I Need The Best Waterproofer For Jackets!
If you’re an outdoorsman, the elements are a constant enemy. Wet clothes or footwear are uncomfortable and, let’s face it, no one wants to put up with water damage to their various fabrics. If this describes you, then it’s time to invest in waterproofing or water repellent spray.
List of The Best Waterproofing Sprays Available
- 303 Fabric-Guard Water Repellent
- Star Brite Waterproofing Spray
- Rust-Oleum 280886 Boot and Shoe Spray
- Kiwi Camp Dry Heavy-Duty Water Repellant
- Apple Brand Garde Rain Water Repellent
- Nikwax TX. Direct Spray-On
- Scotchgard Water & Sun Shield
- Scotchgard Outdoor Water Shield
- Forcefield Protector Waterproof and Stain-Resistant Spray
- Bickmore Gard-More Water & Stain-Repellent
These sprays create protective barriers around various fabrics and garments. This allows you to head out and enjoy your day, despite the rainy season! If you’re looking for the best waterproofing spray going into 2020, then check out our suggestions!
Help! There Are Too Many Terms!
By now, you’ve heard all of the different terms: water resistant, water repellent, water proof, etc. What you probably didn’t know is that all three of these terms are not synonymous. These three terms all have different definitions.
Best Waterproofing Spray – Comparison Table
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The first term is water resistant. This is the basic water protection option on clothes and sprays. It’s been designed to make it more difficult for water to seep inside. It may have been coated in specific chemicals to achieve this.
Water resistant is the next step up. A water repellent garment is actually able to physically repel water. This is known as being hydrophobic. In most cases, it’s been coated in a chemical cover.
Water proof offers the highest level of protection and, by definition, stops water from entering altogether. Having said that, it’s the most debated and controversial term out of the three.
It infers that this is a fool proof solution and that water will absolutely not enter the garment. This, however, may not be the case.
When shopping for spray, it’s recommended that you read the label and consider your own needs for your garments and outdoor gear.
FAQs
Why is Waterproofing Important?
Most garments come with a chemical coating known as DWR (Durable Water Repellent). Not only does it protect your clothes from any liquid, it retains the feel of the material. Now, what does that mean?
It means that DWR will increase the surface tension of the material, which prevents water from seeping through or “wetting out”. You’ll know that your DWR is in good condition if water beads up and rolls off the material.
The best DWR also includes protection from UV rays. If you start to notice wet patches or moisture clogging up the material, then these are clear signs that the DWR has been damaged.
Waterproofing: How Do I Do It?
The first step is to give your waterproof gear the best possible washing. In certain cases, all your garment needs is to be rid of the dirt and sweat that’s gotten trapped in the fibers. A good tip is to use detergents that are waterproof specific. They’ll help prolong your garment’s life between applications.
Once you’ve washed your garment, you can test the level of water repellency of the item of clothing. This is done by either taking it out in wet weather or by pouring a liquid on it. This will also help you determine whether the entire garment needs waterproofing or just certain areas.
If the entire garment needs a waterproofing application, then it’s best to take the item in question outside or to a protected area. This is to make sure that you don’t inhale too much of the concentrated chemicals.
Make sure that all of the zippers and pockets are closed before you apply the spray. You should hold the spray bottle 6 inches away from the garment and spray an even layer over the garment.
Make sure that you make an application to any flaps or folds. After the material has been left to dry for a few minutes, you can use a cloth to dry up any puddles or drips. After the material is completely dry, the DWR’s water repellency should be completely restored.
What If I’m Not Comfortable Making An Application With A Spray?
If you prefer to not apply the spray, then you’re in luck! You can use certain waterproofing products, such as Nikwax’ Polar Proof, known as “wash-ins”. This means that you can waterproof a garment from your washing machine! All you have to do is clean the garment and then put it in the washer with the product.
How Come My Down Material Isn’t Repelling Water?
One of the harder materials to waterproof is down. Even if you have the best waterproofing for jackets, down is usually found inside shell fabric, making it harder or near impossible to reach with waterproofing spray. If you specifically want to waterproof the down, then simply use a down-specific wash-in product.
What’s special about down-specific wash-in is that they are specially formulated to be gentler than the average detergent. They can revitalize the down’s insulation and water-resistant properties. This is the best solution for waterproofing a jacket or any other outerwear with down.
What Else Needs Waterproofing?
Shoes pick up much more sweat, grime and dirt than other pieces of clothing. And just like those other clothes, they come with DWR coating. We recommend that you give them a good cleaning first.
However, the washing machine won’t suffice. Instead, use a scrubbing brush to clean out all the grime and then give it a good rinse. Afterward, simply spray the footwear with waterproofing spray and you’ll be on your way to a lovely jog!
If you own any leather products, this requires special treatment. Dirty and untreated leather cracks and dries, leaving them unable to repel water. Make sure that you use leather-specific cleaners and waterproofing waxes to maintain the leather’s breathability and texture.
What Is The Best Way To Waterproof Boots?
If you have boots made out of suede or nubuck leather, then it’s best to use a waterproofing spray. First, make sure to give your boots a good preliminary cleaning. Afterwards, spray an even coating of waterproofing spray over the boots. Make sure that you keep a distance of 5 cm.
Leave them to dry naturally. Even if it’s tempting, don’t try using a heat source, such as a hair dryer, to make your boots dry faster. Finish off the process with a footwear brush.
If your boots are made out of fabric, the preliminary clean is the most important step. Even though it’s difficult to clean fabric, if dirt particles are left in the material, it will start decaying and cut your boot’s lifespan in half.
Fabric boots can be waterproofed while they’re dry or wet. The one difficulty with applying waterproofing spray on wet boots is that it’ll be harder to see the layer of proofer that you’re applying.
We recommend you clean and leave your boots to dry overnight. Apply the waterproofing spray the next day and leave the spray to dry throughout the next day. In both cases, air dry your boots and let them dry naturally.
Waterproofing Leather Boots
Leather is a very finnicky material and needs specific care. Leather, over time, dries out and cracks as it loses moistures and oils.
The best waterproofing product you can use on leather is dubbin wax. Not only do they waterproof the material, they soften and condition the leather, leaving it good as new.
Like most boots, it’s best to give them a deep clean before applying any product. In this case, using a hairdryer is recommended. Not only does it dry and heat up the boot, it will make the wax easier to absorb.
Finally, use a dry cloth to buff the boots. Your leather boots will not only be back in prime condition, but you’ve just added years to the boot’s lifespan.
Buying Guide For Waterproofing Spray
When it comes to buying waterproofing spray, it’s important that you not run in and grab the first shiny bottle on the shelf. There are certain things you need to look out for to ensure that you’re buying the right spray for your needs.
Ingredients
The first thing to look at are the ingredients. A lot of people are worried about the toxicity of the ingredients in the spray. The unfortunate truth is that, no matter the formula or brand, there are always going to be toxic ingredients.
But a lot of incidents that occur around water proofing sprays are completely avoidable. Let’s explore this a little bit.
The main ingredients in waterproofing sprays are fluoropolymers. Because of their high resistances to different solvents, they’re even more effective at repelling water and water-based substances.
Fluoropolymers, however, have been linked to respiratory problems, especially if you’re exposed to them over a long period of time. What’s worst is that it’s rarely indicated on the bottle labels.
Having said that, there are ways to avoid getting exposed to these toxins. First and foremost, use the spray outside or in an open area to avoid breathing in the toxins directly. After you’re done, let everything airdry outside. You’ll avoid developing respiratory problems if the toxins aren’t evaporating directly in your home.
Protection Level
This is the essential bit. You have to make sure that your waterproofing spray does what it’s meant to do. Many brands of waterproofing spray claim that they 100% waterproof your garments and outdoor gear. After a while, however, you’ll notice water and moisture slowly starting to seep in.
Here’s a simple test you can do. Apply a small amount of waterproofing spray to a fabric scrap. If it delivers the desired results, you can spray the entire garment. Even If it doesn’t 100% waterproof the garment, it will significantly reduce the time it takes for water to seep into your clothes.
We recommend that you only waterproof finished garments and not the original material. This will interfere with the lifespan of the stitches and it might leave reside or particles on the material.
Fabrics
For example, waterproofing sprays that can be applied to canvas might not have the same effectiveness on suede. Leather, for instance, needs very specific waterproofing care and has specialized products that serve it alone.
The Best Waterproof Sprays
1. 303 Fabric Guard Water and Stain Repellent
Water and stains are no match for 303 Fabric Guard Water and Stain Repellent. This waterproofing spray will ensure that your outdoor gear can repel water again.
Not only will you keep your garments free of stains, you’ll protect them from mold and mildew damage. Whether your fibers are cotton or polyester, this water repellent spray can be applied to both wet and dry fabrics.
For best results, simply treat your fabrics in warm weather (70 degrees, at least). Leave them to dry for 6-12 hours in an environment that’s dry and clean. You’ll feel like your clothes are brand-new again!
The spray bottle, unfortunately, has been known to give people difficulties. It’s also difficult to not oversaturate your garments and outdoor gear with too much 303 fabric guard spray. Using this waterproofing spray might involve some experimenting.
Both restores and strengthens water resistance
Protection from stains
Can protect against mildew and mold
Prevents color change or fading
Safe for all sorts of materials, both natural and synthetic
Some price variance
Issues with the equipment
One layer over-saturates the materials
2. Star Brite Waterproofing Spray
If you’re one for the great outdoors, then Star Brite Waterproofing Spray is the product for you! It works on many outdoor fabrics, including boat covers, awnings, and patio covers and car covers.
One gallon of Star Brite covers four hundred sixty-five square feet of fabric and twenty-two ounces cover eighty square feet.
This waterproof spray won’t have any effects on the fabric’s color. It is perfectly safe, as long as you treat your fabrics outdoors and don’t breathe in any of the solutions. You’ll only have to wait six hours and, before you know it, your covers are protected against any weather conditions!
The one main detractor of the product is that it has a very strong chemical smell after spraying. It’s recommended that you spray your garments outside to avoid this as much as possible.
You may also note a greasy residue and some discoloration. The fact that it doesn’t come in a spray bottle might make waterproofing a lot less efficient. A bit of a learning curve might be necessary in this case.
Provides waterproofing and UV protection
Can be used on boat covers, awnings and patio covers, sail covers and many other outdoor fabrics
Maintains the feel and color of the fabric
Safe on all marine and outdoor fabrics (Sunbrella included)
Easy and effective
Greasy residue
Some discoloration
No spray bottle
Strong smell
3. Rust-Oleum 280886 Boot and Shoe Spray
If you like to frolic out in the elements, then use Rust-Oleum 280886 Boot and Shoe Spray to keep the water out of your shoes. The solution does not contain any silicone, so you shouldn’t experience any difference in the feel of your fabrics. The solution’s polymers create a barrier around your shoes’ fabrics and protect it from water damage.
It’s best to apply the water repellent spray outdoors. Best of all, you only have to apply it seasonally. If you notice your shoes’ repellency diminishing, however, you can apply another layer as needed. This works on leather, canvas, cotton and polyester fabrics.
The one small issue with this product is that you may have to use most of the bottle just to get maximum coverage for their boots. It’s best to use this waterproofing spray if you only need to waterproof small sections of your garments. The bottle is also prone to leaking, so you’ll need to be aware of that when spraying.
Protects against water damage
Silicone free
Won’t change the appearance or feel of the fabric
Useful on boots, shoes and tennis shoes
Polymers create a protective barrier around fibers
Useful on leather, suede, nubuck, canvas, and polyester
Issues with the sprayer
Needed most of the bottle for optimal coverage
Packaging issues lead to leaking
4. Kiwi Camp Dry Heavy-Duty Water Repellant
If you’ve got a camping trip coming up and you’re preparing to brave the elements, then you’ll love Kiwi Camp Dry Heavy-Duty Water Repellant! It can be used to treat a tent; boat covers and hunting apparel. This water repellent spray can be used to waterproof your fabrics, as well as keep them breathable.
The solution contains silicone, which creates a strong barrier against water damage. All you need to do is make sure that the fabrics are clean and dry before you treat them. Wait 24-48 hours before using or wearing these fabrics.
Customers have been more than pleased with this waterproof spray. It’s been known to waterproof just about everything. If you go hunting often, all of your hunting apparel will hold up against the elements, including snow. If you have suede shoes, the water will roll right off, even if you stick your them directly under running water!
Waterproofs fabrics and keeps their breathability
Silicone creates a solid water barrier
Won’t smell after drying
Great price
Treats your tent, boat covers, hunting apparel, and patio furniture
Might cause discoloration
No waterproofing effects
Stains
No long-term protection
Strong chemical smell
5. Apple Brand Garde Rain & Stain Water Repellent
It’s a known fact that leather and water don’t mix. If you’ve got belongings made out of leather, then turn to Apple Brand Garde Rain & Stain Water Repellent! It protects against water, salt, grease, perspiration, and other damaging fluids. This water repellent spray doesn’t cause any discoloration.
You can use it on anything from leather handbags to boots and even car interiors. The biggest names in fashion have sung this waterproof spray’s praises and you have a satisfaction guarantee!
This spray, however, has been known to not protect leather and suede products as effectively. If you have leather products, it’s best to look for waterproofing sprays that are specific for leather. There’s also the risk that it’ll seal in stains instead of protecting against them.
Leather protective
Protects against water, salt, grease, perspiration, etc.
Won’t affect the color of your material
Highest rating by the biggest names in fashion
Can be used on handbags, shoes, boots, car interiors, etc.
Satisfaction guaranteed
Uneven protection
Seals in stains
A change in the texture of suede
Issues with water protection
6. Nikwax TX. Direct Spray-On
If you’re one to brave the elements, no matter what, they invest in Nikwax TX. Direct Spray-On. It can be applied to your synthetic outerwear and restore its water repellency.
In addition, it maintains the feel of the fabric. It’s effective on Gore-Tex, Ultrex, eVEnt, and other outerwear products. On top of that, it’s excellent formula is great for the environment. It’s water-based and biodegradable.
This waterproof spray has been a lifesaver for many customers who enjoy the outdoors. Your Gore-Tex jackets will feel as new as when you first bought them.
The bottle has enough product to not only treat your Gore-Tex jacket, but many garments and gear! You can even spray a high-pressure hose on your treated clothes and not a single drop will end up on your person.
You might also notice a strange smell of vinegar or sweat on your clothes after a treatment. There are two ways to combat this. You can spray the garment outside and then leave it to airdry as long as possible.
Award-winning formula
Restores water-repellency to synthetic outwear
Maintains breathability
Effective on Gore-Tex, Ultrex, Entrant, eVENT and Triple Port
Biodegradable and water-based
Issues with waterproofing
Strange smell
7. Scotchgard Water & Sun Shield
If you regularly worry about the elements damaging your fabrics, then invest in Scotchgard Water & Sun Shield. This water repellent spray keeps many of the elements at bay, including moisture and snow. It helps protect against fading due to UVA and UVB rays, as well.
Your leather, cotton and polyester will remain breathable. All you have to do is apply a single layer and it will dry quickly. Even better, you won’t have to worry about any odors after drying. Your outdoor gear will be ready for a full day out in the elements.
This water repellent spray is a useful tool to keep. If you use it on patio furniture, it’ll be protected from heavy rains. Applying it is easy and it will extend the life of your patio set. Even if your area is prone to heavy storms, you don’t have to worry about your patio furniture suffering for it.
Great price
Repels moisture, snow, and sun
Protection from harmful UVA and UVB rays
Maintains breathability and feel of leather and other fabrics
Quick drying time
Odorless
Effects didn’t last
Fading or color changes
Doesn’t protect if there’s a lot of water
8. Scotchgard Outdoor Water Shield
If you find yourself in the outdoors regularly, then Scotchgard Outdoor Water Shield is a worthy investment! It’s been named as the brand’s top protector of various fabrics, specifically outdoor wear. It works best on such garments as hunting clothing, rainwear, and ski wear.
It’s designed to repel moisture while protecting the material. Even better, drying doesn’t take a long time. You can get back to enjoying the outdoors, no matter the elements, in no time.
This product, however, might have a few kinks. Its waterproofing capabilities might not work across the board. If you treat a white garment with this spray, it might leave a yellow tinge.
There may also be a strange smell in your dryer if you put treated fabrics inside. A way to combat this is letting the treated garments air dry as much as possible to avoid any lingering odors in your dryer.
Won’t change the material
Repels moisture
Keeps clothing drier for longer
Ideal for outdoor gear, such as hunting clothing, outdoor wear and rain gear
Scotchgard’s #1 recognized brand
Issues with waterproofing
Strange smell
9. Forcefield Protector Waterproof and Stain Resistant Spray
Don’t let a rainy day stop you from going out! Forcefield Protector Waterproof and Stain Resistant Spray can be used on many garments and fabrics, including sneakers, hats and other outdoor wear. This waterproofing spray will protect your garments from UV rays and yellowing while maintaining the breathability of the fabric.
Not only is this water repellent spray sold at a great price, it dries in less than a half-hour. A single application can last up to 12 months, which means that this spray will last! You now have a year of enjoying the outdoors ahead of you.
Unfortunately, although it’s safe on suede, nubuck, and canvas, it’s not safe to use on vinyl or leather. In these cases, it’s best to find waterproof sprays that are specifically designed for these fabrics.
The bottle’s packaging is also prone to leaking due to its low-quality materials. You may want to avoid using the spray on white garments as it might discolor them.
Protects sneakers, hiking boots, and hats
Protect from UV related fading and yellowing
Fast drying time
One application lasts up to a year
Maintains breathability
Great price
Leaking
Yellowing
Discoloration
10. Bickmore Gard-More Water & Stain Repellent
Bickmore Gard-More Water & Stain Repellent is the ideal overall waterproofing spray. It provides both water and stain repellence. As a bonus, it minimizes scuffing and rub-off, particularly on shoes.
It can be used on many fabrics, including suede, nubuck and felt. In addition, it won’t affect the fabric’s flexibility and allows it to remain breathable.
You will be smitten with this water repellent spray. Your treated motorcycle jacket will keep you dry, even in a torrential downpour. It’s easy to apply and it won’t take long to dry. You can get back out into the outdoors without worrying about getting soaked to the skin!
Repels stains and water
Minimizes effect of rub-off and scuffing
Effective on suede, nubuck and other fabrics
Allows for breathability and fabric flexibility
Non-aerosol
Issues with waterproofing
If you want the best waterproofing spray, then you should invest in Star Brite Waterproofing Spray. It’s an excellent choice if you want a waterproof spray that offers protection against water and sun damage.
Some of the other waterproof sprays, such as 303 Fabric Guard, only make your fabrics more water-resistant and offer no protection against sun damage.
Its formula makes it safe to use on all fabrics and outdoor gear, including patio furniture, sail covers and boat covers. However, you can also apply it to any equipment or clothing that needs it. This is where it differs from Rust-Oleum Spray, whose formula is specific to footwear.
Star Brite Waterproofing Spray is designed to create a barrier around the fabrics and surfaces of your belongings and restore their original level of water resistance (as well as added protection against sun). This spray is a favorite of many consumers, who have been able to head back to the outdoors without worrying about the weather!
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