How Do I Waterproof and Issue SAS Smock

[CAL]

Apologies for this because I know its been discussed at length but I can't find the threads.

I have an ex army SAS smock and would like to give it some more water resistance for the winter. What do I need to do? Is it the nikwax coton proofer?

Thanks,

CAL

 

[Rabbitsmacker]

cotton proof is safest, or fabsil can be used but may darken and make the smock heavier.

 

[treadlightly]

Nikwax cotton proof will make it a bit more water resistant, but nowhere near waterproof.

 

[Rabbitsmacker]

yeah, what he said! you're never going to waterproof the cotton, the water will bead off a little but it will soak up regardless in the wet. buys you a few minutes in a downpour, doesn't see you through it!

Nikwax cotton proof will make it a bit more water resistant, but nowhere near waterproof.

 

[rik_uk3]

Get a Gortex jacket to go over the top is your best bet, those smocks just love water.

 

[The Lord Poncho]

Thompsons Waterseal is a good option instead of the fabsil route. Its an almost identical composition, but much much cheaper. Availiable from homebase etc. You can spray it on by putting it in any old household spray bottle. Worth checking first to see if it darkens or stiffens the fabric, but i've not noticed it doing this appreciably to anything of mine.

 

[rik_uk3]

Thompsons Waterseal is a good option instead of the fabsil route. Its an almost identical composition, but much much cheaper. Availiable from homebase etc. You can spray it on by putting it in any old household spray bottle. Worth checking first to see if it darkens or stiffens the fabric, but i've not noticed it doing this appreciably to anything of mine.

Be careful there, the Waterseal can stiffen creases in fabric and weaker fabrics can cause rips; use with caution if you have to use it on clothing.

 

[CAL]

Thanks for the tips, I've got a waterproof I can chuck it when its really raining, I might try cotton proof though just to keep some of the lighter stuff out. I could have sworn I had read on here where someone had properly waterproofed theirs but obviously not.

 

[Laurentius]

I would not recommend linseed oil

 

[CAL]

Damn, that would have smelled good too!

 

[PREPER]

I have used Fabsil on a smock, never had any darkening.
Made it a lot more water resistant but it'll never be a gortex jacket

Preper.........