bringing waterproofing back to jackets

[tyorke1]

I have several very expensive waterproof jackets that are no longer waterproof. Will the waterproofing stuff you put in to wash them bring some of the waterproofing back to the jackets

 

[smashdn]

Depends upon the fabric.

 

Stuff with a pu backing that is worn off, no.  If the fabric itself was supposed to be waterproof then perhaps.  I use a product called Atsko Water Guard on my hunting stuff.  It does a fair job but requires reapplication every other year or so.

[dropkicked]

My goretex ( and similar ) gear gets washed using NikWax Tech Wash. I use Gearaid ReviveX, for my DWR jackets. All my winter sports, fishing, gets similar treatment.

Either product will work great for your needs and bring back the breathable, water repelling/shedding nature of the materials

[tyorke1]

thanks i will look them up

[dubbelbogey]

For Gore-Tex and similar materials, there's actually two components to what makes them "waterproof". In the case of Gore-Tex - there's the actual PTFE membrane and there's the outer layer - usually nylon of some sort.  (I know I'm over simplifying here, as there are all sorts of Gore-Tex variants these days, but the principle here holds).

 

Part 1: The PTFE membrane is what allows your body's water vapor to escape outwards (provided the temperature inside the garment is higher than outside), but not allow liquid water droplets (rain) to actually pass all the way through to the inside. Note this is why these things don't work so well in very warm conditions - the vapor pressure is going in the opposite direction. This PTFE membrane doesn't really wear out in normal usage conditions. It's very durable and will generally always "work" in preventing outside rain from getting through.

 

Part 2: from the factory, there is also a coating on the outer surface of the nylon that causes rain to bead up and roll off without wetting the fabric itself. This is accomplished with an applied chemical coating. This coating can and does wear out and the fabric can then get wet. When it gets wet, the PTFE membrane can't transport your body's water vapor outwards as well as it's being blocked by the wet fabric. Since that vapor is now blocked to some degree, it gets wetter inside the garment. But, this coating can be restored with things like NikWax and other similar products. Look up DWR coatings to learn more.

 

One other component is that sometimes the seams will develop leaks. This is a big deal for fly fishing waders, where they're completely submerged under water, but less of an issue for rainwear. Also fixable, but probably not a major concern for golf wear.

Edited June 4, 2021 by dubbelbogey

[cristphoto]

Once a year I wash all my waterproof gear with Nikwax Tech Wash.  Then when they come out of the washer while still wet I spray on a coat of Nikwax TX Direct. Let sit for about an hour and throw in the dryer (check the labels on your clothing as not all waterproof gear goes in the dryer).  This will revive the outer layer of your clothing and make water bead again.  Depending on how much use each piece gets during the year I'll toss it in the washer on gentle cycle with no soap.  Using the wrong soap fouls up the clothing.  The basic Goretex or other material never goes bad so if you're getting wet from rain and not from perspiration the piece was never fully waterproof to begin with.  

Edited June 4, 2021 by cristphoto

[bluedot]

Above all else, do NOT wash garments with a waterproofing treatment on the outside with regular detergent.  As mentioned earlier, get the NikWax products, and wash the garments ONLY with that.  They make a second product that also restores the coating, at least to some degree. 

 

Also as mentioned earlier, this doesn't have anything to do with GoreTex.  A GoreTex jacket will still keep most, if not all, of the water from getting to you, even if the coating on the outer shell has degraded.  But it doesn't help, and the garment will be heavier and not breathe as well.