Showerproofing a cotton jacket

[thirdcrank]

I have a cotton jacket which is about thirty years old. It's an imitation combat jacket. I wear it for jobs such as what I rather grandiosely refer to as gardening. I'd like to showerproof it. I'm not talking about waterproof as I slope off inside if it starts to rain properly. I'm assuming there's something I can mix in a bucket to soak the garment.

I thought this general question - perhaps more usually aimed at tents - had come up before but I cannot find it. I've looked at ads online and a lot seem to be aimed at refreshing things like Goretex. This is definitely cotton and if it ever had any proofing, which I doubt, it's long gone.

[Jamesh]

Look at nikwax cotton proofing.

Cheers James

[ClappedOut]

Fabsil on an awning

[gaz]

I'd have said Fabsil, which I've recently applied to my Super Cs. Largely on the grounds that they're over thirty years old, have never been reproofed and the tin of Fabsil was of a similar age.

The weather has remained dry and I don't really know whether they needed it or not. It remains untested.

There was a bottle of NikWax next to the tin of Fabsil. I might try that next time.

[rotavator]

I wouldn't bother with Nikwax. I used it on an old eVent hiking jacket and it made no improvement whatsoever so I wasted £9.

[Jdsk]

I'd also use Fabsil, preceded by a good wash.

Jonathan

[PH]

For cotton that's never been treated before, or so long ago the original coating has disappeared, I'd use a solid wax rather than a wash in treatment. Plenty of choice, just google "fabric wax" I have a tin of something from an equestrian supplier, but the label has worn away, I'd be surprised if there was much variation between them. The wash in DWR coatings rely on there being some residual coating for it to adhere to, with Gore-Tex type fabrics there's a compromise to strike between clean and waterproof. With the type you rub in with a cloth or come in a bar you can see if it's stuck or not.
There's also the home made route, using some form of silicon, I haven't made any, but I know it's worked for those who have, you'll have to google the instructions. I think that's what used to be used on cotton marquees, I've applied it often enough with a bucket and mop, but wasn't paying much attention to the contents.

[markjohnobrien]

Look at nikwax cotton proofing.

Cheers James

Nikwax TX direct wash in for me.

[ANTONISH]

I've found that Nikwax works. I used the Nikwax prewash and then the Nikwax proofing ( as recommended ).

[markjohnobrien]

I've found that Nikwax works. I used the Nikwax prewash and then the Nikwax proofing ( as recommended ).

That’s my understanding as well: I use both.

[mattsccm]

Thompsons Waterseal as designed for houses. (Wonder if Screwfix do their own version?)
Way cheaper per litre although if you have to buy a dirty great can of it it may not be overall. I do some canvas gaiters with it. Rain rolls off.

[thirdcrank]

Thanks to everybody for giving me something to think about

I have the remains of a tin of Thompson's sealant from some years ago - if it's not dried out. I worked very well when I bought it, but it's the black stuff for a roof so not for a jacket. It did show their stuff works. We've lived here since 1975 and some of my leftover tins were left by the chap who sold us the houise.

[mattsccm]

Stuff I used looked like water and smelled awful . Left a finsh that beaded water.

[thirdcrank]

Stuff I used looked like water and smelled awful . Left a finsh that beaded water.

Yes. I was having a dig at myself for all the part-used cans of this-and-that in the garage - Waxoyl is another. The Thompson's stuff worked well on the roof and I can imagine the version you are recommending would be good in its own way. The only downside might be your 'dirty great can' comment as I no longer have the optimism to think it it may come in later.

[colin54]

I had a google and this video came up, I don't know if you've seen it . The poster rubs the cotton garment with a wax tea light & then warms it it up with a hair drier so the wax impregnates the fabric. Worth a try on the shoulders perhaps ?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vs8_n_pLjMo