Further info:
Your raingear could be soaking up water just because it is dirty. First, try cleaning it with Nikwax Tech Wash®, and if it is fairly new, or recently re-waterproofed, the Durable Water Repellency (DWR) will be revitalised just from cleaning. But, once the garment has been thoroughly worn, you will need to add DWR, using Nikwax TX.Direct®, after cleaning first with Nikwax Tech Wash®.
Alternative waterproofing products are often solvent-based aerosols; alternatively, they may be water-based and use fluorocarbons. Aerosol products are flammable. Fluorocarbons pose a potential risk to the environment and to the long-term health of the consumer.
Nikwax TX.Direct® Spray-On is a safe product to use on breathable waterproof items with wicking linings, or those that can’t be machine washed. It is WaterBased, non-flammable, contains no volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and is fluorocarbon free. Nikwax TX.Direct® Spray-On can be applied to the outer face fabric of waterproof clothing, providing Durable Water Repellency (DWR) without compromising internal wicking properties. It has been specifically designed and optimised for breathable waterproof clothing, providing DWR whilst maintaining breathability.
Nikwax TX.Direct® requires no heat to develop its DWR, so it is not necessary to use a tumble drier for best results. As garments with taped seams get older the tape adhesion weakens, becoming more fragile and susceptible to heat, so it is best to avoid tumble drying.
Using the right waterproofing product is important. Nikwax TX.Direct® Spray-On is fantastic for raingear with wicking linings, as it provides Durable Water Repellency (DWR) without impairing wicking properties. However, if wicking linings aren’t present, using Nikwax TX.Direct® Wash-In ensures you won’t miss any areas (complete DWR coverage!) and it’s easy to apply in a washing machine.
Nikwax TX.Direct® Spray-On is easy and quick to apply, and its highly Durable Water Repellency (DWR) develops on air drying. The need for tumble drying is removed, this saves energy and protects more vulnerable, older, garments from heat. Nikwax TX.Direct® Spray-On has been specifically designed and optimised for breathable waterproof garments; it leaves a flexible water repellent treatment on individual fibres allowing moisture vapour to pass through, maintaining breathability.
The spray-on application allows for direct treatment of areas which require it most (e.g. elbows and seams on jackets) and will not compromise the properties of internal wicking liners.