Thread: Re-Waterproofing Pants?

So my pants have recently decided to not be waterproof anymore. Probably the constant rain we have been getting taking a serious toll on the material. Any recommendations on how to make them waterproof again? Anyone have some secret trick? Or am I basically screwed and should start looking for new pants?

search JONG. no one has ever discussed this here before.

http://www.rainypass.com/

Assuming that they are Gore-tex pants; get some Grangers 2in1 wash/waterproofer and use it with low water volume and no other garments or maybe just one other garment. The secret as told to me by Grangers, who is used by major manufacturers in initial waterproofing is; dry the pants on high heat after washing in the Grangers. This helps to melt it into a smooth and solid barrier, just make sure to pull the pants out of the dryer before it stops to keep them from burning. I have found this to be the best technique and have used it many times.

Wintergreen is on the right track, but he is talking about DWR (durable water resistant coating) with is not waterproofing. DWR functions to make the water bead up on the fabric, thus preventing the fabric from getting wetted out. Wetted out (allegedly) waterproof/breatheable fabrics -- whether PTFE or PU -- don't perform as well as non-wetted out (allegedly) WPB fabrics.

I've had better experience with Grainger's spray on. First, clean the garment very well with Graingers or Nikwax cleaner. Don't use laundry detergent. Rinse thoroughly -- an extra complete wash cycle without soap works best. Then let the garment drip dry for a half hour or so. While the garment is still damp, liberally spray on the DWR (Graingers or Nikwax). Then place in the dryer on medium high heat. (High heat can damage PTFE or PU -- I know cuz I've done it). After the garment has dried, put it in the dryer for a second cycle at medium heat. I usually put it in for a third cycle at medium heat.

Temper your expectations. Don't expect factory DWR performance.

Originally Posted by Big Steve

Wintergreen is on the right track, but he is talking about DWR (durable water resistant coating) with is not waterproofing. DWR functions to make the water bead up on the fabric, thus preventing the fabric from getting wetted out. Wetted out (allegedly) waterproof/breatheable fabrics -- whether PTFE or PU -- don't perform as well as non-wetted out (allegedly) WPB fabrics.

I've had better experience with Grainger's spray on. First, clean the garment very well with Graingers or Nikwax cleaner. Don't use laundry detergent. Rinse thoroughly -- an extra complete wash cycle without soap works best. Then let the garment drip dry for a half hour or so. While the garment is still damp, liberally spray on the DWR (Graingers or Nikwax). Then place in the dryer on medium high heat. (High heat can damage PTFE or PU -- I know cuz I've done it). After the garment has dried, put it in the dryer for a second cycle at medium heat. I usually put it in for a third cycle at medium heat.

Temper your expectations. Don't expect factory DWR performance.

The last sentence can't be stressed enough. Unless you have a membrane like Gore-Tex, it will never be as good.

IME, it won't be as good even if you have a PTFE membrane like GoreTex (although eVent has held up better for me)

I did my Boulder Gear pants a few years back after they started to easily soak through in the seat and thigh areas. They are out of business and still pretty good shape for now 10 year old plus pants. Can't purchase the same exact pants. Not a Goretex material though.

Only stuff I could get at the time was Penguin waterproofing spray (or the 3M Scotch stuff). It held up for usually a season and then I have done them again. Search and there is a discussion on the waterproofing sprays on here.

Originally Posted by Big Steve

Wintergreen is on the right track, but he is talking about DWR (durable water resistant coating) with is not waterproofing. DWR functions to make the water bead up on the fabric, thus preventing the fabric from getting wetted out. Wetted out (allegedly) waterproof/breatheable fabrics -- whether PTFE or PU -- don't perform as well as non-wetted out (allegedly) WPB fabrics.

I've had better experience with Grainger's spray on. First, clean the garment very well with Graingers or Nikwax cleaner. Don't use laundry detergent. Rinse thoroughly -- an extra complete wash cycle without soap works best. Then let the garment drip dry for a half hour or so. While the garment is still damp, liberally spray on the DWR (Graingers or Nikwax). Then place in the dryer on medium high heat. (High heat can damage PTFE or PU -- I know cuz I've done it). After the garment has dried, put it in the dryer for a second cycle at medium heat. I usually put it in for a third cycle at medium heat.

Temper your expectations. Don't expect factory DWR performance.

Does the above apply to soft-shell pants as well. I was thinking of doing the spray on technique with mine but wanted to confirm.

http://www.gore-tex.com/remote/Satel...ter-repellency

thanks for all of the all of the advice guys. sounds like a lot of useful methods to get the job done. not completely sure if they are goretex or not. i dont think so, theyre some cheaper burton pants but they were waterproof for a while so who knows.

Originally Posted by Bobcat Sig

The last sentence can't be stressed enough. Unless you have a membrane like Gore-Tex, it will never be as good.

It might never be as good but it's better than all the grime messing up the waterproffness. I haven't owned a goretex item in a long time but I like the -nikwax wash first to nikwax 2-1 wash in waterproofing after, then a good run in the dryer. Just washed all my outerwear and was pretty happy with the results, all the water was beading up again instead of soaking in.

I realize this is an old thread but I found this and it should apply to re-waterproofing any fabric or material:

http://www.arcteryx.com/product-care.aspx?EN