Waterproofing a nylon rain suit

[clubman]

My nylon rainsuit, a pretty expensive Tecnic which is still in good shape, has become about as waterproof as a screen door. It leaks all over. Any tips for sealing it up. I found some spray called Aqua Armor online which is supposed seal up any synthetic fiber. Anyone use it? Hate to throw the suit away as it looks almost new.

[ITSec]

My nylon rainsuit, a pretty expensive Tecnic which is still in good shape, has become about as waterproof as a screen door. It leaks all over. Any tips for sealing it up. I found some spray called Aqua Armor online which is supposed seal up any synthetic fiber. Anyone use it? Hate to throw the suit away as it looks almost new.

The one product I've found that worked for me is NikWax. I use the wash-in version to refresh my gear every couple years. You can get it at REI, not sure about other sources.

[fotoguzzi]

if it was pretty expensive I would send it back and ask for a refund or replacement.. I just got a new pair of Minnetonka Moccasins no questions asked, no receipt either.. some company's get it.. Victorinox  is another example.

[clubman]

The Aqua Armor didn't get very good reviews on Amazon so I'll give the NikWax a try, thanks.

[Zoom Zoom]

The one product I've found that worked for me is NikWax. I use the wash-in version to refresh my gear every couple years. You can get it at REI, not sure about other sources.

In the FWIW department, I had a discussion with someone at Aerostich some time ago. Although this probably would not matter with some materials, they advised using a spray on water proffer rather than a wash in. Even though they did not endorse any particular product, they said that by using the wash in stuff, you water proof both sides of the garment thereby losing the breathability of it. I too use the Nikwax and have been very happy with the results. As you mentioned, every couple years.

John Henry

[Testarossa]

NeverWet works as advertised.

[Gootsz]

How long have you had it. over time the fabric stretches and the gaps between the weave open up and allow water to penetrate.

At a point no amount of water proofing will work. the fabric will still be waterproof but the "air" gaps in the fabric will allow water to go thru it.

micky

[JeffOlson]

"Waterproof" clothing is really frustrating to me. I routinely buy expensive, supposedly waterproof rain gear, hoping that this time it will indeed be waterproof. Well, it may be waterproof initially, but only for a while. Then it leaks. Gor-Tex, whatever, it all ends up leaking. I think the only truly waterproof gear is the rubber rain gear that fishermen wear, or a dry suit...

[Zoom Zoom]

I'm not sure which waterproof clothing you purchase, but I bought into the Stich in 2007. I'm still using the same jacket and pants, which I have retreated every couple years with the Nikwax. It still keeps me dry pushing 10 years now. My initial investment, having been divided over all the years of use, has made the investment a good value.

So, I wash the stuff with the Nikwax Tech Wash, take it out on the clothes line and hose it down with the garden hose, and spray the snot out of it with the Nikwax spritz bottle until it is dripping. I let it hang there and air dry. I hose it down again, unzip things and check the inside, and apply another spray. I'm good to go again. If the inside is dry after the first application then I'm done. Decent clothing, and finding the right products to maintain them, will give you years of service.

John Henry

[kingoffleece]

Correct.  I'm in the waterproof business.  All membrane fabrics need regular treatment to prevent "wet-out".  In addition quality control seems to be a lost concept for almost every manufacture regardless of brand or price.

It's prudent to give the hose and/or bucket test to every new gear purchase prior to use or tag removal.

WebBikeWorld has an informative write up on waterproofing-this was just written a few weeks ago.  It's not new information but it's possible not everyone has seen it.