Waterproofing

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Vodkagirly

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The recent wet spell has shown that my coats and trousers aren't as waterproof as they once were :( I'd rather not replace as they have plenty of life left.
What's the best wash in waterproof for coats and roughly how much do I need for 4 coats and some trousers?
Thanks
 
Nikwax products are very decent. First use the tech wash then follow up with the TX proofer.

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My tech wash bottle states a max of two items per washing machine load and to use 100 to 150ml of product depending on water hardness.
 
I use whatever's cheapest and have had Nikwax, Jack Wolfskin own and Grangers. The latter is probably the cheapest most often, ideally you have a separate tech wash and then a wash in or spray on waterproofer. I use less than they recommend (around 50-100ml for two items I would guess) but I'm seldom in pouring rain for long and wear good non-horsey stuff on the whole which seems to be more waterproof!
 
Vodkagirly said:
The recent wet spell has shown that my coats and trousers aren't as waterproof as they once were :( I'd rather not replace as they have plenty of life left.
What's the best wash in waterproof for coats and roughly how much do I need for 4 coats and some trousers?
Thanks
Click to expand...
Not for coats but I am going to try this as works well on my ex rug

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I am an old hand at this, and have made all the mistakes.

Firstly, your waterproof items are made with a physical membrane which breaks down through washing and wear, you can see it if you cut up an old item, it's the plasticy coating. So, no amount of wash in stuff will restore that.

Secondly, washing your waterproof stuff in normal washing powder/liquid will make the fabric absorb water. That is it's purpose when getting fabrics clean. So use just water or a specialist waterproof wash.

Thirdly, most of the waterproofing stuff you can buy is quite effective but stops the garment being breathable. You may be ok with that but in general you'll end up a sweaty mess if its not. So if you want breathability make sure you buy proper stuff.

The short version:
Don't wash too often
Wash newer items in just water
If reproofing use a specialist wash and a breathable reproofer.

I buy 5l nikwax rug wash and rug proof to use on all my coats, exercise sheets and lightweight rugs in my washing machine. Lasts forever.
 
Highmileagecob said:
Fabsil tent reproofing is great for turnout rugs. I imagine it would work on most fabric. Paint it on, leave to dry, job done!
Click to expand...

Agreed, I've used this as a last ditch attempt to get some more life out of old rugs and coats and it was pretty good. Don't know how breathable it is compared with the wash-in / tumble dry ones, but at that point I didn't care!
 
Fabsil Gold is amazing stuff. I used to use it for the roof of my soft top and have used it on horse rugs.

Not sure if it’s a bit too heavy duty for clothing, but worth considering 😃.
 
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