Learn how to waterproof jackets, pants and fabrics. This webinar explains how a water repellent works and the steps taken to restore water repellency to technical fabrics and outdoor gear.

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This 5 Minute Webinar™ Sponsored By
How to Waterproof a Jacket
Tips for restoring water repellency to jackets, pants and technical fabrics.
Presented by Gerald Craft from Gear Aid®

2. cranberry.com/5minutes #5minutes
WHAT IS
THE BIG IDEA?
Not all fabrics are created equal. Learn what can and
can’t be treated.
What types of fabrics can you waterproof?
Preparation is key. Master the steps for restoring DWR.
Tips and tricks for obtaining factory-level
water repellency:
Stay dry & comfortable outdoors

3. 5 MINUTE FACT
Water repellent sprays are typically designed to work on tightly woven shell fabrics. A
fleece, for instance, would not be a good fabric to attempt to restore water repellency.
NUTS &
BOLTS
Stay away from natural fabrics like cotton, hemp, and linen
What materials can NOT be waterproofed?
Go with synthetic fabrics like nylon, polyester, acrylic, and
spandex
What materials can you waterproof?

4. 5 MINUTE FACT
DWR wears off over time, re-treatment is recommended and necessary to maintain
garment performance.
NUTS &
BOLTS
What is a water repellent and how does it work?
• Coating added to synthetic fabrics
• Helps water bead up and roll off the surface of fabric
• Often referred to as a DWR (Durable Water Repellent)
• Helps keep the fabric waterproof
• First line of defense in waterproofing the garment

5. 5 MINUTE FACT
Technically, a DWR spray will not waterproof a jacket on its own. It is only the first line of defense in keeping you dry.
There will come a point where the amount of water overwhelms the coating. At that point your other defenses kick in. It is
common in the outdoor industry, however, to refer to water repellent coatings as a waterproofer.
NUTS &
BOLTS
What makes a jacket waterproof?
DWR coating applied to outer fabric
Waterproof, breathable membrane
(i.e., GORE-TEX, eVent, etc.)
laminated to underside of fabric
Taped or sealed seams

6. 5 MINUTE FACT
In order for a garment to retain water repellency, it must be cleaned regularly to ensure it is free of dirt, smoke and body
oils which can weigh down on the DWR “hairs.” In addition, regular cleaning ensures the waterproof-breathable
membrane (I.e., GORE-TEX) does not become clogged with residue.
NUTS &
BOLTS
How does Durable Water Repellent work?
Millions of “hairs” standing straight on end
Bead of water lands on top of these “hairs” and rolls
right off
Dirt, smoke, oil and residue build-up on the fabric
weighing these “hairs” down
Now when a bead of water falls from the sky it no
longer rolls off, instead it now begins to wet-through

7. 5 MINUTE FACT
NUTS &
BOLTS
It is important to use a specialized, clean-rinsing detergent on technical fabrics. Typical “household” cleaners contain heavy
suds, optical brighteners and fabric softeners which tend to leave behind additional residues further preventing those “hairs”
from standing straight on end. In addition, those added suds, fabric softeners, etc. can clog your waterproof breathable
pores. This is why it is essential that you use a clean-rinsing detergent on your technical fabrics.
Begin by hand-washing or machine
washing the garment with ReviveX Pro
Cleaner. ReviveX Pro Cleaner is safe for
use in HE machines. We recommend you
use half the amount of detergent for HE
machines.
Step 1

8. 5 MINUTE FACT
Many DWR treatments are activated by heat. Often the DWR coating is still present, but you can’t tell because the dirt and residue is
preventing it from working. You might not even need a re-application of a water repellent. Try cleaning the garment with a clean-
rinsing detergent and then place it in the dryer. The heat will reactivate those “hairs” and get them to stand straight on end.
Once clean, place the garment on a hanger and
spray the wet item with ReviveX Durable
Waterproofing spray. Give the garment a nice, even
application. You know you are applying too much if
you see the repellent streaming off the fabric.
NUTS &
BOLTS
Step 2

9. 5 MINUTE FACT
You can also dry the garment using a blow dryer or iron.
NUTS &
BOLTS
Step 3
Dry the garment as per the manufacturer’s
recommendation or allow 48 hours to air dry.

10. WHY IT
MATTERS
Regular cleaning ensures your waterproof-breathable pores remain clear
and open and your durable water repellent is able to perform at its best.
Regular maintenance extends the life of outdoor gear
Would you rather spend the day outside dry and comfortable or wet and
miserable? When gear performs like it should, you tend to have a much
more enjoyable time outdoors.
Being outside is much more comfortable when you
aren’t soaking wet
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5 MINUTE FACT
Gear Aid® makes an entire line of clean-rinsing detergents for wool and synthetic fabrics, as well as a line of
water repellents, including a Wash-In, Instant Formula, and Leather Gel.

11. Thank
You!
JOIN US
For more information, visit Gear-Aid.com.
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