Nikwax Waterproofer.... Not Happy

[mister c]

I bought some Nikwax waterproofing spray at the weekend to coat my waterproofs. I have ridden to work this morning & my legs were soaked & I had a rather large damp patch round my rather large belly
I followed the instructions to the letter even down to washing them 1st to make sure they were both clean, coated the legs & coat liberally paying a lot of attention to the stitched areas then left them to dry for a full day.
For £10.99 for 500ml I thought it would have done the job intended, but alas, no.
I am going to get in touch with Nikwax to see what they say.

Hmm, I nearly bought some of that a while ago, didn't have the money thank gawd. Bit carp mate

[mister c]

Originally Posted by plowsie

Hmm, I nearly bought some of that a while ago, didn't have the money thank gawd. Bit carp mate

Yeh, I'm not a happy camper. I've had wet legs all day

[fizzwheel]

I've used it a few times and never had a problem like that.

I know Liz was careful to get me to not put to much on, you shouldnt be soaking the fabric you're applying it to IIRC also she says it works better if you hang the reproofed garment up somewhere warm ish like an airing cupboard as that activates the reproofer.

What did you wash them with prior to reproofing. Did you use something non bio ?

[_Stretchie_]

I use to use it on my textiles and never had a problem afterwards.

It involved two washes with different nikwax stuff,

http://www.nikwax.com/en-gb/how_nikw..._for_clean.php

Always worked for me
: )

[CheGuevara]

Dunno if it'll help, but back home a large and very well respected outfitter used to recommend putting DWR (coated as opposed to membrane) garments in a hot dryer which helps "re-melt" the DWR into the fabric and I suppose helps bring a sheen back to the outer surface, preventing any tiny fuzz/fibres from wicking moisture in.

[mister c]

I've probably messed up then. I did wash them in the washing machine with non bio powder. They were hung up in my front room which is never used, so maybe I've put too much on then

[dizzyblonde]

never had an issue with the NIkwax TX spray. i always spray it in warm sun, as the jackets hung out on the washing line over a hanger.
It is time however to use the Techwash, and then respray them with TX direct.
I'm a little dubious about putting a 200 quid jacket in the washer only to make it less waterproof, but its manky and full of dead bugs.

[dizzyblonde]

Originally Posted by mister c

I've probably messed up then. I did wash them in the washing machine with non bio powder. They were hung up in my front room which is never used, so maybe I've put too much on then

Thats your problem, your not supposed to put detergent on the textiles, it unwaterproofs them. Thats why you buy the nikwax techwash.
I reckon if you buy some Techwash, and rewash them, you may rescue them...but you may have just ruined them.

[fizzwheel]

Dont be put off putting in in the machine, I've done it that way as well.

Top Tip - Take all the armour out and the liner if it has one and then turn the jacket inside out so the outside of it doesnt get scuffed up by the drum of the machine.