Topic
When/why would I use wash-in DWR as opposed to spray-on?
Forum Posting
A Membership is required to post in the forums. Login or become a member to post in the member forums!
Home › Forums › Gear Forums › Gear (General) › When/why would I use wash-in DWR as opposed to spray-on?
- This topic is empty.
-
AuthorPosts
-
Jun 25, 2013 at 2:15 pm #1304603
I'm getting ready to redo the DWR on a bunch of my gear. Wash-in obviously seems more even, permeating. But as I think about it, I can't think of a single piece of gear where I want DWR on the inside. Obviously not my insulated gear, or WPB gear. But even my windshirt/wind pants, do I really want DWR on the inside? Am I thinking about this right?
Jun 25, 2013 at 3:32 pm #1999708Note to self: use Google to search site, you may have posted on this before! Oops.
Guess I've also revealed how infrequently I do my DWR.
Jun 26, 2013 at 10:51 pm #20001641. use NikWax wash-in DWR
2. dry garment in a dryer at medium heat
3. spray on RevivexBest home DWR process I've ever found.
Jun 27, 2013 at 5:25 am #2000192and Eric likes to answer this question from you as well. lol!
Jun 27, 2013 at 9:46 am #2000265So, Eric, you don't worry about having DWR on the inside of a garment?
Jun 27, 2013 at 1:26 pm #2000313John,
It weems the Nikwax DWR has no effest (that I can tell) on the inside of a garment in terms of sweat "beading" on it. Never saw it happen.
But I do know these two good DWR treatments seem to work best together.
Jun 27, 2013 at 2:56 pm #2000339Since the increasing exposure we have to chemicals may be a causative factor in health problems I prefer to reduce exposure when possible. I use the spray on for that reason.
Do I know there is a any real concern here? No, but I prefer to be cautious in regard to my health. Except of course when it comes to hiking alone, hiking at night, climbing up steep places, going out it blizzards, going out in bear & mountain lion country, etc. :)
Jun 27, 2013 at 7:21 pm #2000393I've seen it mentioned on here that DWR retreat meets only stick to areas where old DWR is still present. I don't know if this is true or not. But if so, that would seem to indicate that the wash-in approach would not apply a coating to the inside surface of your clothing (unless it was it there originally by the manufacturer).
Jun 27, 2013 at 7:57 pm #2000404Some have mumbled that unlike wash-in, spray-on has less impact on the membrane.
I don't know one way or the other.Off on a slight tangent, per Mr. Nisley, 2/18/2010
"A DWR works by creating a low attraction (surface energy) between water drops and the fabric. This allows the water drop to roll off rather than flatten out and stick to the surface.
"The fluorochemical DWR molecules on the outer surface of your eVENT jacket contain a vinyl or acrylic polymer that sticks to the fabric. Attached to this backbone are little perfluoro tails (side chains) that are normally repelled from fabric surface by polar forces and stick up into the air. The little tails are what creates the low surface attraction to the water molecules and keeps the DWR working. Sustained exposure to water or abrasion will cause the tails to flatten out and the DWR to stop working. Heat of at least 140F is needed for about 15 minutes to create enough molecular motion for all of the tails to fully stand back up again. [ Throw it the dryer for 15 minutes and remove immediately. gm]
"… For others using Nikwax or a Silicone DWR, heat will provide no benefit. In order of durability the above DWR type is the most durable, silicone is next, and wax is last."
So I wouldn't mix-and-match fluoro's with wax or silicone.
Jun 28, 2013 at 2:42 pm #2000593They both leave a layer a few atoms thick on top of the old DWR. No known health of breathability effect unless you put them on with a shovel.
Wash in is easier. Spray on works on things you can't wash, e.g. some hats.
Use both if you like I guess.
NB DWR generally likes tumble driers but some fabric (e.g. Polartec Neoshell) doesn't. Expensive mistake to make.
-
AuthorPosts
- You must be logged in to reply to this topic.
Forum Posting
A Membership is required to post in the forums. Login or become a member to post in the member forums!
Our Community Posts are Moderated
Backpacking Light community posts are moderated and here to foster helpful and positive discussions about lightweight backpacking. Please be mindful of our values and boundaries and review our Community Guidelines prior to posting.
Get the Newsletter
Gear Research & Discovery Tools
- Browse our curated Gear Shop
- See the latest Gear Deals and Sales
- Our Recommendations
- Search for Gear on Sale with the Gear Finder
- Used Gear Swap
- Member Gear Reviews and BPL Gear Review Articles
- Browse by Gear Type or Brand.