Ever Used Water Repellent ?

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.

 

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.

 

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.

 

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.

 

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.

 

Is it like a outback oil cloth jacket?

 

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

 

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!

 

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

 

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

 

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!!!

 

Some of them actually act as a fire retardant.

 

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.

 

Get some Nikwax, I promise you, you will love it!

 

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

 

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!

 

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.

 

Here are images of the shell. I am hoping if I recondition that it will become more of a wind breaker again.