04 July 2017, 23:14
larryshoresRe-waterproofing rain gear
I have seen various products to us to re- waterproof ones rain gear. Has anyone used these products? Do they work?
If so, which product would you recommend?
05 July 2017, 02:06
ted thornI have used this product from Walmart for years.
I spray pop up blinds, rain gear, hats, tents, camp chairs, packs, down parkas, and even my Carhart brown duck chore clothing.
Water just rolles off
05 July 2017, 02:26
Stan MontoyaGee Larry? From reading AR for many years before joining I had come to the conclusion that you were the expert on AR about everything related to hunting. Do tell!
05 July 2017, 10:26
CougarzI've used several brands to reproof my rain gear. They all seem to do a good job if the directions are followed. I would use a brand specifically designed to do goretex and the like. Not like the one pictured above. That would tend to clog up the pores in breathable fabrics.
Sorry I can't remember off the top of my head a specific brand right now. Any backpacking store would have several to choose from.
05 July 2017, 17:23
farbedoAll of them are a silicon based coating of some ilk. They are a top coat for the fabric that keeps the top layer of fabric (or tries to) from soaking up and retaining water. If the top layer gets soaked (wets out), the membrane can't do its job, and you get wet.
The spray on ones like above are pretty good, but the solvents in them can damage the fabric you are coating. Test a spot. They also smell for a while. Scotch Guard is the one we are usually familiar with. Same thing, different name.
The procedure is to wash in a technical wash like Sportswash. Not a regular laundry detergent. Those have scents and softeners that coat the cloth and diminish the DWR treatment. After washing properly, you may not need to retreat.
Next reproof using Nikwax and/or ReviveX. I use both. There are others, but these have worked for me. I wash in Nikwax soap, dry with their DWR treatment for hardshells, then spray down with ReviveX twice. First coat will soak in. Second coat will go on and stay wetter, then dry.
Jeremy
05 July 2017, 17:46
larryshoresThanks.
I have a Kuiu rain suit that about a year or so old. I took it to Alaska last year. I have used it a bit locally. I am going back to Alaska . I have been thinking of waterproofing with these treatments before I go just to be safe.
06 July 2017, 05:20
wsquaredI would call Kuiu CS to ask which product /procedure they recommend. They have Nikwax products on their website, under Mountain gear.
06 July 2017, 10:51
Cougarzquote:
Originally posted by farbedo:
All of them are a silicon based coating of some ilk. They are a top coat for the fabric that keeps the top layer of fabric (or tries to) from soaking up and retaining water. If the top layer gets soaked (wets out), the membrane can't do its job, and you get wet.
The spray on ones like above are pretty good, but the solvents in them can damage the fabric you are coating. Test a spot. They also smell for a while. Scotch Guard is the one we are usually familiar with. Same thing, different name.
The procedure is to wash in a technical wash like Sportswash. Not a regular laundry detergent. Those have scents and softeners that coat the cloth and diminish the DWR treatment. After washing properly, you may not need to retreat.
Next reproof using Nikwax and/or ReviveX. I use both. There are others, but these have worked for me. I wash in Nikwax soap, dry with their DWR treatment for hardshells, then spray down with ReviveX twice. First coat will soak in. Second coat will go on and stay wetter, then dry.
Jeremy
Good info. Those are two of the brands I've used in the past. Both worked as advertised.
13 July 2017, 18:53
Larry SellersLarry, since you mentioned it is Kuiu gear I wouldn't put anything on it before consulting with Jason over there. I am sure they can advise on this.
14 July 2017, 19:37
farbedoKuiu recommended the Nikwax products to me. They sell them on their website as well. They just said stay away from solvents if you can.
Jeremy