How to Apply ONA Canvas Wax to Your Backpack
By ONA| Fine Bags and Accessories | Published: 2026-10-18
Category: Tips & Care
Learn how to apply ONA canvas wax to your backpack, protect it from water, and keep the waxed canvas looking great with these simple steps.
Quick answer
To keep your ONA canvas backpack water-resistant, apply a thin, even coat of ONA canvas wax, then heat it gently to let the wax soak into the fibers. Work in small sections and let the bag cure for at least 24 hours before use.
Why wax your canvas backpack?
Waxed canvas is naturally water-resistant, but the coating wears off over time with use and exposure. Reapplying wax restores that protection and also conditions the fabric, making it more durable against dirt and abrasion.
The Camps Bay backpack uses premium waxed canvas, so periodic waxing is part of its care routine. You don't need to do it often—once a year or after heavy use is usually enough.
What you need and what to avoid
You'll need ONA canvas wax, a clean cloth or brush, a hairdryer or heat gun on low, and a well-ventilated area. Avoid applying wax to leather parts—the wax is meant for canvas only. Also, don't use a hot iron directly on the bag, as it can scorch the fabric or melt the wax unevenly.
How to apply ONA canvas wax step by step
- Prepare the bag: Remove all items from the backpack and take out any removable dividers or inserts. Brush off loose dirt and dust from the canvas with a soft brush or dry cloth. Work on a clean, dry bag to avoid trapping dirt under the wax.
- Apply the wax in small sections: Using a clean cloth or your fingers, rub a small amount of ONA canvas wax onto the canvas in a circular motion. Focus on one section at a time, like the front panel or side, and keep the coat thin and even. A little wax goes a long way—too much can leave a sticky residue.
- Heat the wax to melt it in: Hold a hairdryer on medium heat about 6 inches from the canvas and move it slowly over the waxed area. You'll see the wax melt and darken as it absorbs into the fibers. Continue until the whole section looks evenly saturated. Don't hold the heat in one spot too long—keep it moving to avoid overheating.
- Let it cure and test: Allow the backpack to dry and cure for at least 24 hours in a warm, dry place. Then test water resistance by sprinkling a few drops of water on the canvas—they should bead up and roll off. If water soaks in, apply another thin coat and repeat the heating step.
Products mentioned
- The Camps Bay: The Camps Bay backpack is handcrafted with premium waxed canvas and leather, and its interior dividers are completely removable. When waxing, you can remove the dividers to access the canvas more easily and avoid getting wax on the interior.
The Camps Bay - ONA Leather Cream: ONA Leather Cream is made with triple filtered beeswax and a blend of seed oils and natural lipids, designed for leather conditioning. Use this cream on the leather parts of your backpack, but keep it separate from canvas wax—they serve different materials.
ONA Leather Cream
