total):

300g Microcrystalline Wax
200g Paraffin Wax
100g Beeswax
200g Polymerised Linseed Oil
100g Tung Oil
100g Solvent

Character:
A true all-rounder — durable, water-resistant, with a balanced hand feel that softens beautifully over time.

The Heavy Weather Blend (Maximum Protection)

Built for driving rain, exposure, and hard use

Best for: Storm cloaks, coastal fishing, harsh environments

Ratio (by weight):

35% Microcrystalline Wax
25% Paraffin Wax
15% Organic Raw Beeswax
15% Polymerised Linseed Oil
5% Tung Oil
5% Solvent

Example Batch (1000g total):

350g Microcrystalline Wax
250g Paraffin Wax
150g Beeswax
150g Linseed Oil
50g Tung Oil
50g Solvent

Character:
Heavier, more structured finish with strong water-beading. Initially firmer, designed to withstand sustained exposure.

The Drover’s Blend (Flexible & Wearable)

Designed for movement, comfort, and long days on foot

Best for: Coats, riding gear, daily wear

Ratio (by weight):

25% Microcrystalline Wax
20% Paraffin Wax
10% Organic Raw Beeswax
25% Polymerised Linseed Oil
10% Tung Oil
10% Solvent

Example Batch (1000g total):

250g Microcrystalline Wax
200g Paraffin Wax
100g Beeswax
250g Linseed Oil
100g Tung Oil
100g Solvent

Character:
More supple and breathable. Moves with the body and wears in quickly while maintaining strong weather resistance.

The Heritage Blend (Traditional Feel)

Closer to early oilskin formulations — rich, natural character

Best for: Those chasing authenticity and traditional aesthetics

Ratio (by weight):

20% Microcrystalline Wax
15% Paraffin Wax
25% Organic Raw Beeswax
25% Polymerised Linseed Oil
10% Tung Oil
5% Solvent

Example Batch (1000g total):

200g Microcrystalline Wax
150g Paraffin Wax
250g Beeswax
250g Linseed Oil
100g Tung Oil
50g Solvent

Character:
Richer feel, stronger wax presence, more pronounced patina development. Slightly firmer in cold conditions — just as traditional oilskin should be.

The Lightweight Blend (Breathable & Minimal)

For milder conditions and lighter garments

Best for: Light coats, bags, moderate climates

Ratio (by weight):

20% Microcrystalline Wax
15% Paraffin Wax
5% Organic Raw Beeswax
35% Polymerised Linseed Oil
15% Tung Oil
10% Solvent

Example Batch (1000g total):

200g Microcrystalline Wax
150g Paraffin Wax
50g Beeswax
350g Linseed Oil
150g Tung Oil
100g Solvent

Character:
Lighter, more breathable finish with reduced stiffness. Ideal where comfort and movement take priority over maximum waterproofing.

The Bushman’s Blend (Ultra-Simple Heritage Formula)

Stripped back to the essentials — as it was done for generations

Best for: Traditionalists, minimalists, and those chasing pure heritage oilskin

Ratio (by weight):

50% Polymerised Linseed Oil
30% Wax (choose one: Organic Raw Beeswax or Refined Paraffin Wax)
20% Solvent (Gum Turpentine or d-Limonene)

Example Batch (1000g total):

500g Polymerised Linseed Oil
300g Wax
200g Solvent

Character:
This is oilskin in its most traditional form. Simple, effective, and deeply proven. The finish will feel more alive — slightly richer, sometimes a touch tacky at first — but it settles with time into a beautifully worn, flexible coating that reflects true field use.

Wax Choice Matters

Beeswax Version:
More natural, more character, slightly firmer feel with a classic heritage finish
Paraffin Version:
Smoother, more even penetration with a cleaner, more uniform result

Formulation Insight

This blend relies heavily on the polymerised linseed oil to bind and cure within the fibres. With fewer components, each ingredient plays a larger role — meaning the final result is more influenced by how it is applied, heated, and worn in.

What to Expect

May feel slightly tacky or rich immediately after application
Requires proper curing and wearing-in to reach its full potential
Develops a strong, honest patina over time
Softens significantly with use, movement, and exposure

This is not a factory finish.
It’s closer to what stockmen, drovers, and field workers relied on long before modern blends existed.

Why Choose This Blend

Minimal ingredients, maximum connection to the craft
Easy to make, easy to adjust
Ideal for those who want to learn the behaviour of oilskin from the ground up

A Final Word on Simplicity

The Bushman’s Blend proves something important:

You don’t need complexity to achieve performance.
You need good materials, patience, and use.

Everything else comes with time.

Solvent Choice

Gum Turpentine → Traditional, deep penetration, heritage character
d-Limonene → Cleaner, citrus-derived, more refined application

Both perform exceptionally — choice comes down to preference.

Final Notes

These recipes are starting points, not rules
Small adjustments will change the feel, finish, and performance
Always apply in thin coats and build gradually
Your first blend won’t be your last — and that’s the point

Over time, you’ll develop your own formulation — one that reflects your conditions, your use, and your preference.

That’s when oilskin becomes truly yours.