Waterproofing fabric

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Waterproofing fabric

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T.G

Joined: 13 Sep 2009
Posts: 7280
Location: Somewhere you're not

Posted: Thu Jan 05, 12 12:11 pm Post subject: Waterproofing fabric
Does anyone know of anyway or product that can permanently waterproof fabric. Not in the same fashion as waterproofing tents or barbers, but more in a static permanent way which doesn’t detract from the finished look yet keeps the fabric dry and unaffected? Kind of like some sort of resin coating? Cheers

sally_in_wales
Downsizer Moderator

Joined: 06 Mar 2005
Posts: 20809
Location: sunny wales

Posted: Thu Jan 05, 12 12:20 pm Post subject:
I think Nikwax do a wash-in waterproofing product, but whether it really does the biz or just splashproofs it I'm not sure

dpack

Joined: 02 Jul 2005
Posts: 45521
Location: yes

Posted: Thu Jan 05, 12 1:25 pm Post subject:
some of the nikwax range is really good if you pick the right one for that fabric silcone spray works well on fleecy/wool things

Dee J

Joined: 22 May 2005
Posts: 342
Location: West Devon

Posted: Thu Jan 05, 12 1:36 pm Post subject:

What is the application...Just how waterproof do you want it? and do you mean weather/outside proof as well? How long do you want it to last?

Most methods of waterproofing involve saturating/coating the fabric with wax, silicone, oil, rubber or plastic. Most will change the surface feel or flexibility of the fabric, as well as slightly darkening the color. When used outside, UV light can degrade the base fabric and the coating. Clothing items have traditionally been treated with wax, raw oil (non-drying) or boiled oil (drying). Heavier canvases used oils, tars and pigments or were manufactured waterproof with rubber backing or impregnation (referred to as duck or double duck - typically used for car soft-tops).

If designing something from scratch then chosing a modern pre-treated fabric might be the way to go.
If you've aready got a fabric then experiment on scraps before risking the actual item!

Dee

Nick

Joined: 02 Nov 2004
Posts: 34535
Location: Hereford

Posted: Thu Jan 05, 12 1:38 pm Post subject:
What type of fabric? Some of the stuff used on ski gear is wonderful. Not sure I'd want it on silk tho.

T.G

Joined: 13 Sep 2009
Posts: 7280
Location: Somewhere you're not

Posted: Thu Jan 05, 12 7:29 pm Post subject:

Dee J wrote:

Cheers Dee

I do mean weather/outside proof also wipeable, it doesn’t need to retain the flexibility normally associated with fabric though but the coating must dry clear/invisible.

Bugs

Joined: 28 Oct 2004
Posts: 10744

Posted: Thu Jan 05, 12 7:37 pm Post subject:

Nick wrote:

What type of fabric? Some of the stuff used on ski gear is wonderful. Not sure I'd want it on silk tho.

Do you mean a treatment or the actual fabric - if the former is there anything you would recommend? I've got a coat or two which are still functional but the waterproofing has taken early retirement and they are not much more than a way to soak up some of the rain and bring it back in to the house, so I can't really do any harm (and don't care about appearances). But these things come in at several pounds a go and it might work out cheaper to buy a new coat

Sorry for the hijack TG - if I try anything out I will post up how it goes although I suspect my nasty nylon anoraks are not going to bear much resemblance to what you want!

T.G

Joined: 13 Sep 2009
Posts: 7280
Location: Somewhere you're not

Posted: Thu Jan 05, 12 7:42 pm Post subject:

no worries bugs, patio sealant will waterproof most fabric, I know the stuff we use (which s stuffed at the back of a shed so can't quote or give the name think it's ronseal but won't swear to it) says clearly on the tin that you can use it on fabric and for waterproofing tents and barbers and so forth

I've used it to re-waterproof horse rugs and it works perfectly well. I'm currently after something a bit more robust.

A bit like yacht varnish I suppose, not sure thatwould do whatI wanted or is O.K on fabric ..wouldn't want it to crack

dpack

Joined: 02 Jul 2005
Posts: 45521
Location: yes

Posted: Thu Jan 05, 12 8:31 pm Post subject:
if sticky isnt a problem stockholm tar is traditional ,messy but it smells nice

Nick

Joined: 02 Nov 2004
Posts: 34535
Location: Hereford

Posted: Thu Jan 05, 12 9:16 pm Post subject:

Bugs wrote:

Nick wrote:

What type of fabric? Some of the stuff used on ski gear is wonderful. Not sure I'd want it on silk tho.

Sorry for the hijack TG - if I try anything out I will post up how it goes although I suspect my nasty nylon anoraks are not going to bear much resemblance to what you want!

Go to Millets, ask for stuff for waterproofing salopets. It just goes in the washing machine with no detergent.

alice

Joined: 18 Feb 2006
Posts: 2820

Posted: Thu Jan 05, 12 9:57 pm Post subject:
Heat n Bond make an iron-on vinyl laminate, in effect it converts a normal fabric into 'oilcloth'. Waterproof and wipe-clean. I've come across it online, in the US and Australia. It may be available here. Or there's always ebay. Expensive in large amounts I think.

T.G

Joined: 13 Sep 2009
Posts: 7280
Location: Somewhere you're not

Posted: Fri Jan 06, 12 2:28 pm Post subject:

alice wrote:

Heat n Bond make an iron-on vinyl laminate, in effect it converts a normal fabric into 'oilcloth'. Waterproof and wipe-clean. I've come across it online, in the US and Australia. It may be available here. Or there's always ebay. Expensive in large amounts I think.

OOO! now that reads as potentially promising

SallyAB

Joined: 07 Feb 2007
Posts: 139
Location: Oxfordshire

Posted: Fri Jan 06, 12 8:29 pm Post subject:
Here is alink to ebay iron on fusible waterproof.... https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Vilene-LAMIFIX-Gloss-x-1-2-mtr-17-1-4-wide-50cm-x-44cm-Fusible-Waterproof-/300615892496?pt=UK_Crafts_Embroidery_EH&hash=item45fe1a7e10 I have some but not got around to trying it yet.

T.G

Joined: 13 Sep 2009
Posts: 7280
Location: Somewhere you're not

Posted: Fri Jan 06, 12 10:28 pm Post subject:
Thanks... looks a possible

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