Why is the fabric in our Frost River Bags so strong? There are several reasons. Frost River gets their fabric from Fairfield Textile, a US company in Bridgeton, NJ. The fabric is imported from India, but the remaining work is done in the USA. The cotton is mercerized, a process that makes the fabric very tough. Mercerized cotton also allows excellent dye penetration and breatheability.
Then Fairfield hands over the fabric to the Martin Corporation for finishing. Martin Corp prepares and dyes the fabric, applies the water repellent treatment or Martexin Original Wax finish, and finally inspects and packs the rolls for final sale and shipment. All aspects of dyeing and finishing are handled in house, in Bridgeton NJ. The Martin family has been involved in the dyeing and finishing of textiles in the United States since 1838. The current owners are the 7th generation to run the company. In the 1930s, they patented Martexin. The Martexin formula consists of food and pharmaceutical grade waxes, and is completely non-hazardous.
Martin Corp does not provide this finish to any other customers, and Fairfield does not have any other stocking distributors of Martexin Original Wax. Fairfield Textile does not purchase and re-sell any pre-dyed, imported fabrics.
Martexin Original Wax is a highly specialized textile that precludes normal cleaning. Just as you wouldn’t wash a leather product such as shoes, gloves, or jackets, you won’t be able to wash or dry clean your Martexin Original Wax. Wax fabrics have been successfully used for many years without washing. A periodic cleaning with a hose, damp cloth is all that is needed. Bare areas can be refinished with our Martexin Original Wax refinishing compound which can help restore the wax finish. This is all you need to keep your bag resistant to inclement weather.
Over time, you’ll find the fabric gets a patina that complements the bag. Just like leather, you’ll grow more proud of your bag over time, and you’ll find that the person you pass it down to will be just as happy. You’ll find the bag lasts for generations.
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