The host introduces the topic by revisiting waterproof tarps made with silicone-treated bed sheets and comparing them with plastic tarps.

• Two-year-old tarps made from silicone-treated recycled bed sheets are examined for durability.
• A comparison is made with an ordinary plastic tarp which did not withstand the elements as well.
• A new non-toxic, less expensive waterproofing method using wax and mineral oil is introduced.

The host tests the old silicone-treated tarp for water resistance and discusses the benefits of fabric tarps.

• The silicone-treated bed sheet tarp is still in good condition after 2 years, with only minor holes.
• A water test confirms the tarp's continued water resistance.
• Fabric tarps are shown to have increased flexibility over plastic ones, leading to better durability.

The host explains the reasons for seeking a new waterproofing method and introduces a wax-based method.

• The solvent used in the old method, Naphtha, is toxic and increasingly banned, prompting the search for a new method.
• The new method involves coating fabric with wax, a technique that is hundreds of years old.
• Wax options for fabric waterproofing vary in complexity, with some recipes calling for unnecessary or expensive ingredients.

The host experiments with traditional wax coatings and identifies the issues with using pure paraffin wax.

• A demonstration shows fabric treated with 100% paraffin wax becoming stiff and developing white lines at fold points.
• The wax turns into a powder and can fall off, reducing waterproofing effectiveness over time.
• Pure wax coatings can lead to tears along folded areas, mimicking the problems of plastic tarps.

The host develops the perfect wax coating using a mixture of paraffin wax and mineral oil.

• Mineral oil is identified as a key ingredient to soften the wax and maintain flexibility.
• Tests are conducted with different ratios of oil to wax, finding that a 1:1 ratio provides the best results.
• The perfect coating does not leave white marks, is flexible, and does not leave an oily residue.

The host takes a break to discuss the sponsor, DeleteMe, a service that helps protect personal information online.

• DeleteMe removes personal information from data broker lists that are sold to advertisers and scammers.
• The service scans the internet for the user's data and submits takedown requests on their behalf.
• A discount code for DeleteMe is provided for viewers.

The host demonstrates how to prepare the wax mixture for waterproofing.

• The wax mixture is made by melting paraffin wax with mineral oil in a double boiler setup.
• The ratio for the mixture is 2 cups of oil to every 2 lbs of wax, a 1:1 ratio.
• Once cooled and solidified, the wax mixture is cut into blocks for use.

The host waterproofs a fabric tarp using the prepared wax mixture and an iron.

• The tarp is prepared on a protected surface and wax is cubed for easy melting.
• An iron on a low setting is used to melt the wax into the fabric, ensuring it penetrates fully.
• Excess wax is pushed around to evenly coat the tarp and achieve a flexible, waterproof finish.

The host waterproofs a jacket using the wax mixture and a heat gun.

• The jacket requires a different approach as it has multiple layers of fabric.
• Applying the wax as a paste and using a heat gun allows for an even coating on the outside layer only.
• This method avoids wax waste and maintains the jacket's flexibility.

The host tests the waterproofness and flammability of the treated fabrics.

• Demonstrations show the treated fabrics repelling water effectively in cold temperatures.
• The wax-coated fabric resists ignition from sparks and embers, proving it's not easily flammable.
• The host suggests using common sense when placing tarps near fire, just as with any flammable material.