recommend a DWR “refresher”- not Nikwax

I use Revivex and have been happy with the results.

+1 for Revivex

Agree re Nikwax. When Backpacker still did reliable and thorough reviews, its tests showed that Tectron did much better than Nikwax, and the article generated a disgruntled letter from Nikwax to the editor. Tectron’s older formulas have since changed, however, but I have stuck with the brand on the theory that having produced by far the best, they would do what they could to maintain quality, despite environmental regs etc. Their most recent iteration is called ‘Heavy-Duty Silicone Water Proofer,’ in a spray no pump bottle, but as with most silicone products, is not recommended for Goretex and other WPB products. Haven’t been able to find a replacement from Tectron for its defunct DWR sprays.

Have tried Granger’s G-Max Universal in a pump bottle for footwear (also treating any leather surfaces with Limmer boot grease). It worked well, and is spec’d for WPB fabrics as well as leather. Did try Revivex pump spray to renew the DWR on a jacket and it was not very effective, even with a half hour in the dryer. For WPB gear, Kiwi Camp Dry makes an aerosol polymer (plastic) without silicone that is spec’d for WPBs and often found for less $ in Walmarts, but be sure to get the blue can if the footwear or garment has a WPB laminate.

My biggest faux pas was using Nikwax wash-in on a WPB jacket, thus ruining it by gunking up the inside of the laminate. Fortunately, it was time to buy a new jacket. Now I always read the fine print on the can, and check for silicone. Used a silicone spray on some WPB Salomon boots, and the rain poured right through them. Might as well have been wearing sandals – worse actually because the water did not drain away.

Please note that the reason why many of the sprays now come in a pump bottle, may be that they are toxic carcinogens, especially if in an aerosol can. Usually the warnings are on the can or bottle.

Edited to reflect Tectron spray is not a pump.

On the Tectron home page they have a Performance Polymer Water Proofer : “Tectron Performance Polymer Water Proofer’s quick-drying polymer formula protects athletic and performance materials from water while maintaining breathability. It repels water, dirt and oil while preventing stains. Restores Durable Water Repellency (DWR) finishes and will not darken or discolor items. Ideal for use on shoes, boots, hats, jackets and other apparel. Safe to use on suede and nubuck. NOT recommended for vinyl or patent leather.”

I just treated a windshirt and rain jacket with ReviveX. I’ve been impressed with the results so far. Not sure on the longevity yet.

“Supposably”* the Grangers spray-on treatment is even better than Revivex. I’ve used both and can’t tell the difference.

These two are currently the best spray on DWRs with Grangers having more durability according to user reports.

*Joey (from “Friends”) use this term. Maybe its better than the actual supposedly.;o)

thanks for all the input!

got thinking, this would be a nice topic for bpl to do some testing- hint, hint :)

PS – I can tell you which DWR to absolutely avoid – the Atsko brand. While the treatment works fine, the aerosol nozzle stops working after about 30 seconds of spraying. I bought it and didn’t see all the Amazon reviews warning of this. Sure enough, it stopped working very quickly.

^ very good to know!  thanks

I’ve had pretty good luck with the Atsko brand DWR. My spray nozzle works fine, but if it ever goes bung I would just pour the liquid into a re-purposed Windex spray bottle. The price is right, and it seems to work.

Is the wash-in versions any better than the spray-on?

ReviveX spray-on and wash-in products both say that it lasts all season.

I need to wash my son’s WPB jacket, which is a few years old (Precip).  I was thinking about using the ReviveX  wash-in and therefore give the DWR an update.  I guess you can wash several garments to save time or cost.  Any opinions?

the wash in Nikwax sucked, didn’t think it worked at all- the spray on sucked, but sucked less

my guess is that spray on of any brand is going to be better

Thanks, Doug, for leading me to the Tectron spray without silicone.  Now to persuade the local shop to carry it.

“I’ve had pretty good luck with the Atsko brand DWR. My spray nozzle works fine, but if it ever goes bung I would just pour the liquid into a re-purposed Windex spray bottle. The price is right, and it seems to work.”

Yeah, no way I’m trying to crack open an aerosol can.  For the same price and effectiveness, but without the spray nozzle drama, I’m going with ReviveX!

I have actually had great luck with the blue bottle camp dry performance fabric DWR (non-silicone).  I think it is a fluoropolymer apparently like Tectron, but seems to be available just about everywhere. I’m not sure if there is some reason that grangers and revivex and nikwax seem to be preferred over this, but I’ve had good luck with it, and in my experience it lasts longer than the others.  Just spray it outside and let it dry as it does smell strong until it’s dry, but then no odor at all. If anyone knows why it is not good, please tell as I’m happy to change if there’s something better!

Interesting on the varying results. I’ve had good success with Nikwax Tx direst wash in but I only use it after washing with tech wash and a low heat tumble dry. My Houdini performs as well or better than when it was new.

Interesting- I use their tech wash, it seems to be fine- no luck with either of their DWR products

I do wash the windshirts in the tech wash first