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Waterproofing (nikwax?)

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84891jnf92048
Posts: 11552 - Karma: 2,550
Is it possible to waterproof a fabric that was never waterproof in the first place using a product like nikwax? And if said fabric is stretchy, will it still work? Or would I just ruin whatever I'm waterproofing?
Mar 13 2011 9:10PM
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andrew95
Posts: 2090 - Karma: 124
threads, you have me wondering now
Mar 13 2011 9:16PM
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broto
Posts: 9039 - Karma: 25,662
was going to make a thread on this, so threads.
Mar 13 2011 9:23PM
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84891jnf92048
Posts: 11552 - Karma: 2,550
be honest, you two are looking to make your skinny pants waterproof...
i know i am
Mar 13 2011 9:35PM
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Keyjibbs
Posts: 1542 - Karma: 96
What type of fabric would you be putting it on? They make a lot of different products for different fabrics so you might want to check that out. I highly doubt it'll make the fabric 100% waterproof but I'm sure it would help quite a bit.
Mar 13 2011 9:38PM
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andrew95
Posts: 2090 - Karma: 124
dident even think of that, im looking to make a vest and im wondering if i can just waterproof cheap shit
rather than spending 30-50 on 2 layer waterproofed
Mar 13 2011 9:40PM
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84891jnf92048
Posts: 11552 - Karma: 2,550
its pretty much just denim. they are actually jiberish chinos, so that fabric i guess. its real stretchy, and most people actually think its denim when they see and feel it.
Mar 13 2011 9:42PM
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broto
Posts: 9039 - Karma: 25,662
not using it for skinny pants, but homemade hoodies. (poly/cotton blend)
Mar 13 2011 10:20PM
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JStrathern
Posts: 8747 - Karma: 1,536
I put some on my Cross Dot and it wasn't actually waterproof but it made it water repellent. I put it under my sink and the water just bounced off.
Mar 13 2011 10:24PM
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84891jnf92048
Posts: 11552 - Karma: 2,550
damn it, i thought i was being all clever. well now you guys know i'm turning gypsy and im all embarrassed.
Mar 13 2011 10:33PM
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84891jnf92048
Posts: 11552 - Karma: 2,550
just by how yours went, how do you think a pair of pants would fair if washed with it? would it actually do anything, or would falling and getting snow all over my cuffs get me wet anyway?

(I'm just looking to make these usable as ski pants for the rest of the year, i think they may be done as pants anyway, i stretched the shit out of the cuffs, and i am looking into buying real skinny ski pants next year)
Mar 13 2011 10:36PM
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andrew95
Posts: 2090 - Karma: 124
haha no worries, i love the gypsy/lamp shade style. i just cant pull it off
Mar 13 2011 10:44PM
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84891jnf92048
Posts: 11552 - Karma: 2,550
eugh lampshade.

skinny pants and semi tall (not hugely tall like lampshade) is where its at
Mar 13 2011 10:47PM
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andrew95
Posts: 2090 - Karma: 124
ah, i understand
Mar 13 2011 10:48PM
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84891jnf92048
Posts: 11552 - Karma: 2,550
in school bump
Mar 14 2011 11:23AM
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andrew95
Posts: 2090 - Karma: 124
hahah canadian march break bump :)
Mar 14 2011 11:26AM
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onenerdykid
Posts: 6656 - Karma: 10,861
most waterproof garments use a DWR (durable water repellent) on the external nylon- this is what makes the water bead up and fall off your jacket. Every clothing company would love to have a perfect DWR, it would make laminates like Gore-Tex obsolete. However, as they wear out, you lose the waterproofing effect and when the nylon starts to soak versus bead, you need to wash it and reapply the DWR.

Nikwax makes a spray on waterproofing designed for garments which works really well, but it doesn't work all that great on cotton, which is too porous/full of seams. And don't use the wash-in kind; no need waterproofing the inside of your gear.
Mar 15 2011 9:01AM
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84891jnf92048
Posts: 11552 - Karma: 2,550

thanks for the help!

the pants are cotton, unfortunately. as i've said, im only planning on using these for the rest of the year, skiing max 2 days a week, and i'm going to buy legit skinny, waterproofed pants for next year.

but will they last till then, even just as a mediocre, water-resistant pant?

Mar 15 2011 10:23AM
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snomikks
Posts: 18 - Karma: 10
Try Scotchgard spray on DWR from 3M, it might work for you.

Google it
Mar 15 2011 10:37AM
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smuggs
Posts: 6561 - Karma: 1,375
just do it and let us know. im 98% sure it wont ruin your pants.
Mar 15 2011 3:54PM
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smuggs
Posts: 6561 - Karma: 1,375
and they will be water resistant if anything not waterproof
Mar 15 2011 3:54PM
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84891jnf92048
Posts: 11552 - Karma: 2,550
yeah, i know it wouldnt make em fully waterproof... im gonna try it, wish me luck!
Mar 15 2011 4:05PM
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