[ghostdancer79]

I am not sure how oil cloth is manufactured these days, however; I have a book that tells how it was done in the 18th Century.
"A Pilgrims Journey: Volume 1" by Mark A. Baker p. 98 & p. 101

On pg.98 there is just an illustration showing to tack the fabric onto a wooden fence on the verticle and to hold the bottom edge out as you brush the oilcloth paint onto the surface of the cloth. Aparently being on the verticle allows you to hold the bottom edge out and press the paint into the fabric better. After the fabric is painted it is noted to rub down the surface w/ a stone till it is soft again.

I use a pumice stone similar to what you would use to brain tan a hide.

On the pg. 101 there are 2 different recipes for oilcloth paint, both are for an 8' x 8' bolt of cloth.

Recipe 1: 2 quarts boiled linseed oil, 3 cups of powdered pigment.
Recipe 2: 2 quarts boiled linseed oil, 3 cups of powdered pigment, 1 1/4 cups of neetsfoot oil, 1 cup of melted beeswax.

The second recipe is primarily to be used on oil cloth that is going to see exposure to much rain or water. It also must be put on while the mixture is heated. I myself have used the second recipe on knapsacks, works well but as with all paints it can get messy.

Hope this will help you out on your venture to make an oilcloth garment from scratch. I myself have been thinking about doing the same and making a 3/4 long riding duster similar to the Driz-a-bone, especially when them driz-a-bone coats are like $100+

[tjwilhelm]

Hey! Welcome to the forum, Ghostdancer!

Look at that! Only one post so far, and it's very helpful! Keep 'em comin'!

[Rayzerm]

superb Ghostdancer.

As TJ said, welcome......and thanks for the good advice !!

[crazydave]

the old oilskins used to be tarred with the same stuff they used on the rigging made from swedish pitch/tar. they could also be made out of tarpaulin which was a preoiled cloth.

modern wax dressing can be used on fabrics easy enough by applying with your hands then running a hairdryer or similar, I used to treat kung fu slippers with it to wear like mocassins.

some of the other treatments are based on beewax and lanolin.