Looking for a good reproofer!

differentstrokes87

Got absolutely soaked yesterday on the commute. The Nike goretex jacket I use is letting in a lot of water on the sleeves and I'd also like to give another couple of jackets a once over before the weather changes for the worse.

Which is the best reproofer to buy?

DKay

Nikwax or Grangers and get the spray-on stuff. The wash-in stuff has never worked well for me.

Washing the garment in a soap-based detergent can also revitalise a DWR syrface treatment to the point it may not actually need reproofing.

mostly

I found reviveX to be the best (spray on) although it appears to be mucho ££ at the moment, try washing and tumble drying on low first of all, if dirt has got into the membrane you may be up the paddleless creak etc.

oldbazza

Waitrose do a liquid wash for gore-tex kit.

thegreatdivide

Nikwax wash in and while it's wet Nikwax spray. Let the garment dry, place a tea towel or some fabric over the garment and iron on a one dot setting to activate. Works without fail for me.

*Dusty*

Yep, nikwax wash in to remove all the crap and crud you can't see, then the spray on while the garment is wet.

Make sure to spray plenty or you'll have a mostly waterproof jacket with a few damp spots I've used nikwax stuff for years, it works very well but I do hear good things about grangers too.

navrig2

As I understand it Gore-Tex is waterproof and that the proofer only serves to make the outer layer shed water quicker. Gore-tex waterproofing can be compromised by dirt so a simply wash and tumble dry should suffice.

http://www.gore-tex.co.uk/remote/Satellite/content/care/washing-instructions

http://www.gore-tex.co.uk/remote/Satellite/content/care/restoring-water-repellency

If the garment is still leaking then either the membrane has cracked/ripped or the seam tapes are not effective. If the jacket is not lined have a look at the inner where the fabri is creased and look for cracks.

If cracked then it is probably time for a new jacket.

thegreatdivide

You need to re proof Gore-Tex, it even says it in one of your links:

"When the factory applied treatment can no longer be reactivated, apply a new water-repellent treatment available as a pump-spray or wash-in product to the garment's outer fabric."

navrig2

[url=http://www.bikeradar.com/forums/viewtopic.php?p=19683722#p19683722]thegreatdivide[/url] wrote:

You need to re proof Gore-Tex, it even says it in one of your links:

"When the factory applied treatment can no longer be reactivated, apply a new water-repellent treatment available as a pump-spray or wash-in product to the garment's outer fabric."

That is NOT re-proofing that is re-establishing the DWR which is the ability of the outer fabric to repel water.

Goe-Tex membrane is effectively a form of expanded PTFE (look up plumbers tape on Google) and has molecule gaps which are smaller than the size of water molecules thus making the membrane water proof. The molecule gaps are bigger than than water vapour molecules thus making it, in theory and in the right situation, breathable. The outer fabrics are manufactured to shed water with DWR properties.

DWR - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Durable_water_repellent

Gore-Tex membrane - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gore-Tex

There was a rumour in the 1970s that Gore-Tex was created when a bunch of (black) guys stretched a role of PTFE through a shock pull and that this changed the properties of the PTFE such that it was both water proof and breathable. Probably urban myth/rumour but the overall process is reflected in the description of the Gore-Tex on Wiki.

You could create a jacket made entirely of Gore-Tex but I think it would be bright white only, have an unacceptable feel and may tear easily. Attaching it to a fabric gives you better design/colour, nicer textures and strength.

However, the DWR is not responsible for the jacket being waterproof. This is a common misconception, so when the face fabric becomes soaked due to an absence of DWR, there is no breathability and the wearer's sweat will cause condensation to form inside the jacket. This may give the appearance that a jacket is leaking when it is not. The DWR can be reinvigorated by tumble drying the garment or ironing on a low setting

thegreatdivide

You need to reproof Gore-Tex.

navrig2

[url=http://www.bikeradar.com/forums/viewtopic.php?p=19684061#p19684061]thegreatdivide[/url] wrote:

You need to reproof Gore-Tex.

Re-proofing Gore-Tex is like reproofing a polythene bag.....

https://grangers.co.uk/product/clothing-wash-repel

Effectively cleans all technical outdoor fabrics and clothing.
Restores and refreshes the water-repellent finish found on your waterproof garments.
Clothing Wash and Repel requires heat activation to work – ideally via a low temperature tumble drier.
Suitable for use on all Gore-Tex® and eVent garments,
Clothing Wash and Repel works at 30˚C, in all types of water.

http://www.nikwax.com/en-gb/products/productdetail.php?productid=4

Why breathability depends upon water repellency...
Breathable waterproof garments are most likely to get sweaty and wet inside when used in damp or wet conditions. If the outer fabric absorbs water, the garment can lose up to 70% of its breathability. Therefore, the Durable Water Repellency (DWR) on the outer fabric of your jacket must be maintained to ensure comfort. Nikwax Tech Wash® will revitalise the DWR and therefore breathability of your garment.