Outback Oilskin Information and Care

Outback Oilskin FAQs

What is oilskin? 

Few people know that Australia’s famous Oilskin was actually born at sea. Sailors learned that treating old sails with linseed and whale oil would produce incredible protective wet weather gear. Technology has come a long way since then, and Outback’s Oilskin is engineered to keep the wearer dry in the heaviest of thunder storms, while being strong enough to withstand working life on the land. Outback Oilskin is produced from 100% Cotton, enabling the fabric to breathe. This property lends the fabric to not only high performance wet weather gear, but stylish casual clothing such as jackets and vests as well.

What can I expect from a brand new oilskin product? 

• Your oilskin garment may have a light oil surface residue from the manufacturing process. This is normal, and it will evaporate over time with normal wear. You can speed up the process by using a hair dryer. 
• Care should be taken so the garment does not come into contact with other fabric or leather items until the surface oil has evaporated.

How do I clean my oilskin product? 

• Soak in a tub of cold water, or hang outside and hose down.
• Remove debris by brushing with a stiff brush. 
• Rinse in cold water
• Allow the coat to dry naturally — good air circulation, not in direct sunlight or close to a heat source

How do I reproof my oilskin product? 

• Periodic application of Duck Back Reproofing cream to the seams, friction points, and any dry areas will prolong the life and waterproof nature of your coat.
• Start with a clean, dry coat and a warm (hot) day.
• Place coat in the sunshine for several minutes to allow it to heat up so it feels warm and supple to the touch. Do not leave unattended for extended period as with many fabrics, extended exposure to sunlight will sun-bleach the fabric.
• Warm up the Duck Back dressing by putting the jar in the sun or in a pan of hot water.
• Apply dressing sparingly to the coat using a clean cloth — a little extra to the seams and friction points.
• The sun will spread the dressing evenly and quickly through the coat fabric.
• A hand-held hair drier can be used to work the dressing into the cloth if you are reproofing when it is not hot and sunny.

What do I do if the Oilskin becomes stiff? 

• Clean and dry according to instructions and then apply a treatment of Duck Back Reproofer (see previous question for instructions). 
• This will make the coat more supple.

How do I store my oilskin product? 

• Clean and dry your coat according to instructions. 
• Be sure it is completely dry before storing away for the season by hanging it in an area with unrestricted air circulation.

How do I remove mildew? 

• Your coat may develop mildew if it is stored wet without being thoroughly dried or in a high humidity environment.
• It is best to work outside if possible; however this can be done in a tub indoors if the weather outside will not permit.
• Make a solution of 1/3 white vinegar + 2/3 water.
• Apply this solution with a spray bottle while brushing the coat with a stiff brush — you can also put the solution in a bucket and use your brush to apply the solution from the bucket.
• Be sure to scrub all oilskin areas that you can reach — both sides of the fabric when possible
• Hang the coat up, hose off, and allow to dry thoroughly.
• Extreme cases may require a 2nd application of the vinegar solution - or - soaking in the solution for several hours after scrubbing.