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To minimize contact with a Nikwax treated
material, water beads up. |
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When force is applied, such as rain hitting the surface,
water droplets distort but won't enter the fabric. |
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Water resists contact with the water-repellent fibres and
moves back to the surface. |
Many years ago, Nick Brown the inventor of Nikwax, developed and patented the
Nikwax TX.10i water-repellent elastomer. The TX.10i
elastomer was based on EVA, the same material found in the flexible soles of
footwear. The patent also involved altering the molecular structure of mineral
wax which is typically brittle. This strengthens the molecule making it very
elastic and resilient. This TX.10i polymer was the primary active ingredient
in
all Nikwax footwear and fabric treatments.
Nikwax treatments coat fabric and leather fibres with a
network of elastic TX.10i water-repellent molecules. They bond to anything
that is not
water-repellent, but leave the spaces between fibres open and breathable.
Nikwax treatments can flex and move with the fabric and leather fibres. That
is why
Nikwax treatments can withstand several washings and remain whereas the
competitors must be re-applied after each wash.
The TX.10i elastomer adds tear strength to fabrics as well.
Enhanced tear
resistance is achieved through lubrication of the fabric which allows the
fibres to slide easily over one another. the treatments also coat the fibres
with the
elastic polymer that is resilient and allows the fibres to flex a limited
amount and return to their original position. This reduces the stress at the
intersection of the fibres adding tear strength to the fabric.
In 2004-5, Nikwax introduced a new and improved active elastomer. The
culmination of several years research, these new class of
formulations bring better value for money due to increased number of doses
from one bottle and an even more durable finish. Unlike fluorocarbon products,
you do
not need to heat garment to activate the waterproofing treatment. This new
class of formulations is being carried across the range, so watch out for even
greater
performance from Nikwax in the future.
Garment care
Nikwax treatments contain elastic water-repellent polymers that bond to fabric
fibres, leaving the spaces between open and
breathable. They stretch and move with the fabric so they work better and last
longer. Nikwax will not change the look or feel of the fabric. The
treatments are WaterBased, environmentally safe and non-flammable. They do not
contain Fluorocarbons. Ideal for all types of clothing, including
fleeces and high activity outdoor clothing, leather jackets in fact any kind
of jacket or garment you wear to protect yourself from the rain.
For specific product information use the product selector.
Caring For Waterproof/Breathable
Fabrics:
A durable water-repellent (DWR) finish is applied to the outermost surface of
waterproof/breathable clothing and equipment during manufacture. It
prevents the fabric from absorbing moisture by making water bead up and roll
off. This minimises condensation forming within and maximises breathability.
The DWR finish is not permanent and needs to be maintained to optimise
performance, firstly by cleaning regularly with Nikwax
Tech Wash,
and occasionally reproofing with
TX.Dire
ct. Safe for use on Gore-Tex®, SympaTex®, Entrant®, Ultrex®,
TriplePoint® and all liner and shell fabrics.
Caring For Fleece and Insulated Garments:
Even though synthetic insulating fibres naturally absorb little moisture they
can hold substantial liquid within the structure of the knit
or weave. This significantly reduces the thermal insulating qualities of the
garment. With proper cleaning and the addition of Nikwax
Polar
Proof
you can improve the performance of your insulated clothing-especially in wet
or humid conditions. Stay drier, warmer and be
more comfortable. Nikwax treatments will not affect the look, feel or
breathability of the item. Ideal for use on PolarTec®, Synchilla®, Chinella®,
Thinsulate®, LiteLoft®, Primaloft®, Polarguard/ PolarguardHV® and Hollofill®.
Caring For Down-Filled Clothing:
Down is an amazing natural fibre that has an unbeatable warmth to weight
ratio. It's compressible, resilient and very long lasting if properly
maintained. The major drawback of using down-filled clothing is its inability
to retain loft and insulate when wet. To optimise the performance
of your down-filled garments:
1) clean it regularly with
Down
Wash and,
2) treat with Nikwax
Down
Proof. When machine washing always use a front load machine - top
loading agitator machines can damage the garment.
Caring For Cotton Clothing
:
Cotton clothing absorbs considerable amounts of
water. Cotton clothing can also be dangerous because when wet it has very poor
insulation
qualities. 'Cotton kills' is the adage of many outdoor enthusiasts because
they know that it will contribute to hypothermia in wet, cold conditions.
Cotton Proof from Nikwax can add water repellency to cotton, making
it safer and more usable in the outdoors.
Footwear care
Footwear is made of leather because it is comfortable, supportive, naturally
water-repellent and breathable. The less
water absorbed by leather, the longer it will last and the more comfortable
your feet will be. Once wet, leather stretches and weakens, shrinks and
becomes brittle as it dries. Here are a few simple suggestions to keep
footwear performing at their best for years to come.
Cleaning:
The first step to footwear maintenance is regular cleaning. Small particles of
dirt can work their way into the fibres of the leather causing abrasion
and break down. After use, rinse off mud and dirt with tap water. To remove
oil-based dirt, excess wax and stubborn grime that will not be cleaned by
plain water use Nikwax
Footwea
r Cleaning Gel
and a nylon brush. Be sure to clean the linings of your boots with a warm damp
cloth after each
use as well. Salt from perspiration can pass into the lining rapidly
destroying the leather making it dry and cracked.
Re-proof or add water repellency:
This is important not just to keep your feet dry, but will keep footwear
cleaner and maintain the leather's suppleness for improved durability. After
cleaning footwear with water, apply the appropriate Nikwax waterproofing
treatment to the entire shoe or boot, paying special attention to the
stitching and around hardware (anywhere the leather has been punctured) to
ensure complete protection from the elements. Reapply as necessary or after
use in severe conditions. For best results let footwear dry for 24 hours
before use.
Drying:
Start by removing the laces and inner soles. Dry footwear slowly at room
temperature. Do not expose shoes or boots to a direct heat source. Excessive
heat can cause irreversible damage to the leather and is harmful to the
adhesives used in footwear construction. To help dry footwear that has been
filled with water or is thoroughly soaked we recommend stuffing it with
newspaper. Replace wet newspaper and repeat until footwear is dry.
Conditioning:
Conditioning footwear can reduce the break-in time for new smooth leather
shoes or boots and also revive old dried out footwear. We suggest using
Nikwax
Aqueous Wax or
Conditi
oner for Leather, a few times a year or as needed.
New Boots
To get the best results from your new boots or shoes, we recommend the
following:
Fit: New footwear should be worn indoors for a few
days to ensure that you are pleased with the fit.
Comfort: When breaking in new boots be sure to wear
the socks that you will be using with the boot.
Time: Allow adequate time to break in your new
footwear. Heavier boots may require more time to break in. Start out with
short walks working your way up to
longer hikes. This will help guarantee your comfort and satisfaction.
Condition: If the boots are smooth leather and you
have decided that they are a good
fit then Nikwax
Conditi
oner
for Leather can be applied to help break in your new boots.
Waterproof: After the boots have been worn in the
outdoors a couple of times and the factory applied DWR (durable Water
Repellency) is beginning to wear off apply the appropriate Nikwax
waterproofing treatment to extend the life of your footwear.
Nikwax footwear treatments are endorsed by: Alico, Asolo, Burton, Fabiano, Hi-
Tec, K-2, Merrell, Morrow, Nike, One Sport, Raichle, Rockport, Salomon,
Scarpa, Sympatex, Tecnica, Timberland, Trukke and W.L Gore
Equipment Care
All Nikwax treatments are easy-to-use, highly effective and long-lasting. The
treatments contain elastic water-repellent
polymers that bond to fabric fibres, leaving the spaces between open and
breathable. They stretch and move with the fabric so they work better and last
longer. Nikwax will not change the look or feel of the fabric. The treatments
are WaterBased, environmentally safe and non-flammable. Ideal for all types of
equipment and accessories.
For specific product information use this Product Selector:
Caring for Sleeping Bags:
Nikwax non-detergent soaps,
Tech
Wash &
Down
Wash, clean without harming water-repellency and help to restore the
bag's loft.
Nikwax waterproofing treatments are made from breathable elastic water-
repellent elastomer called TX.10 that bonds to the fibres of the fabric and
fill material. Treating sleeping bags with
Nikwax
Down Proof makes them less susceptible to humidity and allows them to
stay drier longer.
Caring for Climbing Ropes:
Nikwax
Rope
Proof
can substantially reduce water absorption in climbing ropes (dynamic and
static). Nikwax have been successful at maintaining strength, impact force,
fall ratings, static elongation, sheath slippage and knotability within UIAA
and the manufacturer's allowable limits.
Caring for Synthetic Tents & Awnings:
Clean by sponging off the tent with a solution of Nikwax
Tech
Wash and water to remove any dirt. (Note: do not wash the tent in a
washing machine.) Spray the tent with water to remove dirt or soap.
Waterproof and protect from the sun's damaging rays with
UV
Proof.
Caring for Canvas Tents & Awnings:
Clean by sponging off the tent with a solution of Nikwax
Tech
Wash and water to remove any dirt. (Note: do not wash the tent in a
washing machine.) Spray the tent with water to remove dirt or soap.
Waterproof with diluted
Cotton
Proof.
Caring for Rucksacks:
Clean by sponging off the rucksack with a solution of Nikwax
Tech
Wash and water to remove any dirt. Waterproof by applying Nikwax
Tent &
Gear Proof while the fabric is still damp.
What's all this talk about
a two-stage treatment?
The Nikwax two-stage treatment is the cleaning and re-proofing sequence which
will restore the original performance of
manufacturer’s clothing, footwear or equipment. You can tell which of our
products are for cleaning and which are for waterproofing by the colour of the
bottle caps - 'green for clean' and 'purple for proof'.
Green for Clean
 |
Whether it's clothing, footwear or
equipment, the first stage of the Nikwax process must always be to clean.
This removes contaminants, dirt and everyday grime that masks the water-
repellent coatings on waterproof items. All water repellent finishes
work at their best if the garments are kept clean.
The spray-on and wash-in
cleaners for clothing and equipment will safely remove any detergent residues
ingrained in the fabric that would encourage wetting-out, ie. where water
isn’t repelled from the fabric but absorbed into the fibres.
The sponge-on cleaner for footwear effectively releases
stains and grime from all types of footwear (fashion, leisure or sport) and
will revitalise the appearance of soiled uppers, without stripping out the
existing water-repellency. Ground in dirt rubs against the fibres of the
leather / fabric and will eventually weaken them. Regular cleaning prevents
damage.
You should always use our ‘green for clean’ products before
applying the appropriate Nikwax ‘purple for proofer’ products. |
Purple for Proofing
|
Whether it's clothing, footwear
or equipment, the second stage of the process must always be to waterproof.
Using any one of the waterproofing products will ensure a durable, long-
lasting effect against rain, keeping you, your feet or your equipment
dry in wet weather.
Using Nikwax will maintain the breathable performance of gear, preventing
moisture build-up on the inside of gear allowing it to be pushed from the
inside out, keeping your body at the right temperature. At the same time
Nikwax repels rain from the outer surface, keeping you dry from both
directions.
The sponge-on and spray-on waterproofers for footwear can be used on fashion,
leisure or sport boots and shoes and will add water-repellency to all types of
leather and textiles.
Once you waterproof an item with a Nikwax proofer, you should always maintain
its waterproofing performance by cleaning regularly with an appropriate Nikwax
cleaning solution (for clothing and footwear). |
The easy waterproof test
A good test on any type of waterproof gear is to see if water beads on the
surface to form fine droplets. If droplets bead, this is a
sign the gear is waterproofed and is repelling water. If gear doesn’t bead
but ‘wets out’, you will see darker patches where water is being absorbed
through
the surface. This is a sign the gear is not performing and requires the Nikwax
waterproofing treatment.
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- Nikwax treated fabric
- Water beading
- In wet weather you're dry, warm & comfortable
|
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- Untreated fabric
- Water soaks in
- In wet weather your garment is heavier, you're cold & clammy
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