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Post by hikerjer on Apr 23, 2018 19:30:18 GMT -8
I have an older Mountain Hardware gore-tex hardshell jacket. Today I took it out in the rain/snow and it rather quickly wetted out. I didn't actually get wet underneath, but it didn't seem like it was far away from that. What's been your experience with re-waterproofing a coat with products like Nikwax spray on TX-Direct. Do they actually work? Any tips or suggestions
Thanks much.
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texasbb
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Post by texasbb on Apr 23, 2018 19:51:59 GMT -8
That's a trick question. On the one hand, no, they don't work. On the other hand, no WPB garment is ever waterproof in the first place. The re-WP process just results in a garment that wets out a little quicker than the original. That's my experience anyway.
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Post by High Sierra Fan on Apr 23, 2018 19:57:34 GMT -8
The Nickwax products have worked for me. Two issues, the repellant treatment of the outer shell just wears out: that can be restored though not to “factory” performance longevity, with the right treatment. The second are oils that cause water to migrate through the holes in the Teflon. That’s solved by straightforward cleaning to remove the oils and restore the full water droplet rejection of the micro-porous Teflon aka GoreTex. Getting it back to full uncontaminated hydrophobicity is the key.
The washing machine can’t be dirty either. That white film left on your jeans and dark shirts will kill Gore Tex.
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Post by bookmark2 on Apr 24, 2018 1:20:41 GMT -8
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zeke
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Post by zeke on Apr 24, 2018 4:15:16 GMT -8
NeverWet leaves a white foggy coating on everything it is used on.
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Post by rustyshackleford on Apr 24, 2018 4:26:55 GMT -8
i used the nikwax spray on a marmot precip and it restored it to like new. the jacket is getting old and slightly delaminating at the hood so i only use it for <10mi day hikes or around town anymore and not sure about the longevity of the nikwax. but it beads wonderfully again.
ive never used the wash or their other products.
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Post by bookmark2 on Apr 24, 2018 16:58:58 GMT -8
NeverWet leaves a white foggy coating on everything it is used on. Looks good, too. |
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Apr 25, 2018 5:59:11 GMT -8
Following
I used it on a couple tent rainflies (one 30 years old), but haven't taken them out again yet.
It went on easily, but haven't tested it yet. The fabric surface does "feel" a little different.
Planning to use it on an old pair of rainpants.
Also used Gear Aid Seam Grip on the seams.
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Post by Lamebeaver on Apr 25, 2018 6:21:23 GMT -8
I would think re-waterproofing a breathable product, such as Gore-tex, might
a) somewhat restore the water resistance
b) completely destroy the breath-ability
For those of you who have done this, could you please comment on b)?
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tigger
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Post by tigger on Apr 25, 2018 7:37:23 GMT -8
From my experience, thorough washing is critical. If the oils and dirt aren't completely out, the "breathable" fabric can't do it's part. Any damaged/worn areas must be treated extra/repaired with Gore-tex patch repair or Seam-tape. Then, I use a DWR (Kiwi Campdry Heavy Duty) that is silicone based which won't clog fabric pores according to the research I've done. After a couple light coats, I put it in the dryer. This is designed to distribute it through the outer layer which helps to repel moisture. I then put one extra light coating...for grins.
I have tried as many of the products I could find using a rainfly with masking tape to separate different areas. I tried the products and compared the results both initially and after several weeks of using a sprinkler. That is why I decided on the product that I did.
Neverwet...was one of my nightmare experiments. Initially, it repelled water great. However, after just a few days after application, it became sticky, attracted dirt, and required many washings and scrubbing to get that wretched stuff from my clothing. I won't touch that stuff with a ten foot pole anymore.
I re-treat my clothing every couple years with light washings in between.
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Post by High Sierra Fan on Apr 25, 2018 10:16:19 GMT -8
I would think re-waterproofing a breathable product, such as Gore-tex, might a) somewhat restore the water resistance b) completely destroy the breath-ability For those of you who have done this, could you please comment on b)? That’s because you don’t “rewaterproof” a breathable garment. The process is to restore the water **repellancy** of the outer shell with the DWR treatment while restoring the hydrophobicity of the micro porous breathable membrane, syy GoreTex by a thorough cleaning to remove the contaminating oils and soils that have compromised the water droplet rejection properties of the membrane, contaminants that hinder the membrane from rejecting liquid water while allowing individual water molecules to “breath” through the barrier. So, yes, the thread title is a bit of a misnomer. But close enough Imho. I guess I just read from what I knew.... |
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Post by Deleted on Apr 26, 2018 13:55:27 GMT -8
I prefer the spray-on products. I figure why do I want the inside of the jacket to have a DWR treatment? My regimen is to first wash my washer, make sure there is no soap residue of any kind in it. To clean th washer, I use the same product I clean my garment with. Then I wash the garment using a new product called Power Wash I got from REI. Great stuff, it works very well on goretex and e-vent, and does a fantastic job on down garments and sleeping bags. I use a double rinse to make sure the jacket is completely clean. Then while still wet, I spray thoroughly with ReviveX, let it hang dry, then throw it into the dryer by itself for 60 minutes to bake it in. My jackets breathe and water beads up like new.   |
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rebeccad
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Post by rebeccad on Jul 28, 2018 9:34:27 GMT -8
I am pleased to have been able to find this thread, as I am currently in the process of following peoples' leads in washing and re-spraying jackets and rain pants for 3 (the 4th is Second Son, who has grown about 18 inches since he last needed a jacket and rain pants, so will require wholly new gear for New Zealand. He needs a new warm jacket, too, which he will not be using for every-day as he goes to school in San Diego. Sigh. Maybe I'll see if he want my down jacket, and I can try once more to get myself one with a hood!).
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