Why breathability depends upon water repellency…
Breathable waterproof garments are most likely to get sweaty and wet inside when used in damp or wet conditions. If the outer fabric absorbs water, the garment can lose up to 70% of its breathability. Therefore, the Durable Water Repellency (DWR) on the outer fabric of your jacket must be maintained to ensure comfort. It will eventually wear off and need to be renewed with Nikwax TX.Direct®.
Waterproof clothing needs to be breathable…
When we work hard, we sweat. The evaporation of sweat cools us down and keeps us comfortable. But, when it rains we want to avoid getting wet, so we put on waterproof outerwear to keep us dry. The waterproof fabric must allow moisture vapour to pass through it, or 'breathe'; otherwise our sweat cannot evaporate, causing us to overheat and get wet from condensation. Additionally, if the outer fabric of your garment absorbs water and ‘wets out’ its breathability will be reduced, causing you to feel clammy and wet.
Use Nikwax TX.Direct® when your raingear soaks up water…
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®.
If your raingear doesn't have a wicking lining, use Nikwax TX.Direct® Wash-In…
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.
How Nikwax TX.Direct® Spray-On protects…
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.
- Easy to use spray-on waterproofing for all breathable waterproof clothing with wicking liners
- Adds water repellency to the areas that need it most and revives breathability without tumble drying
- Enhances the performance of your gear, keeping you warmer and drier
- Recommended for Gore-Tex®, Sympatex®, eVent®, Nikwax Analogy® and all other waterproof fabrics
Apply Nikwax TX.Direct® Spray-On by hand…
For best results remove all non-washable parts and always clean item(s) first with Nikwax Tech Wash®. No need to dry item(s) before waterproofing.
Shake well before use. Follow care label instructions.
- Protect working surface and lay clean wet fastened garment flat.
- Hold bottle 15 cm/6 inches away from garment.
- Apply evenly to outside of fabric.
- Wait for 2 minutes. Remove any surplus product with a damp cloth.
- Check carefully to ensure no areas have been missed.
Volume Guide: These volumes are approximate and depend on the condition of the fabric being treated. Jacket 250ml; Over suit 400ml; Over trousers 150ml; Gaiters 70ml
Nikwax TX.Direct® treated clothing needs no heat to develop Durable Water Repellency (DWR)…
Air dry (after several minutes check for and remove surplus product with a damp cloth) or tumble dry on a low setting if care label allows.