Gore Paclite - lost its beading capabilities

SJLcp · June 2007

Hi There - any ideas - my Gore Paclite is only 18mths old and the water has stopped beading and running off and started soaking in! I know that its probably still waterproof but its cold on bare arms underneath and frankly I'm disappointed - I even tried washing it in that white KikWax stuff but to no avail - does anyone have any suggestions - I am about to try ironing it to see if heat activates the NikWax and improves things?

Has anyone experienced this and/or can they suggest any alternative reproofer to improve it

Thanks for any replies in advance :-)

Uzbek · June 2007

You should tumble dry them after the proofer is used (on a low setting) or even the coolest steam setting on the iron (if the care label allows it). This certainly improves the beading but never gets it back to 'as new' on any garments I've treated.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
If North Yorks Council spent as much on the roads each year as I do on my bike then I could spend less on my bike...

Ravenbait · June 2007

I've not had that problem with mine after several years (at least 5) of active service.

Gore-Tex is waterproof because of the weave, not because of any coating. It should still work as a waterproof even if the initial coating as worn off. Personally I'm quite happy for it to behave like that otherwise I got too hot while riding. If you are finding it too cold on bare skin, I'd recommend trying a thin layer of wicking fabric underneath, which will improve moisture transport out through the jacket as well.

Sam

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http://ravenfamily.org
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JWSurrey · June 2007

Had mine 6 months and worn it probably 1 ride in 10, averaging out summer and winter use.
It's fine, though I did notice what looks like wear at the collar where my new skid lid has been rubbing (may just be dye from the polystyrene of the hat).

Arms get cold, but stay dry - would be the same feeling if I wrapped them in waterproof cling-film and poured water over them.

Are you actually getting wet?

Tried arm warmers or a long sleeved jersey?
Started off with long sleeved jersey underneath, this weekend - ended up with both jersey and top unzipped, and jersey arms rolled up!

SJLcp · June 2007

Thanks for the replies - agree that long sleeves or arm warmers will help - but it was MUCH better when newer and its beading properties were still active - I will try a light ironing tonight and see what happens!

Greenbank · June 2007

See the "Care Centre" section of Gore's website:-

http://www.gore-tex.co.uk/

"
To prevent wet out, all GORE-TEX© shell fabrics are treated with an ultra thin treatment called DWR, a durable water repellent polymer that is applied to the outermost fabric layer. DWR penetrates the fibres and lowers the surface tension of the fabric, causing water to bead up and roll off the outer layer of fabric, instead of being absorbed.

DWR is not permanent though. Regular wear and tear, plus exposure to dirt, detergents, insect repellent and other impurities can shorten its lifespan. The good news is that restoring the water repellency of your GORE-TEX© shell is extremely easy.
"

to do this:

"
Gore recommends applying a topical water repellency restorative for outdoor fabrics, available at your local outdoor retailer.
"

Where it says "you can restore the garment's water repellency by following the manufacturer's instructions." it means to buy the repellency restorative and follow the instructions that come with it.

--
If I had a baby elephant signature, I'd use that.

lowe · June 2007

I beleive fabric conditioner has been found to work also. For all reproofers the item must be cleaned first, but do not use biological washing liquid/powder.

PhilCcp · June 2007

Wash with pure soap flakes, not detergent, then wash again using Nikwax wash in proofing for Goretex (from outdoor shops). Finally tumble dry and it will be good as new. I've been doing it yearly with my 13+ year old Goretex and it still beads effectively.

Jonathan Mcp · June 2007

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by Ravenbait

I've not had that problem with mine after several years (at least 5) of active service.

Gore-Tex is waterproof because of the weave, not because of any coating. It should still work as a waterproof even if the initial coating as worn off. Personally I'm quite happy for it to behave like that otherwise I got too hot while riding. If you are finding it too cold on bare skin, I'd recommend trying a thin layer of wicking fabric underneath, which will improve moisture transport out through the jacket as well.

Sam

The cross product of Tank Girl and Ellen Ripley:

http://ravenfamily.org
"You might remember that 'annoyed' is my natural state!"

http://gentlemencyclists.org/clubhouse
"Ya'd think we could just attract ants, like normal people."
<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">

I thought it was the PTFE membrane that made it waterproof, the fabric to which the membrane is bonded not having any relevance to waterproofing?

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cooper.michael1 · June 2007

It is indeed the membrane not the fabric.

Tumble dry it and it that doesnt work you need some new DWR, Nikwax is a good one and is water based (not full of nasty chemicals which run out of your washer into the water system)

Coops

sjcpcp · June 2007

It is the PTFE membrane that makes a Goretex jacket waterproof, but how well it breathes is dependant on the condition of the outer fabric.
When the DWR coating wears away water saturates the outer fabric, preventing the sweat that has passed through the membrane from evaporating away, and this 'backlog' makes sweat start to form inside the jacket.

Gore recognise this, and recommend that you occaisionaly re-proof the outer of the jacket as described by PhilC above.

SJLcp · June 2007

Success! - I washed my Gore Paclite and an old polaris jacket in NikWax, hung them out to dry and then ironed them (no tumble drier) on a low steam heat - and it worked - water beads off the fabric beautifully and my Gore jacket is rejuvenated!

Many thanks for all the replies - I really get a kick out of it when everyone comes back with useful tips on this site

Jonathan Mcp · June 2007

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by sjcp

It is the PTFE membrane that makes a Goretex jacket waterproof, but how well it breathes is dependant on the condition of the outer fabric.
When the DWR coating wears away water saturates the outer fabric, preventing the sweat that has passed through the membrane from evaporating away, and this 'backlog' makes sweat start to form inside the jacket.

Gore recognise this, and recommend that you occaisionaly re-proof the outer of the jacket as described by PhilC above.
<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">

Agree, the outer fabric can't be allowed to wet out, otherwise brethability is awful.

But the breathability also depends upon the conditions outside the jacket, with breathable fabrics at their best in cold, dry conditions - think artic/alpine conditions. This allows there to be a temperature & humidity gradient between the inside & outside of the jacket, and this forces the internal moisture through the PTFE membrane.

Breathables are at their worst in a warm, humid environment. Less of a difference between the inside & outside of the jacket.

This is also why unzipping an breathable jacket is a poor idea, as it just doesn't have the difference in both temperature & a mositure gradient to work.

It isn't growing up that stops us playing, it is stopping playing that makes us grow up.

Go and see my bikes

Sponsor me for the Ride of the Roses BHF ride

Gore Paclite - lost its beading capabilities

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