OK, so let's get the pun out of the way first...
I decided to treat my waterproofs the other day... Took them to the Zoo... They loved it!!
Anyway. I swear by Nikwax, and use the actual wax for boots etc (best applied by fingers to add a little warmth and aid the penetration process), and the Nikwax TX Direct Spray-on for my gore-tex jacket and trousers.
Proof of the pudding was a 15 minute deluge, with hailstones and the - french - road turning into a river.
Not a drop did penetrate.
Despite this, I always wonder, for leather (boots) and gore-tex (trousers and jacket) does anyone else have any "miracle products" which they recommend?
First I must point out that I have not tried the following "cure"
PVA glue diluted in solution with water is, I am informed a cheap and effective waterproofer
Anyone else heard of this
I used to sell Nikwax in the shop and I still use it, also do my gloves with the aqueous wax which comes in a handy bottle with applicator
Em
Ooops! Hmmm... yes, erm...
The Nikwax tin says... and I quote... Rub the wax thoroughly into the leather - preferably with your fingers because their warmth will improve penetration!
It was an *innocent* comment!!!!
As Ric sez, back to the topic 1
Modern biking gear, lightweight polyester, can succesfully be machine washed and re-proofed in a domestic machine these days.
When I started it was heavy duty rubberised Belstaff "black Prince"for wet weather protection or waxed cotton or leather.
A very different story now with "built in" armour and "zip together" jackets and trousers.
I for one dont miss the "good old days"
Em
If the garment is "badly soiled" I would recommend a hot wash in good detergent first, then thoroughly flush the machine with clean water to remove all traces of washing agent before re-proofing
Effax leather balsam for feeding and conditioning leather
Ledergris for leather if it needs recolouring or you want a shiny finish (as long as you want black or brown).
Nikwax Tech Wash and Nikwax TX10 for fabrics
Hot bitumen ... best waterproofer there is. Also there's no need to remove your bike gear, just pour the bitumen into a bath and get in, boots, helmet the lot.
Another tip for waterproofing underwear is to never change them. After about six months they become self waterproofed.
"best applied by fingers to add a little warmth and aid the penetration process"
I have some cleaning spray somewhere for snooker cues and on the can is says "Apply liberally to butt only and rub briskly." You wouldn't believe how shiny my bum is.
Renapur balsam is brilliant, waterproofs, nourishes and restores leathers and boots and it lasts forever, still using the same pot i bought over ten years ago.
www.renapur.com
Don't know about the rest of their products but if they're as good as the balsam they should be good.
I've used Nikwax and some other stuff, that I can't remember the name of, for my leather boots and gloves and textile jacket and neither product kept the rain out but it's inevitable that rain will penetrate wherever there is stitching.
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