Restoring DWR finishes

A DWR (Durable Water Repellent) finish is not permanent and needs to be maintained to optimize performance. DWR finishes can degrade through normal wear, as well as exposure UV and contaminants such as oil, dirt and phosphate detergent residue. (Normal everyday detergents can strip the DWR finish by leaving water-attractive deposits on the fabric. See the Clean section of the site for washing tips.) As a DWR finish diminishes the garment will not shed water as effectively, it will no longer cause water to bead, therefore allowing the fabric to wet-out faster, thus making it feel cold and clammy.

• When washing in the treatment use enough water for the job. Follow the proper dilution rates for the treatment. This will help insure that you will get the best performance from the product.

Using after-market treatments such as Nikwax TXDirect or McNett Thunder Guard can restore water-repellency. These wash-in treatments and can be applied in a washing machine once the detergent residue has been rinsed out. In the case of laminated fabrics, it is better to use a spray-on DWR finish such as McNett Revivex or Nikwax TXDirect Spray On. Laminated fabrics rely on the inner fabric for perspiration wicking purposes and should not be protected by a wash-in treatment. Spray-on is the way to go.

Synthetics such as fleece and the linings of many insulated jackets and synthetic sleeping bags are best treated with products such as Nikwax's Polarproof. Dirt and oils can attract water and reduce the fabrics ability to bead and shed water. Also common laundry detergents can leave residues that will not rinse out. They also contain agents that can wash away water-repellent treatments. It's important not to use common liquid detergents or fabric softeners. These can interfere with the waterproofing treatment.

• Use Nikwax TXDirect or McNett Thunder Guard to waterproof backpacks, gaiters, hats and gloves. Nikwax offers a wash-in for cotton and a spray for waxed cotton. These products bring a high rate of water repellency to most any fabric.
• Remember to read the garments label for proper care. Some treatments require the garment to be heat dried to activate the treatment. While some products cannot be dried with heat, so make sure you have the proper waterproofing treatment for the type of fabric you are caring for.

To add water repellency to large or bulky objects (i.e.: tents, sleeping bags and backpacks) it's best to use a spray on treatment. For tent floors two coats of waterproofing solution will give you the best performance. Seam sealer is another good idea for tents. This will add even more protection from the elements.

Reference the Glossary

 

 

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