Belstaff Renovation

EstuaryBoy

EstuaryBoy

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Bought a new black Belstaff Brooklands wax jacket many years back, as I knew from that the size was okay for me I then bought a 2nd hand light tan one from fleabay..
I assume the seller dry cleaned it (a big no no!) as it was lovely and clean, but... in doing so I think the most of the proofing has gone walkies, but...... what little is left only becomes apparent when (and where) the jacket gets warm. So inside the elbows, armpits, top of back, all turn a different colour after wearing for a short while. Obviously it looks like sweat patches, even though it isn't, so I'd like to get rid of remaining wax and reproof...
Any suggestions as to how without calling in the experts? Given it's colour and the price of these I only have a small window for FIU (f*cking it up!), were it black I'd experiment but the lighter colour may well not respond too well to amateur meddling...
Anyone done this successfully??
 
I left mine (a black one) in a closet for a bunch of years and it got moldy and smelled awful. I searched the net then called around to some of the horsey shops and only found one person who knew anything and gave me great advice. I used a dilute tea tree oil solution a few times, rubbed in well and applied with a wet rag. I had it in the sun to warm it up so it wasn't stiff. Once thoroughly dry after a few days, I did a couple applications of Barbour wax. (A Barbour jacket is nearly the same thing as the Belstaff.) I used a hair dryer and hanging in the sun to allow the wax to penetrate. It has been great ever since - this was probably 10 years ago. The man told me that they are meant to hang in a barn with free air circulation. I keep mine out in the garage with the Norton now. The new Belstaff stuff is crappy quality. The name was purchased by an Italian company I believe.
 
batrider said:
I left mine (a black one) in a closet for a bunch of years and it got moldy and smelled awful. I searched the net then called around to some of the horsey shops and only found one person who knew anything and gave me great advice. I used a dilute tea tree oil solution a few times, rubbed in well and applied with a wet rag. I had it in the sun to warm it up so it wasn't stiff. Once thoroughly dry after a few days, I did a couple applications of Barbour wax. (A Barbour jacket is nearly the same thing as the Belstaff.) I used a hair dryer and hanging in the sun to allow the wax to penetrate. It has been great ever since - this was probably 10 years ago. The man told me that they are meant to hang in a barn with free air circulation. I keep mine out in the garage with the Norton now. The new Belstaff stuff is crappy quality. The name was purchased by an Italian company I believe.
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Darned expensive crappy quality, mind you.... Thanks for responding, though.. 'tea tree oil' !!! That's a new one here, will have to investigate further :)
 
EstuaryBoy said:
That will probably end up my default position, though I expect to be quoted: 'Specialist clean only' Given the number out there I wondered if someone else had: 'Been there, done that' with any degree of success..
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Yeah - sorry for the apparently glib response - it wasn't meant that way.
 
I didn't know what tea tree oil was either but my wife did. Found some at the local health foods store.
 
We're lucky here in central Queensland (OZ) in that tea trees line many of our beaches.
Yes, the oil is very good for so many things (coughs, colds & sore holes as the saying goes).
Tend to forget the basics until reminded.
 
Tea tree oil is good for repelling head lice... you learn these things when you’ve got young kids at school !
 
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I think you can simply rewax it, rather than first removing all the old wax. I've done my Barbour jacket several times now, leave it out in the sun along with the tin of wax until both become flexible (runny in the case of the wax) and then apply with a cloth.
Of course, dark colours (mine is dark blue) is easier than light, but at the end of the day, do you want a wax jacket or a fashon jacket?

Many years ago, Cycle magazine had a column written by Ed Hertfelder called "The Duct Tapes", in which Barbour and Belstaff jackets were a recurring feature...
 
SteveBorland said:
I think you can simply rewax it, rather than first removing all the old wax. I've done my Barbour jacket several times now, leave it out in the sun along with the tin of wax until both become flexible (runny in the case of the wax) and then apply with a cloth.
Of course, dark colours (mine is dark blue) is easier than light, but at the end of the day, do you want a wax jacket or a fashon jacket?

Many years ago, Cycle magazine had a column written by Ed Hertfelder called "The Duct Tapes", in which Barbour and Belstaff jackets were a recurring feature...
Click to expand...
Thanks for responding, re: 'wax or fashion?' truth is at the price: Both! It's just that right at this moment I wear it for more than 10 mins and it just becomes unsightly, patchy and grubby looking.... A fellow has standards, yes?
 
If it’s an expensive jacket why not have it cleaned and re waxed by a pro? They come back like brand new.

I’ve DIY waxed lots of times, it works great in terms of re proofing, but it never looks like new.
 
Fast Eddie said:
If it’s an expensive jacket why not have it cleaned and re waxed by a pro? They come back like brand new.

I’ve DIY waxed lots of times, it works great in terms of re proofing, but it never looks like new.
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Yes, that may well end up the default position, but as I'm not working at the moment with zip income and no reassurance of a job to return to all I can do for now is act like a copper and: 'Make enquiries' :)
Plus... we all have expensive motorcycles but only pay professionals to wield the spanners as a last resort?
 
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I have a TT wax jacket, never was any good ,cheap Chinese rubbish. Tried giving it a few coats of wax, no difference at all .Would swap for a 50 year old proper Barber any day.
 
I don't have a belstaff wax jacket. I have a Trailmaster in balistic nylon, but I have a Beaverwax, I think it was called the poacher or the gamekeeper?
I purchased a waterproof wax from the London Trading post.
good stuff. I bought this jacket in my late 20's and I still have it. though a little tight now.

londontradingpost.ca

Gold Label Reproofing Wax

Superior quality Reproofing Wax. Current wax that’s in stock was manufactured in England for the London Trading Post. Note: This highly concentrated formula allows for easy application with less wax required during reproofing. Use on English Made Wax Cotton Garments (requires fine cotton for...
londontradingpost.ca
cheers,
Tom
 
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Fast Eddie said:
If it’s an expensive jacket why not have it cleaned and re waxed by a pro? They come back like brand new.

I’ve DIY waxed lots of times, it works great in terms of re proofing, but it never looks like new.
Click to expand...
I know that Orvis in the US, if you purchased a Barbourr would redress the garment with a coat of wax.
 
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