Why exposure to UV can compromise synthetic materials...
Synthetic fabrics used for tents and rucksacks are coated with a water repellent treatment. Exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light both destroys the water repellency and leads to a reduction in fabric tear strength, significantly shortening the lifespan of equipment.
The application of Nikwax Tent & Gear SolarProof® can double the effective life of equipment by protecting against UV damage, while also providing Durable Water Repellency (DWR) to keep the rain out.
Tent and rucksack fabrics are light and strong, but vulnerable…
Tents and rucksacks use synthetic fabrics, such as nylon or polyester, with a thin watertight polyurethane (PU) or elastomeric coating on the inside and a Durable Water Repellent (DWR) coating on the outside. This combination gives great strength and water resistance, combined with light weight; ideal attributes for outdoor equipment.
Unfortunately these fabrics are vulnerable to sunlight and in two weeks of continuous exposure, can lose up to half of their strength. Additionally, the inner coating will degrade if it is left damp for long periods.
Nikwax Tent & Gear SolarProof® protects the entire fabric, from the effects of both UV and water.
Use Nikwax Tent & Gear SolarProof® when your gear is new…
To most effectively benefit from the ultraviolet (UV) and Durable Water Repellent (DWR) protection of Nikwax Tent & Gear SolarProof® it is best applied to equipment from new.
During use the equipment fabric will pick up dirt and other contaminants which stop water from beading on the fabric surface. When this occurs the DWR can be revitalised by cleaning with Nikwax Tent & Gear SolarWash®.
Over time the DWR will wear off through use. Both the DWR and UV protection can be replenished by reapplication of Nikwax Tent & Gear SolarProof®.
For best results make sure you use the correct product…
Nikwax Tent & Gear SolarProof® has been specifically formulated for synthetic outdoor equipment to provide Durable Water Repellency (DWR) and ultraviolet (UV) protection.
If your equipment is made of cotton, polycotton or canvas, make sure you use Nikwax Cotton Proof™ for best results.
How Nikwax Tent & Gear SolarProof® gives dual protection…
Nikwax Tent & Gear SolarProof® adds Durable Water Repellency (DWR), to the maximum testable standard, and ultraviolet (UV) protection, to inhibit the reduction of fabric tear strength caused by UV rays.
Nikwax Tent & Gear SolarProof® can be applied to wet or dry synthetic fabrics. It is water-based, non-aerosol, non-flammable and environmentally friendly. It contains no harmful solvents and is completely fluorocarbon free.
Nikwax Tent & Gear SolarProof® saves you money by potentially doubling the useful life of your gear.
- Easy to use spray-on waterproofing and UV blocker for all synthetic tents, rucksacks and panniers
- Adds water repellency, increases fabric strength and protects against UV deterioration
- Enhances the performance of your tent and gear and doubles their useful life
- Recommended for all synthetic tents and gear
Apply Nikwax Tent & Gear SolarProof® by hand...
For best results always clean item(s) first. No need to dry item(s) before waterproofing.
- Protect working surface and lay clean wet item flat, or erect tent and wet.
- Spray evenly to outside of fabric. Avoid rucksack straps.
- Wait for 2 minutes. Remove any surplus product with a damp cloth.
- Check carefully to ensure no areas have been missed.
Use approximately 50ml of product per 1m2 of fabric.
The coverage is approximate and depends on the condition of the fabric being treated.
To maintain waterproofing and UV protection always clean with Nikwax Tent & Gear SolarWash®. Do not use conventional detergents.
Use Nikwax Cotton Proof to waterproof cotton, polycotton and canvas.
Nikwax Tent & Gear SolarProof® treated equipment needs no heat to develop Durable Water Repellency (DWR)...
DWR and ultraviolet (UV) protection will develop once the fabric is dry. Allow item(s) to dry fully before packing away.