Quick question can I re proof a dry suit, if so what with
Moderator:Admins
One quick question deserves another, does it leak?
If no, I have used Nikwax
If no, I have used Nikwax
Cheers
Tim
SMpiratePaddles a Prospector
Tim
SMpiratePaddles a Prospector
- 105
If it's leaking it probably needs patched, if it's just the surface that's not beading anymore then there are spray on or wash in treatments to replace the coating.
If its not leaking, that's good news, so its basically waterproof.
Dry suits, in common with waterproof jackets and the like, normally have an inner waterproof later or coating, a main "face" fabric, and a treatment to the later that repels water - the Durable Water Repellent finish. This latter DWR wears off with use, and most of the reproofing agents such as the Nikwax or Grangers range are designed to refresh/replace it. Without the DWR finish, the face fabric absorbs water and "wets out", and this compromises the performance of the breathability of the dry suit.
First you'll need to wash the dry suit, probably in the bath. Use Nikwax Techwash or similar, though in my experience it doesn't remove heavy soiling well. Old fashioned soap flakes will also do the job, but avoid detergents, any traces of which will actually prevent the DWR from being replaced properly. If in doubt, do an extra rinse afterwards.
You've then got the choice of either a wash-in reproofer like Nikwax TX Direct wash-in, or a spray version of the same or Granger's equivalent. If I'm honest, I've used wash-ins for convenience (on smaller garments you can use them in the washing machine), but have never really been convinced by the performance improvement. Sprays seem to be a little bit better at making sure the water beads afterwards, but are harder to ensure they're applied completely and evenly, and this is just my experience.
If you do have leaks, the first thing to do is identify them and mark them. You can then apply a small blob of Aquasure or similar and it will very effectively seal the leak.
Dry suits, in common with waterproof jackets and the like, normally have an inner waterproof later or coating, a main "face" fabric, and a treatment to the later that repels water - the Durable Water Repellent finish. This latter DWR wears off with use, and most of the reproofing agents such as the Nikwax or Grangers range are designed to refresh/replace it. Without the DWR finish, the face fabric absorbs water and "wets out", and this compromises the performance of the breathability of the dry suit.
First you'll need to wash the dry suit, probably in the bath. Use Nikwax Techwash or similar, though in my experience it doesn't remove heavy soiling well. Old fashioned soap flakes will also do the job, but avoid detergents, any traces of which will actually prevent the DWR from being replaced properly. If in doubt, do an extra rinse afterwards.
You've then got the choice of either a wash-in reproofer like Nikwax TX Direct wash-in, or a spray version of the same or Granger's equivalent. If I'm honest, I've used wash-ins for convenience (on smaller garments you can use them in the washing machine), but have never really been convinced by the performance improvement. Sprays seem to be a little bit better at making sure the water beads afterwards, but are harder to ensure they're applied completely and evenly, and this is just my experience.
If you do have leaks, the first thing to do is identify them and mark them. You can then apply a small blob of Aquasure or similar and it will very effectively seal the leak.
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Blog: Wilderness is a State of Mind
Paddle Points - where to paddle
Blog: Wilderness is a State of Mind
Paddle Points - where to paddle