Waterproofing Wet Gear

HappyGillmor

I have a Foorjoy wet suit that i love except for the fact that it has lost some of its waterproof qualities! I paid alot for it at the time and I have tried spraying it with a "TX Spray" to Make it better at its job. This did not work and just made them streaky looking.
I also have a nice "Tiger Woods" umbrella that leaks under duress!
If anyone knows where I can get a good effective waterproof spray please let me know.
Many thanks.
HappyG

milltown

Next time you are near a Millett's or any camping store ask them about proofing treatments. I had a motorbike jacket years ago that lost it's waterproofness (?) after a few years and washes and got a can of spray in Millett's that got it good as new again. Worked a treat on a Cordura motorbike jacket but I don't know how it will fare on light weight rain suit.

€10 - €15 for a can vs. €150+ for a new suit seems a worthwhile gamble.

copacetic

some of the waterproofing fabrics need a tumbledry/iron to get the fibres pointing in the correct direction again. Does it not say anything on the label? Maybe contact the shop where you got the gear or footjoy direct or check the website?

HappyGillmor

Thanks for that. i had tried the website but to no avail...suspect they would prefer if I purchased a new suit (and am tempted!). I have just rung Millets and they are very confident that the stuff they have will do the trick. Many thanks for your replies. Good luck on the fairways!

copacetic

this is for gore-tex but i guess most quality gear is similar:

http://www.camping4less.com/pilot.asp?pg=gore_tex_care

Water-Repellent Coatings

To maximize water-resistance and breathability, Gore-Tex outerwear comes with a DWR (durable water repellent) treatment on its outer surface. This DWR causes water to bead up and roll off the garment, which keeps the fabric surface clear so that sweat and body heat can pass through from the inside. DWR treatments also keep the fabric surface drier, which cuts down on evaporative heat loss and keeps your outerwear light and comfortable.

Over time, with regular laundering and exposure to the elements, DWR treatments can wear off. When this occurs, water may no longer bead on the surface of the outerwear fabric, and the fabric may absorb some water (NOTE: the Gore-Tex barrier beneath the outer fabric will still stop this moisture from getting to your skin). The best way to renew your DWR is to launder your Gore-Tex outerwear according to the care instructions and iron it using a warm steam setting. This will restore the water beading on the outer surface of the fabric as long as the original water-repellent treatment is present.

Unfortunately, there is no permanent water-repellent treatment available. Eventually, after extended wear and/or many washings, the original repellent finish will be depleted and you'll need to use a spray-on or wash-in water-repellency treatment to treat the outer surface of the fabric. You may repeat this process as many times as needed.

HappyGillmor

Thanks again....I am going to try the spray as I have washed according to instructions to no avail. Am Playing DunLaoghire tomorrow (so will probably get wet then!) and that will test out the spray. I will report back. It will be my last time to play there (no big loss) and am due to play the new course next week, which I hear is top class....will report on that too! Thanks again for taking the trouble.

quigo

Some what off topic and quite a random question.....;)

but what do people think of golf umbrellas, what are the best types? I've been using a Taylormade R7 umbrella, its spring loaded and has the gust buster dual layer make up.

Are there any other better types out there that people are aware of?

HappyGillmor

no idea I'm afraid. I use aTiger Woods one and it sounds like yours except it too is now not waterproof! Anyway I got the stuff, just have ot apply it now...