Moisture-proof impregnation for clothing. Which water-repellent impregnation for shoes and clothes is better. Substitution trick

Why are water-repellent impregnations needed, what laws of physics are Durable Water Repellent based on, what modern DWRs are, and how to choose the right impregnation to protect clothing and equipment from moisture

Owners of modern travel clothing or shoes are often faced with manufacturers’ recommendations to periodically treat their products with DWR water-repellent impregnation. This is not objectionable when it comes, for example, to fleece, but why impregnate membrane clothing? After all, the presence of a membrane already implies that the product will reliably protect from rain or sleet.

We wrote about how the membrane itself works in an article about. But the effectiveness of the membrane depends on many factors, not least the DWR.

Even the most expensive membrane will disappoint its owner if an additional water-repellent coating does not protect it from external moisture.

Why do you need water-repellent impregnation?

Strictly speaking, it is not the membrane that needs water-repellent impregnation, but the front side of the membrane sandwich. It is the outer layer of clothing or shoes that is first exposed to moisture. What happens when the outer layer gets wet?

Water absorbed by the fibers fills all the air gaps in the fabric and creates obstacles for the free release of evaporation. The breathability of the membrane sharply decreases - the fumes have nowhere to go and the person begins to sweat.

As a result of replacing air with water, the overall thermal conductivity of the clothing layer increases - it becomes colder in it.

External fabric soaked in water becomes heavier.

In order to get rid of these problems, DWR impregnation is used.

How does DWR water repellent finish work?

Durable Water Repellent (DWR) - long-term protection against moisture. To understand the principle of operation of impregnation, it is necessary to recall some physical properties of the liquid, namely surface tension effect And capillary phenomena, which are also called wick effect.

About the important features of water

Surface tension forces occur because water molecules attract each other. The mutual attraction of molecules causes water to form droplets. Wet condensation on a cooled surface, small water beads or rain drumming on an umbrella - all these are water drops of various sizes. The forces of mutual attraction between molecules are small, and a large drop can be easily destroyed. However, the laws of physics are more difficult to break: a large drop will break into hundreds of small ones, but the principle of their formation will remain the same.

No matter how small the drop, the “sieve” of the climate membrane cannot let it through—even the tiniest drops are too large to penetrate the membrane pores. The larger the volume of water a drop absorbs, the larger the area on the surface of the material is freed from the water film. This means that the area through which evaporation is removed from the body increases. We can say that a “well-fed” and clearly defined drop is the key to successful operation of the membrane.

If the attraction between water molecules and molecules of a solid body is much weaker than the attraction of water molecules to each other, then the drop lies on the surface of the solid body and does not wet it

But can something destroy a drop, smear it into a shapeless film on the surface of the material? Unfortunately yes. The fact is that water molecules are attracted not only to each other. An attraction also occurs between a water molecule and a molecule of any other substance with which the water comes into contact. In some cases, it is so strong that water molecules are literally drawn to molecules of another material, and if this attraction is comparable to the forces of surface tension, the drop stretches and spreads over the material. In such cases, it is usually said that the material is well wetted.

But if the attraction between the molecules of the solid and the water molecules is weak, then wetting will not occur.

If the attraction between water molecules and molecules of a solid body is stronger than the attraction of water molecules to each other, then the drop spreads over the surface of the solid body and is absorbed into its pores - the surface of the solid body is wetted

Most textile materials are woven from threads, and the threads are spun from fibers. There are many air cavities-capillaries in their weaves, and if the material is well wetted, it draws water into all these cavities. This retracting effect is called wick or capillary. It is clear that as long as the material is saturated with water, there can be no talk of any transport of steam through it.

We know how water behaves on a surface treated with grease - it rolls into bead-like drops, does not spread and is easily shaken off. Fat does not attract water. And we remember what happens to a T-shirt when we get caught in the rain or sweat - water molecules are attracted to the molecules of the material, and the liquid is distributed through the finest capillaries throughout the fabric, wetting its fibers.

How to avoid capillary effect? How to weaken the attraction between water molecules and the molecules of the substance that make up the fabric fibers? How to prevent wetting and keep a drop of water “well-fed”, self-sufficient and independent?

This is exactly the problem that DWR solves.

Substitution trick

The laws of physics cannot be changed, but what prevents you from using them to your advantage? The wettability of various materials depends on many factors, primarily on the properties and structure of the fiber, surface roughness, its shape and size. Artificial fibers, such as polyester, generally have low wettability, while natural fibers, such as cotton or wool, are much better wetted. If the material used in the outer layer of clothing wets too well, then perhaps it is worth replacing it with another that is less water-friendly?

Such a solution would be ideal, but, unfortunately, it is difficult to implement. The fact is that the material for the product is selected based on a combination of several parameters, and the wettability characteristic is only one of them. But if you can’t replace the material, then maybe you can change its properties? For example, apply the thinnest film of a non-wettable substance to a wetted material and thereby “deceive” the water?

This is exactly how DWR sealing works. A substance that practically does not attract water molecules is applied to the facial fabric and covers its threads. Water stops being absorbed into the material and collects in drops on its surface. The fabric becomes hydrophobic, that is, it does not wet itself and at the same time allows steam to pass through it.

Substances that reduce wettability

Fatliquoring and waxing are traditional methods of imparting hydrophobic properties to the material. Since ancient times, fat and wax have been used to protect shoes from getting wet; they are a classic water-repellent impregnation. After applying wax, an additional layer of a substance is formed between the leather of the boots and external moisture, the molecules of which do not attract or very weakly attract water molecules. As a result of this treatment, the boots will be protected from getting wet for some time.

But neither fat nor wax are suitable for processing high-tech membrane materials. A relatively thick film of these substances will create an obstacle not only to atmospheric moisture, but also to steam, which the membrane should remove to the outside.

Modern chemical water-repellent impregnations are solutions or emulsions that, when applied to fabric or other material, impregnate its fibers, after which the solvent evaporates, and a thin hydrophobic layer of a water-repellent substance remains on the surface of the fabric. Water falling on this protective layer does not penetrate the fabric, rolls into drops, flows off and is easily shaken off.

Types of modern water-repellent impregnations

It is necessary to distinguish between primary factory water-repellent treatment, which is carried out by the manufacturer, and secondary, restorative treatment, which is usually carried out by the owner of the product after washing or a certain period of use.

According to their purpose, DWR water-repellent impregnations can be divided into several groups:

impregnations for waterproof breathable fabrics with a membrane;

impregnations for waterproof breathable fabrics without membrane;

impregnations for products with insulation;

impregnation for fabrics where vapor permeability is not important;

impregnation for shoes.

Impregnations for fabrics with membranes are specialized. They are designed in such a way as to ensure the hydrophobicity of the facial tissue and at the same time not interfere with the operation of the membrane.

Impregnations for breathable fabrics without membrane should not interfere with the transport of vapors from the inside.

Impregnations for products where vapor permeability is not important, Suitable for most non-clothing items such as tents or backpacks.

Shoe treatment products They can be universal or designed for specific types of materials, such as leather or textiles.

Therefore, when choosing an impregnation, you should always strictly adhere to the purpose of this DWR and the instructions for its use.

Long-term exposure to moisture and ultraviolet rays, temperature changes, friction, dirt and washing gradually remove the water-repellent substance from the surface and from the pores of the treated fabric, so it is recommended to update the impregnation from time to time to restore the protective functions of clothing and equipment.

You should pay special attention to the area of the shoulders that is located under the straps of the backpack - the water-repellent impregnation wears off there the fastest.

Classification of water-repellent impregnations by degree of protection

Water-repellent impregnations are divided not only by purpose, but also by their resistance to washing off. This characteristic is reflected in the abbreviation (WR, DWR or SDWR) and indicates the number of “washes” after which the water-repellent coating remains 80% effective. In this case, efficiency refers to the area of fabric that has retained the ability to repel water.

The abbreviations used refer primarily to factory technologies for applying water-repellent impregnations. The type of factory processing can be found out either from the label or from the description of the product or material on the manufacturer’s website.

WR(Water Repellent) - 5/80

The weakest stability. On average, such impregnation loses 20% of its effectiveness after just 5 washes.

DWR(Durable Water Repellent) - 10/80-20/80

Normal stability. Most membrane storm boots have just such a coating applied. Retains 80% effectiveness after 10-20 washes.

SDWR(Super Durable Water Repellent) - 50/80-100/80

High stability. Characteristic for impregnations used in membrane materials and top-class products. Retains 80% effectiveness after 50-100 washes.

We put the word “wash” in quotation marks for a reason. Unfortunately, manufacturers prefer not to mention the fact that washing, in their understanding, is simply rinsing the product in warm water in a gentle mode and without any detergents. As soon as the owner of the product begins to use detergents, the picture changes.

When washing with special shampoos intended for the care of membrane fabrics, the resistance of impregnations drops by about 5 times. That is, the WR impregnation will have to be restored after the first wash, and DWR - after about the third.

When using conventional washing powder, the situation is even worse - most water-repellent impregnations will not withstand even one such wash.

Composition of impregnations

Any impregnation consists of two main components - the active substance and the solvent. Modern DWRs can be hydrocarbon solvent or water based.

Hydrocarbon DWR contain fluorocarbon resins, where the active ingredient is most often polytetrafluoroethylene (fluoroplastic, Teflon). Polytetrafluoroethylene molecules are approximately four times “weaker” than water molecules. In terms of attractiveness, polytetrafluoroethylene is inferior to many substances, so the surface coated with it feels slippery and even greasy to the touch.

However, such impregnations are considered not only durable, but also harmful. They have a strong chemical solvent smell and should only be applied to dry items and should be handled outdoors. However, the greatest environmental problems arise at the production stage, when the use of harmful substances is carried out on an industrial scale. It is not without reason that in recent years, discussions have increasingly arisen in the outdoor industry about the negative impact of perfluorinated compounds on the environment. There was a request to find solutions that minimize the harmful effects of DWR on humans and nature.

Water-based impregnations They are considered more environmentally friendly, they do not contain toxic solvents and do not have such a strong odor. They can be applied to both dry and wet items. These DWRs contain silicone, which does not attract water molecules much more strongly than polytetrafluoroethylene.

Depending on the application method, DWRs are available as liquids in small containers or as sprays. Liquid DWR is used either immediately after washing - the product is immersed in water with a solution for a while - or applied with a foam sponge, squeezing the solution out of the tube. Sprays are convenient to use while traveling.

The basic rule for processing any impregnation is that the item should not be dirty.

The most well-known manufacturers of modern water-repellent impregnations on the Russian market are Granger`s, Nikwax, Storm Waterproofing, Woly Sport, Holmenkol, Toko, Salamander, Kongur, Collonil.

Summary

Durable Water Repellent (DWR) is a treatment used to treat the outside of clothing, footwear, or equipment to make it hydrophobic.

According to the degree of effectiveness, impregnations are divided into WR (5/80), DWR (10/80-20/80), SDWR (50/80-100/80) - the first number in the ratio indicates the number of washes at which 80% efficiency is maintained impregnation.

DWR impregnations ensure effective operation of the membrane during rain or high humidity conditions.

Friction, prolonged exposure to moisture, ultraviolet rays, pollution and frequent washing destroy the water-repellent coating, so the impregnation should be renewed from time to time.

DWR impregnations vary in their purpose. They are used for both membrane and any other water-repellent, breathable clothing, as well as for insulated clothing and shoes.

When choosing DWR, you should always adhere to the purpose of this impregnation and strictly follow the instructions for its use.

Currently, stores selling camping equipment have a huge selection of tents from various manufacturers. Prices for different models from different manufacturers may differ several times. Let's try to figure out what prices depend on. What are we buying?

Of course, a well-promoted brand costs more, but we must not forget that a serious company (brand) always values its name and cannot afford to offer the buyer products of poor quality. So, by buying a little more expensive, you are insured against troubles that may arise during operation. And the more complex and intense the operating conditions are, the more the safety of the person using the equipment depends on the quality of the equipment. All other things being equal, different tent models use different fabrics, fittings, threads, etc. Let me draw your attention in this article to these most important components of any product, on which the cost of the equipment and its functional properties mainly depend.

ENCODING

Tents and materials produced in different countries by different manufacturers are labeled completely differently. Moreover, you will not find two companies that would designate fabrics in the same way. There is complete confusion in the numbers describing such properties as water resistance, “breathing” properties of membrane materials, strength, and weight. This is due to the use of data obtained from different tests conducted under different conditions. Many companies “forget” to indicate accurate data or consider it unnecessary - often this is dictated by competition.

When choosing a tent, you should pay attention to the designation of the awning fabric. Here's what you can find in various descriptions:

Rip Stop Nylon 190T
210T Rip Stop Nylon PU 3000
185T Polyester Taffeta PU/Si
210T Rip Stop Nylon PU
70D Polyester Ripstop W/R
75D Polyester Ripstop PU/SI
70D Nylon Taffeta 210T PU
75D Nylon Taffeta W/R
75D Poly Taffeta PU

Let's look at these codes in order. The description may contain information about the following fabric properties:

Density (strength) . There are different ways to mark the density of a fabric: Thread Count is the total number of threads per square inch in the longitudinal and transverse directions (for example: 210T means 210 threads). The higher the number, the denser the fabric Denie - the thickness of the threads involved in the weave (for example: 75D)
Chemical composition of threads :Polyester, Poly- polyester Nylon- nylon (polyamide)
Type of fabric weaving (For example: Rip Stop, Taffeta- fabrics with weaves, where a thicker thread is woven through a certain number of threads. In this case, the fabric will be more tensile with a slight increase in weight) Tactel- type of special threads (sometimes: Nylon 66, Dupon Nylon 66, Tactel, etc.); usually a proper name
Type of fabric processing (for example: PU 3000): P.U.- polyurethane coating (usually applied to the inside of the fabric) 3000 - the indicator of the waterproofness of the fabric in millimeters of water column (up to 1500mm - the fabric cannot be considered waterproof, it will begin to leak when it rains; 3000mm or more - the awning fabric will withstand almost any weather conditions) PU/SI- polyurethane coating plus silicone, which can be applied to the inside or outside of the fabric W/R- water-repellent coating on top of the fabric

An example of a full description of the tent awning material: 70D/75D Nylon Taffeta 210T PU 3000 W/R- fabric made of special polyamide threads with a Taffeta weave, 70D thick in the longitudinal and 75D in the transverse directions, density 210T, with a polyurethane coating that “holds” 3000mm of water column. The fabric has a water-repellent top treatment.

Brief comments on all parts of the tent:

TENT

The tent awning is made of light and durable synthetic fabrics with a waterproof coating. Most modern tents are two-layer: the outer awning protects against precipitation, and the space between it and the inner tent serves to remove condensation that inevitably forms during breathing. When choosing a tent, make sure that the awning does not come into contact with the inner fabric. Missing this moment can have unpleasant consequences - moisture will penetrate into such a place.

Thread thickness responsible for strength. Thicker threads also give more weight to the fabric.
Thread weave density (Thread Count) is an equally important parameter. Loose fabric - warps, stretches a lot and, as a rule, is not durable
Polyester more resistant to ultraviolet radiation than Nylon, which is very important for awnings. In addition, Nylon fiber fabric stretches when wet and contracts when dry (i.e., you will have to re-stretch the Nylon awning each time the humidity and temperature changes)
Waterproof (water resistance - measured in mm of water column), a very important indicator. Awning fabric with a rating of 3000mm will withstand almost any rain.
Impregnation PU - polyurethane coating, applied on the inside of the awning. At the “correct” factories, it is applied in such a way that it does not crumble, does not crack, and lasts a long time.
Silicone processing usually applied to the top or bottom layer of material (can also be applied over PU impregnation, but in this case it is not possible to glue the seams)
Most tent companies now use fabric with silicone applied to the outside. This impregnation is very durable and functional: silicone prevents moisture from accumulating in the fabric fibers. At the same time, the silicone coating significantly increases the tensile strength of the fabric. If Rip Stop weaving is used, then such a fabric will be more durable with a slight increase in weight
pay attention to gluing seams . They must be taped with a special thermal tape. If they tell you about the special properties of the fabric, in which the holes from the needle are tightly tightened around the thread and do not allow water to pass through, I can assure you that after a short period of use the fabric will stretch and in heavy rain it will flow like a sieve

It is important that the water resistance value indicated in the tent’s characteristics corresponds to reality (for many companies this is not the case). Water resistance of 3000mm is achieved by double application of polyurethane impregnation, 5000mm by triple application and so on. It is clear that each application means additional weight and price.

The question arises: why do we need such high water resistance if we are not going to put up tents under water? Here's the thing. A drop of water with a certain weight falling from a great height has kinetic energy and when it hits an awning it can simply “pierce” a material with low water resistance. The second reason is that the material gradually wears out and begins to leak over time. Accordingly, the more waterproof the awning, the longer your tent will last.

INNER TENT

If the awning of the tent is designed to protect you from the rain, then you will live in the inner tent. Just like your favorite room, an inner tent should be comfortable (extra pockets, durable seams, large living space).

Please also pay attention to inner tent color: it should be light and match the color of the awning. Otherwise, the morning will seem joyless to you. Light passing through two obstacles can change the complexion of the inhabitants of the tent beyond recognition. It’s not very pleasant to see your neighbor’s blue or green face every morning.

Textile, from which the inner tent is made, must have the following properties:

Be light and durable (preferably weaving Rip Stop ), because the inner tent takes on a significant load during operation
Have good "breathing" properties, but at the same time block the wind
It is desirable that the inner tent has a water-repellent treatment W/R . This impregnation will protect you from drops of condensation that, under certain weather conditions, appear on the inside of the awning. The drops will roll off without penetrating into the living space. W/R treatment does not impair the breathability of the inner tent
Better suited for inner tent Nylon . It is softer and more tensile than polyester.
UV resistance is not important for an inner tent

BOTTOM OF THE TENT

The material of the bottom of the tent can be made of fabric or structural polyethylene (as on the bags of “shuttles” in which they transport their cargo). Polyethylene is typically used in cheap tents; fabric - in good condition
The fabric on the bottom of the tent should be more waterproof than the tent fly. 5000 - 10000mm is enough to prevent water from penetrating inside the tent under strong pressure. The fabric of the floor is under pressure from the bodies of sleeping tourists. This pressure can cause the fabric to become wet. (3000mm waterproof floor fabric can withstand body pressure; 5000mm can withstand foot pressure; 10000mm can withstand elbow pressure)
Check whether the seams of the tent bottom are welded; Pay special attention to the corner seams. It is not easy to glue them correctly; many companies save on this operation. Even if the fabric is sufficiently waterproof, water can penetrate through the holes from the sewing needles. In a good tent you can sleep in a puddle.

FRAME

An important component of tents is the poles. The quality of a tent depends on the material from which the frame is made.

Tent poles are made from fiberglass and epoxy resins(indicated in descriptions as fiberglass or fiberglass) or from aluminum alloys of varying quality.

Aluminum frames more durable. The alloy is selected in such a way that no deformation remains after the load is removed. Properly selected metal, even after 5 years of intensive work, does not allow it to take the shape of an arc: the tubes remain absolutely straight and elastic.

There is a simple test: the assembled empty tent must be lifted above the ground in one arc - its shape must be preserved. This is an important indicator of the strength and elasticity of the frame.

The most common brands are: 7075, 7001 made of AMG (aluminum-magnesium alloy) made in Korea, they are used in high-quality tents; 7178, 6061 - require anodizing; Russian grades D16T and V95 cannot withstand competition and are gradually being replaced by other alloys. In addition to the grade of the alloy, serious companies indicate its “hardness”. The designations 7075-T9 and 7075-T6 differ in that in the first case a more durable alloy is used: poles made from such an alloy are used by the most famous tent companies.

Fiberglass heavier and less durable (service life - 2-5 years), but it also has a number of advantages: no residual deformation, high strength and elasticity, low price. Fiberglass is approximately 1.5 times heavier than aluminum alloys. In addition, it does not tolerate large temperature changes and cannot be repaired. If such an arc breaks, you need to look for a new one. Aluminum arches can be repaired while traveling.

Arc joints there are also different ones. The inner sleeve of a smaller diameter can be attached to the arch using punching or glue. Sometimes the articulation of the arches is carried out by flaring. Minimum play and maximum connection strength for arches with a glued adapter.

ACCESSORIES

But the most important thing in tents is the little things! Imagine your tent falling apart at the seams at night in heavy rain. Or the pegs were torn out and the tent was carried into the abyss. Or you died from insect bites. That's why:

Threads must be stronger than fabric, not rot or collapse under the influence of sunlight
The eyelets should be brass, not iron (this place in the tent is always wet)
Zippers are extremely reliable (trust the Japanese brand YKK)
Mosquito net - with small cells
Power plastic fittings - reliable (trust Duraflex or Nexus)
The slings are light and durable. They should fit easily through the adjustment buckles.
Cords for storm guylines - strong and thin, as well as visible in the dark and during the day
The pegs are light and durable, not bendable. It is advisable that they do not rotate in the ground, i.e. would not have a round profile
The seams on the awning and the bottom of the tent must be well welded (taped). This can only be done with expensive equipment, choosing the right temperature, pressure and sizing speed.

DWR is one of the most common abbreviations in the world of outdoor clothing and equipment. It stands for “durable water repellent” - “wear-resistant water-repellent impregnation” and is used to treat fabrics that are used in sewing clothes, backpacks, awnings and even sleeping bags.

DWR is a layer of durable hydrophobic polymer that is applied to the material and forms a specific structure that reduces the surface tension coefficient. This causes drops of water to roll off the treated material without wetting it.

DWR impregnation solves a number of important problems. Thanks to DWR processing:

The fabric does not get wet, that is, it does not absorb water and, as a result, does not become heavier and dries faster.

Along with water, various contaminants do not penetrate into the fabric structure, which act as an abrasive and reduce the durability of the product. This also allows you to do laundry less often.

In the case of membrane fabrics or materials that work on the capillary principle, DWR does not allow absorbed water to disrupt their “breathing” properties.

Typically, impregnations based on fluorine-containing agents or silicones are used. The former provide a very high degree of protection and are the most wear-resistant, the latter are safer from an environmental point of view.

As a rule, equipment manufacturers do not indicate the composition of DWR, and its properties can vary greatly. The type of impregnation used depends on the environmental policy of the manufacturing company, the cost of the product and the intended scope of its application.

Thus, the DWR treatment of the fabric of a storm jacket for mountaineering will be much more reliable than that of the outer material of a camping sleeping bag.

You need to understand that the DWR coating does not make the fabric 100% waterproof. A very thin layer of polymer is applied rather unevenly and water can overcome it even with relatively low pressure. Therefore, in waterproof fabrics, DWR is used exclusively as an auxiliary agent.

Over time, DWR impregnation wears out. The main reason for this is the impact of various types of abrasives, which displace or remove entire sections of the polymer layer. One of the main negative consequences of DWR treatment wear that users often encounter is a decrease in the breathability of membrane clothing. A wet face fabric does not allow moisture to be effectively transported to the external environment, which leads to the formation of condensation on the underside of the area wetted with water. This situation is mistakenly perceived by the user as a leak, despite the fact that the membrane is not damaged. At the same time, wet fabric removes heat from the body faster, which significantly reduces thermal comfort.

There are two ways to restore DWR coating:

"Thermal activation".

Impregnation treatment.

So-called "thermal activation". This method is often specified by clothing manufacturers in washing and care instructions. After washing, the product is dried in a drying drum or smoothed through a thin towel with a warm iron. This process allows the remaining polymer to be distributed more evenly throughout the fabric. The method can only be used if there are labels on the clothes that allow drying or ironing.

If the factory DWR is heavily worn, “thermal activation” does not give the desired result. Therefore, most often this method is used as a complement to the following method.

Recovery using special means for impregnating textiles at home, which are on open sale. A prerequisite for their application is the preliminary cleaning of the products from contamination. They can be added when washing textiles (Nikwax TX Direct Wash-In) or applied in the form of sprays/aerosols ( Nikwax TX Direct Spray-On). The only limitation in this case is the instructions and recommendations of the manufacturer of the product, because some impregnations are not suitable for membrane clothing and can be used only for fabrics of awnings and backpacks(Grangers Fabsil Gold Liquid or Nikwax Tent & Gear Solar Proof) or leather goods(Grangers Fabsil Footwear proofer). If the product is suitable for treating clothing with Gore-Tex, then it can be used on absolutely any membrane clothing.

Everyone has at least once encountered a situation where comfortable, practical and inexpensive shoes become unusable after the first winter or spring rains. Water, snow, frost and especially chemicals that are mercilessly sprinkled on sidewalks cause severe damage to leather, suede and textile materials. Unfortunately, buying more expensive boots will not change anything, since aggressive substances can corrode even metal. The same goes for clothes - white stains constantly form on trousers, and stains from raindrops remain on jackets.

You can correct the situation and save a decent amount of money if you purchase such specialized products as: water-repellent impregnation for shoes and clothes.

How water repellents work

First of all, let's look at the types of surfaces that water gets on:

Hydrophilic. In this case, moisture spreads over the material, occupying the maximum possible area.
Hydrophobic. When water hits such a surface, it does not spread, but takes on a hemispherical shape. Thanks to this, less moisture is absorbed.

If we talk about shoes made of nubuck, suede, leather and other materials, they are not only hydrophilic, but also have a porous surface. Pores (or capillaries) literally “suck” water, so boots must be soaked with special products.

If you use cheap water repellents, they simply form a protective film on the surface. Because of this, the pores become clogged and the person’s leg does not “breathe.” Therefore, it is better to choose a higher quality hydrophobic spray that covers each pore with a protective layer, reducing its diameter, but does not interfere with breathability. This type of treatment is often called super hydrophobic coating.

If we talk about the types of water repellents, today you can find water repellents on sale that cost from 50 to 3,000 rubles.

Types of water repellents

The form of release of products that form a waterproof film is very diverse:

Creams. Such compositions are divided into two categories: thick and liquid. The first type of product contains solvent, wax, animal fat and coloring components. They are only suitable for leather shoes. Liquid cream (or emulsion) is recommended for use in warm weather. This water-repellent liquid contains a smaller amount of solvents (which are sometimes completely replaced with water) and protects shoes to the least extent. Liquid products are often used to obtain shine rather than to protect the material.
Water repellent spray. Products of this type are suitable for almost all materials. Water-repellent sprays are used for shoes and clothing. Such compositions are easy to apply and have a wide spectrum of action. Unlike creams and liquids, aerosols have a longer shelf life.
Impregnations. Compositions of this type penetrate deep into the material and protect it for the longest time from the harmful effects of atmospheric phenomena. You need to choose a water-repellent impregnation for clothes and shoes based on the type of fabric: for suede, products with fluorocarbon resin (forming a kind of epoxy coating on the surface) are suitable; for smooth leather, it is better to give preference to silicone compounds; for other materials, fluorine-containing water repellents.

It rarely happens that a person wears clothes and shoes exclusively from one material, so preference should be given to an aerosol (spray), which is suitable for both suede shoes and leather jackets.

Speaking about the best means, let's look at the most popular ones.

Best Water Repellent Spray Brands

Most often, stores buy products that are “well-known,” however, this does not mean that there are no other equally high-quality analogues on sale. Let's consider the main compositions with the best characteristics.

Collonil

Collonil Nanopro water-repellent spray costs about 1,300 rubles. This product is suitable for smooth leather, velor, fur, nubuck and any textiles. The Collonil composition was developed using modern nano-technologies. Particles of the “drug” envelop the material and form a protective moisture-resistant film on it. Collonil is most suitable for use in the off-season, but it cannot handle chemicals and salt.

It is also worth noting the rather pungent odor of the aerosol. Because of this, using Collonil indoors is not recommended. The spray is not sold in every city, so if you want to purchase it, it is better to immediately start searching for Collonil on the Internet.

Salamander

Salamander Universal SMS shoe spray is very popular among consumers due to its relatively low cost from 300 to 500 rubles, as well as its wide range of applications (Salamander aerosols treat not only clothes and shoes, but also umbrellas, as well as “breathable” Gore materials -Tex). However, if you have ever used products from this brand, then you most likely noticed a rather strong and pungent odor. The manufacturer does not hide this information and strongly recommends applying the aerosol only outdoors or in a ventilated area.

Drywall

The “Drywall” product, costing 1,990 rubles, is a universal water-repellent spray that is suitable for both natural and artificial fabrics of any type (including Gore-Tex materials and membrane shoes). The composition has a long validity period (up to 3 months). The main advantage of the Drywall spray is the absence of toxic components in the protective aerosol. In addition, nano impregnation for shoes does not contain oil, wax, acrylic, paraffin and solvents. The appearance of things does not change even after repeated treatment with a water repellent.

Drywall for shoes forms a transparent water-repellent coating that does not clog the pores of the material, so “your skin will breathe.” Thanks to these properties, the water repellent can be used both in winter for skiing, and in hot weather.

If you do not want to use a water-repellent spray, then you can choose a high-quality impregnation.

The best brands of water-repellent impregnations

Among the best products used to impregnate fabrics, it is worth highlighting the following:

Water-repellent impregnation Woly Sport. This impregnation in aerosol packaging was also developed using modern nano-technologies. The product costs about 400 rubles. Woly Sport is suitable for all types of fabric, but is most often used for sports shoes and Gore-Tex materials.
Olvist. The main advantage of Olvist water-repellent aerosol impregnation is its fairly low cost (200 - 250 rubles). The product is suitable for textiles, smooth and fleecy leather.
Textile Protect water-repellent impregnations. The product of this brand is available in a bottle with a spray bottle and costs about 2,000 rubles. This water repellent is a specialized compound that is used to treat not only shoes, but also sails, covers and awnings. However, applying Textile Protect to clothing is not recommended.
Nikwax. Impregnation costs from 300 rubles. The product is available for different types of material. For example, a special water repellent Nikwax Down Proof has been developed for down jackets.

When purchasing any composition, try to consider why exactly you need a water repellent. When it comes to Gore-Tex fabrics, try to choose sprays or impregnations that indicate this type of material in the instructions.

It is also worth considering some features of caring for shoes and clothing treated with protective compounds.

Features of the use of water repellents

Before you start using a water repellent, you need to consider several nuances:

Impregnations for clothing are added to water, into which the jacket or trousers are then dipped. Shoes cannot be treated this way. Therefore, the easiest way is to buy a spray that can be easily applied to any item.
To ensure that the protective coating remains on your clothes as long as possible, try to wash items by hand.
Before applying any product, it is necessary to rinse and dry the item being treated thoroughly.
The maximum effect from the water repellent can be expected within a day. It is better not to wear impregnated shoes for 24 hours after treatment.

If you accidentally drop ketchup or grease onto the treated surface, you can remove the stains with a regular paper napkin.
Products that form water-repellent coatings on the surface are not recommended for use on bedding and underwear.

In custody

Many people don’t even think about why water repellents are needed and what useful function such compounds perform. Thanks to these tools, you can increase the service life of your shoes several times and save on buying a new pair of shoes. All that remains is to choose a high-quality spray or impregnation, and forget about problems such as stains or dirt stains.