Ever Used Water Repellent ?

Discussion in 'Functional Gear & Equipment' started by Motomom34, Jan 10, 2017.


  1. Motomom34

    Motomom34 Monkey+++

    I have a shell/jacket that I have worn for 20 years. I love the style and cannot let it go. It was a nice water repellent material when I first bought it but with years of use, it is really soft and absorbent now. I have had people suggest using a weather proofing product etc. but I have never met someone who has actually restored a water proof/ water repellent item.

    I found this stuff and have considered using it but I fear I would end up with a sticky mess.
    Spray-on waterproofing for soft-shell clothing

    Has anyone restored a jacket, tent or something using a spray on product? I have also seen a product that you spray then iron or heat in the dryer. Do the ones that you heat work better?

    I can post a picture of the jacket later, if needed.
     
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  2. Mountain mama

    Mountain mama Monkey++

    Not sure about your jacket, but I use a spray from tractor supply to waterproof my horse blankets each year. Its made for boots and tents etc. It is waterproof yet breathable. Works great. At the end of the season, I wash the blankets and rewaterproof before I put them away for the summer. It is over in the section where they sell boots. I think its called maxproof. Headed home to Va on the 29th , I double check the name when I go home if you want.

    The one I use, you just spray and then airdry.
     
    Last edited by a moderator: Jan 10, 2017
  3. chelloveck

    chelloveck Diabolus Causidicus

    At the risk of stating the obvious....test the spray product on a small inconspicuous portion of the coat....allow to dry and see if it has had any adverse affect on the coat.
     
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  4. Motomom34

    Motomom34 Monkey+++

    Have you ever used anything like this? I know I can spend $15 dollars on a bottle of something, test on a small spot and if it is crap either return it (taking time to drive back etc. or mail it back, paying shipping twice) then search for another bottle, buy, spray repeat.

    I asked because I was hoping some monkeys have repaired their clothing and have used something like this. I have heard success stories of people water proofing a tent but never clothing aside from boots.
     
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  5. chelloveck

    chelloveck Diabolus Causidicus

    I can't recall using it on clothing: have used silicone based sprays to water "proof" webbing and tentage. I would think that synthetic fabrics might be the riskier materials to use waterproofing compounds on.

    Some garments have a patch of cloth of the same material as the garment to use for repairing rips and holes.....that would be a good place to test....or the under side of a collar that isn't in view when turned down.
     
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  6. Bishop

    Bishop Monkey+++

    Is it like a outback oil cloth jacket?
     
  7. SB21

    SB21 Monkey+++

    I've bought some stuff called Never Wet. A buddy of mine researched it a little, had great reviews. He used it on all his field gear while he was still in the Marine reserves, before he went out to the field. He said they had a few days of steady rain and never had a leak. You can get it at Lowes, the Depot, and Tractor Supply. I think regular price was about 6 bucks a can. I found some at Tractor Supply , close out deal , 2 cans for 2 bucks.hell , if ya want send me your address and I'll mail ya a 2 can pack , assuming USPS will let me mail. them
     
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  8. Ura-Ki

    Ura-Ki Grampa Monkey

    I have used the wash in bottles to re seal water proof gear. sadly they stopped selling it, and I haven't been able to find it any more! I bought a super sweet Arctic weight mountaineering parka and overalls from Argentina, and after 15 years it finally started to leak through at a few of the stitched areas, I washed them both with a bottle of treatment, and no leaky!!! if I can find it again, I will let ya know!
     
  9. techsar

    techsar Monkey+++

    Just for everyday-type stuff, I use ScotchGard...by 3M
     
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  10. Yard Dart

    Yard Dart Vigilant Monkey Moderator

    ScotchGard is all I have ever used.... I will be interested to see if there is newer stuff equal or better.
     
  11. chelloveck

    chelloveck Diabolus Causidicus

    Seams are going to be the weak point for water penetration......water resistance rather than water proofing is probably all that is realistically achievable.
     
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  12. Ura-Ki

    Ura-Ki Grampa Monkey

    Found it!!!!! Nikwax Best water proofing treatment you can get!!!! I have been using this stuff for several years now, and it really works wonders!!! They make specific blends for just about every type of material, so you can get the best protection for specific garnets!!!
     
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  13. Thunder5Ranch

    Thunder5Ranch Monkey+++

    Some of them actually act as a fire retardant.
     
  14. Motomom34

    Motomom34 Monkey+++

    It is what they call a soft shell jacket. It is light weigh, used to repel water and help with wind. Due to excessive wear, it is like soft cotton.

    That is a really good point. I did not think of that.
     
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  15. Ura-Ki

    Ura-Ki Grampa Monkey

    Get some Nikwax, I promise you, you will love it!
     
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  16. Motomom34

    Motomom34 Monkey+++

    That is the stuff I linked in my opening post. So it is worth $15 plus shipping? Good to know.
     
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  17. Ura-Ki

    Ura-Ki Grampa Monkey

    Not a spray, its a wash in, air dry! A neeto trick I found for drying things that are heat sensitive, put them in the dryer with the heat off and toss 4 or 5 tennis balls in with it and let her rip! Great for Down Bags and Shells too!
     
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  18. Legion489

    Legion489 Rev. 2:19 Banned

    Yup NIKWAX is the stuff the hiking/camping/outdoor travel mags all seem to love. Have not tried it myself but the rags all rave about it. Or do a search and see if CONSUMER REPORTS did a story on waterproofing.
     
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  19. Brokor

    Brokor Live Free or Cry Moderator Site Supporter+++ Founding Member

    Depends on the material and the intended use. Always test small portion or a similar piece of clothing you do not care about ruining, first when trying any suggestions I give. The reason is simply due to "fashion" taking place over function. If, however you are like me and you only want the very best and are not worried as much about winning a fashion contest...then you will use Fix 'n Wax on the seams, or even run all over the fabric. This is a quick and simple method, but not always the very best option for cotton canvas because you want the natural material to breathe as much as possible. An "oilcloth" type of treatment will afford you a better result, if done correctly.

    Spray sealants *work*, but they do not last as long, and repeated treatments are necessary. This choice comes down to your own preferences. The Nikwax waterproofing is very good for repelling water, but it's not the same as an oilcloth treatment which penetrates into the fabric. For example, with continuous exposure to water, the fabric will become saturated at some point using Nikwax. But, it is exceptional for the price for use as a water repellent (light rain and moderate exposure). The nice thing about Nikwax is that there are many variations to be used on cotton, wools, fleece, leather, synthetics, and probably more.

    If you have acrylic canvas (synthetic material) do not use silicone based water proofing because it is not compatible with the manufacturers sealants and can cause break down of the material. Also, concerning acrylic canvas, it is more UV resistant than natural fiber canvas, and has better mildew resistance (such as in marina use for boats, etc.) and it generally comes pre-treated from the factory. It is still a tight weave fabric and requires "breathing", so sealing it completely is not generally a good idea. When it comes to cotton canvas, you can waterproof it (oilcloth) by means of a turpentine, bees wax, paraffin wax, and linseed oil mixture (and some even leave out the linseed oil or the turpentine) if you do not mind the effect it has on the fabric (added weight, scent). All of this applies to any natural fabrics you would wear as clothing, too. I am certain you could find numerous videos on waterproofing cotton canvas online. Important note: using a natural wax on your cotton canvas clothing or tent will not hamper the ability of the fabric to "breathe". Generally, an annual or bi-annual treatment is best using this method, as opposed to the more frequent treatment which is needed for much simpler spray on or washable treatments like Nikwax.

    If you do decide to make your own wax treatment and especially if you do use turpentine, you will need to mildly heat the mixture to combine it, and you should be very careful since it will be flammable. Due diligence is expected on your part.

    Otter Wax: Amazon.com: Fabric Wax : All Natural Water Repellent by Otter Wax : 2.25 oz Bar: Shoes
    Fix 'n Wax: FIX'n WAX (how to) | Survival Monkey Forums
    Good information on sealing a canvas tent: How to make a Cotton Canvas Tent Water Proof
     
  20. Motomom34

    Motomom34 Monkey+++

    Here are images of the shell. I am hoping if I recondition that it will become more of a wind breaker again.
    IMG_1399[1].JPG IMG_1400[1].JPG
     
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