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Preparing the Fabric
Lay the material you want to make water proof on a flat surface. Wipe off the fabric with a damp cloth if it is dusty or has grass or other debris on it. Use a clean broom if the fabric piece is quite large. Big items, such as a tarp or a tent, may require working on it in sections. Smooth out the fabric with the palms of your hands before beginning.
Applying the Paraffin
Cut the paraffin block in half with a sharp knife if you think it is too large to hold comfortably. Rub the paraffin firmly over the fabric. If you are rubbing firmly enough, it leaves a waxy residue on the fabric. Use a back-and-forth motion to allow the paraffin to get down into the weave. Work with small sections at a time to ensure coverage. If the fabric has seams, such as a jacket or a tent, rub each seam thoroughly -- along all edges and top and bottom -- to ensure it is waterproof.
Heating the Paraffin
Heating the paraffin wax causes it to melt and seep into the fibers more effectively. This gives it a water-repellent finish that allows rain to roll off the fabric. Set the iron on warm and allow it to heat up before beginning. Use an ironing board with a pad or towel to protect the surface. Another option is to fold a blanket or towels in half over your work table and iron the material. Move the iron up and down over the paraffin coating and pay careful attention to the seams. This helps melt and seal the material.
Uses for Waterproofing
Adding the water-proofing feature to fabrics helps protect items that you cover with a tarp or canvas. It also gives new life to a worn out tent that is no longer as water-repellent as when you purchased it. This is an economical way to add waterproofing to jackets or other outdoor gear. Commercial waterproofing sprays are available, but they are costly when covering a large piece of canvas or other item. The commercial sprays are a wise option for items that cannot be ironed, such as shoes or hats.