The DWR worked very well for about seven days. But it faded quickly after 10 days, at which point both halves of the drysuit appeared similar when wet. My suit after one-week of everyday wear.
Full Answer
Why choose Nikwax water repellent?
Using Nikwax products will achieve the same, if not better standard of water-repellency than competitor products without using heat. Unlike fluorocarbon treatments, Nikwax can simply be air dried which saves on having to go through an extra step of applying heat to make your gear water-repellent!
Is it safe to breathe in Nikwax spray?
Care should, however always we taken to avoid inhalation of any spray material, including Nikwax. Why has Nikwax chosen not to seek Blue Sign certification? As the global leader in environmentally responsible outdoor aftercare, Nikwax prefers to promote its proven excellent environmental credentials and its technical high performance.
Is Nikwax TX direct safe to use?
Nikwax TX.Direct® Wash-In has been specifically designed and optimized for breathable waterproof garments; it leaves a flexible water repellent treatment on individual fibers allowing moisture vapour to pass through, maintaining breathability. Like all Nikwax products, TX.Direct® is safe to use...
How do I use Nikwax waterproofing treatment on my clothes?
Clothing that is PU coated can be coated with a Nikwax waterproofing treatment by using our TX.Direct spray-on product to the outside of the garment only. This product means you can target specific areas of the jacket that need waterproofing anytime, anywhere.
How long does Nikwax last for?
Items that are properly treated (pre-washed with Nikwax Tech Wash, then treated with an appropriate Nikwax proofer such as Nikwax TX. Direct) will withstand 4 to 6 washes using Tech Wash. For an average use of outdoor clothing we recommend that you wash and re-proof your gear at least once a year.
How often should you apply Nikwax?
A: Every month. Even GORE-TEX product experts recommend cleaning your jacket every month. Keeping your jacket clean is one of the best ways to preserve its useful life.
Does TX Direct expire?
It's easy to apply. It has a 4 year shelf life.
How do you use Nikwax direct spray?
Apply Nikwax TX. Direct® Spray-On by hand...Protect working surface and lay clean garment flat and zip up all zippers.Hold bottle 15 cm/6 inches away from garment.Apply evenly to outside of fabric.Wait for 2 minutes. ... Check carefully to ensure no areas have been missed.More items...
Does Nikwax ruin your washing machine?
Nikwax will ruin my washing machine – FALSE No, Nikwax won't have a detrimental effect on the washing machine.
How often should you reproof a waterproof jacket?
around every 6-12 monthsYou should reproof your waterproof clothing around every 6-12 months, depending on how much you use it. You may find you need to reproof your clothing more frequently for heavier usage, or if you use your waterproofs for intense exercise like hiking, running, biking and climbing.
Does waterproofing spray expire?
Does Waterproof Spray Expire? Waterproof sprays don't expire, if you have a ten-year-old bottle laying around chances are it will still work absolutely fine. The spray bottles do not have expiry dates on them because the spray is not designed to expire.
How long does waterproof spray last?
A good waterproofing spray is usually made from a unique chemical combination that can last for quite a long time. A single spray generally works for 2-8 months, depending on conditions. As long as the sprayed object is not exposed to direct sunlight or is used outdoors, the coating will last longer.
Does Nikwax Tech Wash have an expiration date?
Items can be washed 6 to 8 times with Tech Wash before it requires reproofing with the appropriate Nikwax proofer (TX. Direct for clothing or Tent & Gear Proof for gear). Tech Wash has a shelf life of 4 years.
How long does nikwax spray take to dry?
Hold bottle 15 cm/6 inches away from garment. Apply evenly to outside of fabric. Wait for 2 minutes.
What's the difference between Nikwax Tech Wash and TX Direct?
Nikwax Tech Wash is made to clean and revitalise waterproof fabrics, and TX Direct restores their DWR finish. Basefresh, meanwhile, is designed to banish the odour of synthetic base layers without compromising performance.
Can you spray Nikwax TX Direct?
A spray is a very easy way to reproof your clothes and the Nikwak TX Direct spray is ideal. It can be used once you have washed your garments in Tech Wash and there is no need to wait for them to dry first. Read the instructions on how to apply Nikwax spray before you start.
What is Nikwax Tech Wash?
Conventional detergents leave behind a thin water-absorbent film on materials, which masks their Durable Water Repellency (DWR). Therefore, always clean your waterproof garments with Nikwax Tech Wash®. Remember that dirt itself works against DWR, so regular cleaning will enhance performance.
How to make a sanitizer with TX Direct?
1. Immerse 1 clean garment in 6L of hand-hot water in a bowl or sink. 2. Add 2floz/50ml of TX.Direct®. 3. Agitate to mix, leave to soak for 5-10 minutes, then agitate thoroughly. 4. Rinse with cold water until water runs clear.
What is breathable waterproof clothing?
Breathable waterproof clothing is for active, outdoor people... Anyone who is active outside in damp or wet conditions will benefit from breathable waterproof clothing. Whether you’re a mountaineer, cyclist, dog walker, or you work outside as a farmer or surveyor, you will need good raingear.
Why do waterproofs lose breathability?
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.
Is Nikwax flammable?
Nikwax TX.Direct® is a safe product to use on breathable waterproof fabrics. It is WaterBased, non-flammable, contains no volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and is fluorocarbon free.
Can you use Nikwax on rain gear?
Use Nikwax TX.Direct® when your raingear soaks up water... Your raingear could be soaking up water just because it is dirty. First, try cleaning it with Nikwax Tech Wash®, and if it is fairly new, or recently re-waterproofed, the Durable Water Repellency (DWR) will be revitalized just from cleaning.
Does Nikwax waterproof fabric absorb water?
Additionally, if the outer fabric of your garment absorbs water and ‘wets out’ its breathability will be reduced, causing you to feel clammy and wet. Nikwax TX.Direct® adds Durable Water Repellency (DWR), which prevents water absorption, whilst maintaining breathability, keeping you dry and comfortable. Breathable waterproof clothing is ...
Machine washing and cleaning
Condensation: during heavy activity, when relative humidity and temperature are high inside the garment, condensation will form on the inside face of the membrane. This can produce enough water inside the garment to convince the wearer that the membrane or coating is leaking.
Durable Water Repellency (DWR)
Durable Water Repellency (DWR) is an invisible water-repellent finish applied to the outer fabric of most outdoor clothing and equipment. It prevents the fabric from absorbing water by making water bead up on the surface and roll off. Maintenance of the DWR with one of our cleaning products is vital to allow the fabric to breathe.
Breathability and Wicking
The more you exercise, the hotter you get and the more you sweat. As the sweat evaporates it cools you down. Breathable garments allow the sweat vapour to escape, keeping you comfortable. If the sweat vapour is allowed to build up in your clothing, it becomes damp.
Nikwax Products
By immersing a garment in a wash-in treatment you apply a complete and even coating of the active ingredients to all the fibres, zips and threads. The treatment finds its way to the back of zips and pocket flaps, behind velcro tabs – all the places that are easy to miss with spray-on treatments. You do not miss any part.
Fact finding
Nikwax treatments are highly effective and long lasting. Items that are properly treated (pre-washed with Nikwax Tech Wash, then treated with an appropriate Nikwax proofer such as Nikwax TX.Direct) will withstand 4 to 6 washes using Tech Wash.
Tumble drying
We have created products that do not need heat to establish the bond between the waterproofing polymer and fabric. Yes, it's true. Using Nikwax products will achieve the same, if not better standard of water-repellency than competitor products without using heat.
Environmental
On the side of all Nikwax WaterBased products is a statement that says "No propellant gases, non-persistent, environmentally safe. Not tested on animals. Contains no fluorocarbons".
What is Revivex waterproof spray?
Revivex Durable Water Repellent Spray. With Revivex Durable, you are replacing the DWR on the fabric and it is recommended for use on gear from tents and packs to waterproof breathable rainwear such as Gore-Tex and eVent. It uses water as the carrier and is applied from an aerosol can with no dangerous propellants.
What is the Atsko water guard?
Atsko/Sno-Seal Water-Guard Extreme. If you have ever used Sno-Seal on boots or gloves, then you have used an Atsko product. Water-Guard Extreme replaces the DWR on fabric and can be used on a wide variety of products. It also contains a UV blocker that helps prevent damage to synthetics.
What propellants does 3M use?
Like the others it replaces the DWR on the fabric and it too uses petroleum solvents to carry the product to the surface. It also uses isobutane and propane as a propellant. When it comes to the propellants used, at least 3m tells you what they are, while some manufacturers will only say, “hydrocarbons.”.
What is the most eco-friendly water based product?
Water Based Products. The predominant brands making the more eco-friendly water based applications are Nikwax and Revivex. Nikwax Tent & Gear Solarproof provides a waterproof coating that according to a representative from the firm, is also breathable.
Is Revivex Durable waterproof?
Revivex Durable on the other hand is a true DWR offering breathability allowing a wider range of applications from tent flys to waterproof breathable shells. One benefit of each product is that by being water based, it can be applied to clean fabric that is dry or wet. Nikwax Tent & Gear Solarproof.
Is silicone water repellent environmentally friendly?
Traditionally, treatments to reapply that water repellent coating have been silicone based but they are not considered very environmentally friendly. Relatively new to the market are a few water based products. We collected up a group of waterproofing compounds to try out side-by-side.
Does DWR wear down?
Over time, use and exposure to the elements the DWR will wear down. While the breathable membrane in jackets will still work without the coating it won’t be nearly as efficient. And with tents, drips start to form on the inside as the water soaks through.