Jute preservative?

[BillinOregon]

I'm planning to make a simple sling for my Bess using heavy jute upholstery webbing (see the "Neato find" thread.) I'll sew leather ends on it to fit the actual sling bars, but was wondering if there is anything that I can use to treat the jute webbing to extend its useful life.

 

[oldmaster]

When jute is used in upholstered furniture, it usually holds the springs in place and has been known to last 10-15 years without being replaced, with no protective coating on it. I would think that you can get several years out of it before replacing it and the price is still very inexpensive.

 

[bwhoffman]

how about a mix of bees wax and olive oil??? thinned out and rubbed in?
I know hemp/manila rope usually come treated with diesel, so I think the oil/wax would have some merit

...thoughts...
Brett

 

[BillinOregon]

Brett in Newberg: Seems good old beeswax is never "contraindicated." Good suggestion. Oldmaster: Up here in Oregon we have this stuff called rain and dampness. Takes a toll on natural fabrics!
Actually, you're right about jute. I am just thinking of all the jute string I have used to string my beanpoles, and how it breaks down in the sun and rain after a season or two in the garden. I'd be a derned fool to leave my Bess out in the garden all spring and summer!

 

[oldmaster]

BillinOregon: I understand how your weather effects natural fabrics. Down here in the desert, the sun and heat will rot the clothes off your back but I figured that the jute straps wouldn't stay out all the time. Sooner or later they will go back into the house, cabin, lean to, tent, etc. and they should have quite a long life. That being said, beeswax is a darn fine preserver. :hatsoff:

 

[Norskie]

The old rule of thumb was animal fats to animal products, vegetable fats to vegetable products. So linseed oil might be the way to go.