Waterproofing....

[Warren Milberg]

I got really pounded in a thunderstorm yesterday (a whole other story). In the process, I found my foul weather suit has become a fair weather suit: it leaks. Not sure of the brand, but it is some kind of resin impregnated tightly wowen fabric. Since its in good shape otherwise (smile) and has no holes, I'm assuming I may be able to restore its water proofness with a silicon-based waterproofing spray. I've used a product call "Camp Dry" made by Kiwi on my mainsail cover, bimini boot, and wheel cover (all sunbrella) and it works well in that capacity.

Have any of you had any good experiences trying to re-waterproof foulies? If so, what did you use? Is this worth the bother or should I just bite the (expensive) bullet and buy another set of foulies?

 

[Frank]

Motorcycle clothing web site

Try the link below it will take you to Aerostich a top end motorcycle clothing site They make clothing for all weather riding. Think rain at 60mph

 

[Ross]

Warren, there are several concoctions on the market

Scotch Guard is probably the best known. I would start by checking at Jo-Ann Fabrics to see what they have to offer. Cabelas , Sports Authority and Dick's sporting goods and even Wal-Mart. You may waste 10 bucks but it is just money.

 

[Maine Sail]

Warren..

There are basically two paths to take depending on your rain gear. First you need to know whether it's a water proof breathable jacket or non breathable. In all my years of skiing, hunting, sailing, hiking and ice climbing I've only ever seen one coating fail. That may be what happened to yours. Another thought is that it's a non-breathable jacket and you may have got it wetter from the inside than the out with the humidity levels in the Chess..

If it's nylon / non breathable PVC coated all you can do is re-DWR the fabric. I use a product called NikWax TX Direct wash in DWR re-waterproofing. It is safe for both breathable and non-breathable fabrics and designed for re-DWRing (durable water repelent) expensive Gore-tex outer wear and other brethable and non-brethable garments. Outdoor camping products like silicone are not always safe and can destroy or delaminate a waterproof or waterproof/breathable coating. They work well on canvas or cotton duck tents but not so much on Acrylic or nylon fabrics.
http://www.nikwax-usa.com/en-us/products/productdetail.php?productid=267&activityid=1

As my jackets begin to "wet out" I simply run them through another cycle of TX Direct and it makes them nice and water repellent again. Breathable fabrics need a dry outer layer to perform at their best to easily past vapor to the out side of the garment..

You may also want to re-consider what you use on your Sunbrella. I've spoken at length with the Glen Raven rep (Sunbrella) and the only product they recommend is 303 Fabric Guard (Glen Raven DOES NOT make this product and receive NO money from the sale of it). Silicone will re-water proof it for a period of time but it also attracts dirt and pollution which then embeds in the fibers. As wind moves the fabric these particles go to work and begin to break down the threads. Silicone can shorten the life expectancy of Sunbrella so use it sparingly or swithc to 303 Fabric Guard as new canvas is EXPENSIVE..

 

[Chris Burti]

MaineSail is spot on, plus...

Some older FWG, such as Atlantis used a seam tape on some of their lightweight ripstop nylon FWG. The last time the Admiral washed hers, all the tape came off and no amount of nikwax would keep the seams dry...had to re-tape. You would thing something like that wouldn't happen after only 25 years...

Second, I've never been privileged to wear any FWG that actually kept me dry on deck in the lateral rain produced by the 50 knot winds in a squall.

 

[Warren Milberg]

For Maine Sail and others...

My previous set of foulies was the non-breathable variety and, like you indicated, often produced more "wet" on the inside than the outside from body heat build-up. My current set is a breathable fabric and I'm going to try the product you suggested, NikWax TX Direct. It's worth a try given what a good set of foulies cost. I'm also going to switch products for the sunbrella to 303 Fabric Guard as I've heard very good things about that product from you and others. Thanks for the info and link.