Reproofing waterproofs

[Arch]

I've got a couple of waterproofs that are less than so now, after a fair bit of wear. One is my CC lightweight showerproof jacket, a single skin type, and the other is my winter yellow Endura jacket, which is a more softshell type (I think that's the term - not shiny, anyway). My Rainlegs could do with a dose too.

Is there a product that will reproof them both? Preferably one that doesn't require washing in, or 'fixing' by tumbledrying, as I have neither a washing machine, or tumble dryer.

I looked at something in Blacks a few weeks back, in a trigger pump type bottle, I think it said you just sprayed it on the garment on a hanger and left it to drip dry. Any good?

 

[wafflycat]

If the finish is breathable, then TX-Direct should do the trick: spray or wash-in. If not, Nikwax should have something for you in their range I'd have thought.

http://www.nikwax.com/en-gb/index.php

 

[Arch]

Cheers, that TX stuff looks like what I need. Now I just need to remember to get some, and then apply it.

It'll probably be next June by the time I do....

 

[wafflycat]

Cheers, that TX stuff looks like what I need. Now I just need to remember to get some, and then apply it.

It'll probably be next June by the time I do....

The TX stuff is excellent. I use the stuff you pop in the washing machine & it's so easy. Just wash the items with Techwash first - it prepares them well. Then do the same cycle with TXDirect - once cycle is over, pop them on a hanger & air dry.


Simples!

 

[mcshroom]

Some of the DWR coating improves with heating.

I've found that using a hair drier to finish the coat drying makes the TX.Direct stuff work better (Blowing your coat up like a bouncy castle through one arm is fun too

)

 

[PpPete]

Some of the DWR coating improves with heating.

I've found that using a hair drier to finish the coat drying makes the TX.Direct stuff work better (Blowing your coat up like a bouncy castle through one arm is fun too

)

Excellent idea !
I've always shied away from tumbling w/proof garments - even though, as you say, a bit of heat is helpful to set that TX stuff in.

Arch ... you can do it all by hand washing, but wear gloves. Nothing worse than hands that have been "waterproofed" - you end up peeling the stuff off for ages.

By the way - it's a LOT better than the spray-on types.

 

[fossyant]

Even if you don't have a washing machine, wash in by hand. That TX stuff is great.

 

[Arch]

Thanks all, I'll get some in and get waterproofing.

Good idea, the hairdryer. If only I had one....

I do have some mod cons, honest. Although my telly is black and white....

 

[stevieboy378]

Don't be tempted to use any of the wash-in proofings on any sort of breathable material ( Goretex, Lowe TPC etc ), as the proofer will get applied to the inside face of the material, diminishing its breathability ( is that a word ?? ) . . .

Better to use the spray on stuff - Grangers is the best IMO . .. I put my jackets on hangers, hang them in the shower and proof them - less mess.
If you haven't got a tumble drier then use a hair dryer to gently dry the garment - don't use too much heat - I think it destroys the proofer, and in the Case of Nikwax can cause it to dry in horrid white patches . . .

 

[Fiona N]

Techwash isn't a wash-in 'proofer' as such, it's a rehabilitator for Goretex and other breatheable fabrics. And you can use it as a handwash no problem (although wear rubber gloves as it's not too skin-friendly). I've found it better and less fuss than anything else.

 

[stevieboy378]

The thing is - with any proofers, when applying them to breathable waterproof fabrics you only want the proofing solution to be applied the the outer face of the garment. The inner face of Goretex and its like is designed to allow water vapour to pass through it - applying a proofing solution to this face will only compromise the effectiveness of the garment.