Gear Care & Repair
How to Waterproof a Jacket
Waterproofing a ski jacket, raincoat, or windbreaker is simple. When you have a durable water repellent (DWR) formula, you only need to re-proof jackets made of nylon, down, polyester, and fleece once during the season. Whether you are going out on a snowy hike, on a wet bike commute, or a rainy dog walk, Revivex water repellents will keep you warm and dry. All our formulas are easy to use at home and give you factory-level performance. Read on to learn how to waterproof a jacket and other outerwear by following these basic steps.
Wash & Waterproof
Over time, dirt and oils attract water on the surface of your well-worn jacket or coat. This can break down existing DWR treatment, causing your jacket to "wet-out." It’s important to pre-wash and clean jackets with a specialized, gentle detergent like Revivex Pro Cleaner prior to waterproof treatment. Once clean, simply choose the most convenient waterproofing formula and application for you.
- Revivex Pro Cleaner or Down Cleaner
- Revivex Wash-In Water Repellent or Durable Water Repellent
- Washing Machine or Sink/Bucket
- Machine Dryer
Estimated Time: Wash: 30 minutes | Machine Dry: 30-60 minutes
Wash-In
Revivex Wash-In is ideal for re-proofing hard-shell jackets, windbreakers, and pants that do not have insulation or an interior lining. This concentrated water repellent is a fluorine-free formula that can also treat multiple waterproof-breathable items at once.
- Select delicate cycle and warm water on washing machine.
- Add 0.5 fl oz / 30 ml (1 capful) per garment of Revivex Pro Cleaner. If using a top loader, double the dosage.
- Add 1 fl oz / 30 ml (2 capfuls) per garment of Revivex Wash-In Water Repellent to the fabric softener dispenser or in the final rinse.
- Start cycle.
- Tumble dry for 60 minutes on medium heat for maximum effectiveness.
Spray-On
Apply Revivex Durable directly on the exterior of the garment and let it dry. This water repellent spray is PFOA-free and repels water, dirt, and oils the longest. It is deal for use on GORE-TEX garments and nylon hard-shells, soft-shells, down jackets, pants, and gloves.
- Clean jacket with Pro Cleaner or Down Cleaner as noted in the Wash-In instructions above.
- Hang wet or dry jacket on hanger. Shake can well.
- Spray 5”-10” from jacket in well-ventilated area. Apply liberally on high-wear areas like shoulders and cuffs.
- Check manufacturer’s care instructions before machine drying. Dry on medium heat for 30 minutes for maximum effectiveness.
Whether your synthetic jacket is made of nylon, down, polyester, fleece, eVent®, NeoShell®, or GORE-TEX® fabric, Revivex water repellents keep it performing so you don’t get cold and wet. And if you ever hit a snag and get rips and tears, just read our blog article on how to repair a down or nylon jacket with our Tenacious Tape patches.