Waterproofing Aerostich Darien pants

[Castaway]

I almost went straight to DD for this but decided to throw it out to you all. Last Sunday I rode in the rain pretty much the whole day. I actually like riding in the rain, when it's not in the middle of traffic anyway. But when I get wet the fun factor greatly declines - while my Aerostich jacket holds up pretty well, my Darien pants don't. I washed and waterproofed both last spring with Nikwax cleaner and waterproofing stuff, but the pants still can't keep the wet out. Do I retreat them with Nikwax? Spray 'em with 3M waterproof spray? Get a rain suit? Suggestions?

Thanks!

[ST1300Rider]

I've had the best luck with the Nikwax spray on stuff, "TX Direct". "Camp Dry" is another treatment I've heard good things about. Remember, with any of the spray on products you have to start with a clean garment or it doesn't work well. I've only used the wash in product once an wasn't impressed.

[Castaway]

I've had the best luck with the Nikwax spray on stuff, "TX Direct". "Camp Dry" is another treatment I've heard good things about. Remember, with any of the spray on products you have to start with a clean garment or it doesn't work well. I've only used the wash in product once an wasn't impressed.

I didn't know that Nikwax also sold spray stuff, I'll look into it.

[Mrs. DantesDame]

I almost went straight to DD for this but decided to throw it out to you all.

 

[ConPilot1]

Well from what I remember of an inquiry thrown out at DD about it she recommended the wash-in first, then hit it with the TX direct.

Interested to see where the thread goes because my Darien jacket needs some serious cleaning/re-waterproofing attention, my pants hold up very well.

It's been raining up here on and off for 2-3 weeks now and my stuff is getting a workout.

[Mrs. DantesDame]

Well from what I remember of an inquiry thrown out at DD about it she recommended the wash-in first, then hit it with the TX direct.

Your memory is accurate  

[Castaway]

Nikwax spray and leather treatment ordered - looking forward to seeing the results. It's a long shot, but if the leather treatment helps my boots and gloves I'll be a happy rider.

[ray916mn]

Wash in Nikwax waterproofing followed by TX-Direct liberally sprayed on the crotch and seat after the pants are completely dry has worked well for me for years.

[ConPilot1]

Probably should wash the jacket first with dry soap detergent first before the wash in treatment.
I've heard liquid detergent is no good for the Goretex or the coating on the outside of the fabric.

[Mrs. DantesDame]

Probably should wash the jacket first with dry soap detergent first before the wash in treatment.
I've heard liquid detergent is no good for the Goretex or the coating on the outside of the fabric.

Actually, it's not that the liquid detergent harms the Goretex, but instead it doesn't rinse out completely and ends up reducing the effectiveness of the exisiting waterproofing. It will also lessen the effect of adding an add-on waterproofing such as Nikwax. That's why we (ahem, 'they') made Tech Wash, because it will clean and rinse out completely, allowing for maximum adherence of the TX Direct

[ConPilot1]

So it's Tech Wash first? Then the wash-in product, then the TX direct in that order??

[Mrs. DantesDame]

So it's Tech Wash first? Then the wash-in product, then the TX direct in that order??

Bingo  

Although technically, the "wash-in product" and "TX direct" are one and the same. Just that TX Direct comes in both Wash in and Spray on bottles  

[ConPilot1]

That's why we love you. Thanks.....

I gotta do my Darien suit before the fall.....I'm not done skanking it up yet for the hot summer/humid rainy days.
I'll wait till it cools down then hit it.

[Major 662]

Bingo 

Although technically, the "wash-in product" and "TX direct" are one and the same. Just that TX Direct comes in both Wash in and Spray on bottles 

Wish they'd put it so succinctly on a sign by the Nikwax display rack at REI. I stood there wondering what combo to get.

Thx!

[bomber]

btw -- some stores in my neck of the woods (and perhaps yours) stopped carrying Nikwa products, replacing them with similarly-tasked stuff from an outfit called Grainger.

Don't bother -- not nearly as good . . . . now, go out and make your OWN mistake -- this one's mine.

;-}

[Mrs. DantesDame]

Haha - that's good to hear (the Grainger is inferior, not that they've taken Nikwax's spot on the shelves). They've always been a headache for Nikwax, even though they were way behind in waterproof comparison tests.

Be vocal in your store! Most stores that sell Nikwax are small and will be responsive to your preferences (REI excluded, of course   )

[bomber]

was vocal (and politely) -- the store is part of a small chain, and, sadly, the decision was driven, chain-wide, by some sweet deals Grainger was offering . . . . . oddly, the stuff seems to be not moving at all (dusty on the shelves) . . . . .

[Castaway]

Should the spray be applied to the outside only?

[Mrs. DantesDame]

Should the spray be applied to the outside only?

The spray can be applied anywhere, but the outside is the important part. Also important: it should be applied to damp material. IE, when you take it out of the wash (Tech wash!), hang it up/lay it down and spray it then.

This will give you the best "infiltration" of the waterproofing (don't know how else to word that...   )

[Castaway]

The spray can be applied anywhere, but the outside is the important part. Also important: it should be applied to damp material. IE, when you take it out of the wash (Tech wash!), hang it up/lay it down and spray it then.

This will give you the best "infiltration" of the waterproofing (don't know how else to word that...   )

Oops! I got the Nikwax goods this morning and already dove in with spraying, before wetting the gear. We'll see how it goes. I also bought the leather stuff - I'm interested to see how it'll do with my apparently porous gloves and boots. I wonder what the diff is between the two liquids ... they look similar. I may ultimately buy some waterproof gloves/boots, but it'll be interesting to see what happens.

[Squidbuzz]

Any suggestions on cleaning the Hi Viz Condura?  Tire dust and other gunk are tough to get out.