Nikwax Products/Reproofing Garments

[harveymt]

Any joy with the suppliers Oisin?

I sprayed a little of the waterproof on my boots today. Anyone know what it's made of? It looks and smells very like the PVA glue/sealant you'd use to prime walls. Though a very weak solution of it. It's a bit tacky between the fingers too. Would they be at all similar?

[Oisín]

Bear with me on it Harvey, lots of staff changes with people heading off to university and all, the boss is busy, and I'm not disturbing 

But now I read this thread again it reminds me to give my coat a wash tomorrow. (Trying to get a nasty stain out of it that I picked up when bivvying on top of commedagh) I've tried the Nikwax, but the stain is tough and possibly oil based with the turf etc, so have to try Grangers.

It reminds me of PVA too, that is how you describe it essentially. I'm not sure how weak the stuff is (weak might be a pessimistic word) but I know its a gentle solution. The grangers I'm going to try is a little more concentrated but not enough to eat away at the waterproof coating.

[twentyclicks]

Re-proofing is only ever the DWR on the surface and can be done indefinitely... ask anyone with a 15yr old Paramo jacket  The Gore-tex type membranes may start to break down but that will only let in the water that gets past the DWR. Even then a lot will depend on the wear the membrane is subjected to (packing, wearing, rubbing, sweat, oils, washing, UV??).
I'd like to think 3 years for a well-used jacket, but would expect twice that at least for lighter use. A heavy user like an Alpine guide may wear through in a season but that would likely be an outer failure from abrasion.

he reckons any jacket is good for around three years from the time of purchase ,after this the fibres began to break down & reproofing it is fruitless .