View Full Version : Smock proofing !
Sussex Man
04-08-2008, 11:31
For some time now I've been proofing differant types of smocks, (rip stop, garbendine etc) and never felt that cotton proof had much effect, how ever this weekend I decided to have a little experiment.(proofing a new rip stop smock bought from ebay- sand colour with the label al-sabah ?????) hand washing)
I found that if you let the smock dry after the tech wash, and then cotton proof it (against intructions) the material seems to soak up much more of the agent.I then let that dry and gave it another proof.
To my surprise the smock now repels much much better!
Has anyone else tried this ?
Andy2112
04-08-2008, 11:44
I'm glad you posted this as i have an sas windproof smock which needs proofing. I think its gaberdine ? well, cotton anyway.
thanks for advise.
Sussex man I was under the impression thats the way you are supposed to do it? What do the instructions suggest to do differenty?
Sussex Man
05-08-2008, 13:04
Hi Zammo, the instructions claim that it is not nessesary to dry the item between washing and proofing, I had always done this untill this weekend, it takes alot longer, however if you let it dry, and don't use too much water with the proofer (third of a butlers sink)it tends to soak it up better, I've now proofed the smock twice and there's no soaking into the fabric at all, I've never had such a good result with cotton proofer in the past.
Has anyone else noticed this ???
Celt_Ginger
05-08-2008, 16:18
I think Jedadiah, a member here, puts his through the proofing process 2 or 3 times and has got good results. I haven't tried it myself, but I'll have to do my own jacket sometime soon so I'll give it a try.
Just cotton proofed my smock. I followed your advice Sussexman and let it dry after using the techwash. However I did make one mistake I forgot to shake the cotton poof before use, but I don't think this will make too much difference as the solution will be well shaken after its spun around in the washing machine several 100 times. Now I just need to wait for a downpour to test it out.
Step outside I doubt you'll have to wait verym long.
Squidders
09-08-2008, 14:36
I'm smock proof.
I've managed to test it out in a fairly heavy downpour, the results were quite good there was only slight seeping through of water on the shoulders and back of the neck. I'll probably re-cotton proof it again just to see if this makes it any better.
IntrepidStu
10-08-2008, 19:10
I've managed to test it out in a fairly heavy downpour, the results were quite good there was only slight seeping through of water on the shoulders and back of the neck. I'll probably re-cotton proof it again just to see if this makes it any better.
Are you lot using Nikwax Cotton proof???
Sussex Man
12-08-2008, 13:25
I just used the same process for a pair on Arctic Dpm trousers that are as new condition,, it certainly worked (in keeping them water proof) however they are now suspicously warm ?
Techwash - dry
Cotton proof - dry
then if you are expecting a monsoon..
2nd Cotton proof and finally dry = ready to go ................
With the "dry" process, are you using a tumble drier or sticking it on the line? Is a drier recommended with the Nikwax product?
Sussex Man
13-08-2008, 14:00
I think they state that if the garment care label allows, tumble dry on low heat setting. I personally leave the smock over night somewhere warm, and proof it the following day.
Also I only rinse once rather than 3 times or till the water is completly clear as advised, my question is if you have just paid good money for the proofer, and the proofer works when it is soaked up by the material ? Surely it is better when the material is dry (soaks much more of it up) then why wash it all out again.
My theory is that Nikwax don't tell you to dry the item/s as this would be wastefull of energy and take too long, or that grangers do a two in one bottle????
Who knows or dares to dream, but personally I will now always dry the item as it repells water much much better.
IMHO
I leave mine to dry as well (in the airing cupboard). I cotton proofed mine again though I haven't tested it out yet. Though if the weather keeps up I will do tonight.