Question about silicone waterproofing treatment

LunaP · Post by **LunaP** » Sun Apr 22, 2012 9:01 am

Hello MB peoples

I recently found another wonderful steal that I cannot refuse- a Power Trip Ronin ladies denim armored jacket. It's black, decently casual looking, and best of all they make it in a 'Diva' size (aka, plus size)... despite the fact that I lost 30lbs in the hospital, I am still maybe 15 lbs and at least one bra size away from being regular women's sizes (but I have lost a pant size, yay!)

Anyway, this will be my summer jacket! I'm quite excited about it. I want to waterproof it- even if I never go beyond cupcaking on Lokky's Stella again, that's his only mode of transportation and we take it anywhere, rain or shine. I'd prefer to waterproof this denim jacket- and I have some questions.

I've seen what Nikwax does- Nikwax helps reinforce things that are already waterproof or water resistant. This denim is not. So, I think I am forced to use a silicone waterproofer on it. I know that once something has been siliconed, stains/dirt that were already on it don't really come out- but that won't be much of a problem, I can apply the silicone when it's new, and it's jet black anyway.

My questions are things like this: will a silicone waterproof layer change the machine-washability of the jacket? (I know I probably can't put it in the dryer after I treat it) Will it change how I apply patches? Will it DRASTICALLY change breathability of the fabric, or just a eensy bit? Will it change how soft it is/make it rigid?

Do you guys have any recommendations as to a particular product, or way of going about doing this? Any cautions?

I had also planned on applying a silicone waterproof to my Prima saddlebags eventually... that's assuming we can maybe sorta salvage them, which I'm not positive of atm.

juls64 · Post by **juls64** » Fri Apr 27, 2012 3:50 am

I can't help with the waterproofing but the jacket is frikkin adorable!

LunaP · Post by **LunaP** » Fri Apr 27, 2012 4:35 am

juls64 wrote:I can't help with the waterproofing but the jacket is frikkin adorable!

Haha, thanks Juls!

I couldn't believe it when I found it.

siobhan · Post by **siobhan** » Fri Apr 27, 2012 3:44 pm

LunaP, you're better off with wearing a rain jacket over your riding jacket. You can Nikwax and silicone to your heart's content, but any jacket that is not marketed as waterproof will not be waterproof. And most of those marketed as waterproof wind up leaking, particularly along zippers and vents. Get a lightweight Gore-Tex (or equivalent) rain jacket and throw it over your jacket. I'd suggest a bright color, as well, to give yourself some conspicuity to other drivers when the weather is bad.

opposable_thumbs · Post by **opposable_thumbs** » Fri Apr 27, 2012 3:54 pm

Good luck with waterproofing. I'm no help there but man oh man do I LOVE that jacket. Might have to order myself one!!!!! GREAT find!

viney266 · Post by **viney266** » Fri Apr 27, 2012 7:37 pm

I spray this stuff on my outdoor hiking gear once a year. I like it. It SHEDS water, doesn't make it waterproof, but if you get caught in the rain 30 minutes from home it repels enough water to get you home. It can make a good hunting coat waterproof all day in the rain

Best to do it when its new and let it hang dry for a day or two.

It still breathes just fine. It won't wash to well though without redoing the water proofing. I use it on my backpacks and such too. It is a surface treatment. You can see the water bead on top and run away down the fabric, as such it eventually wears off. But the fabric stays breathable after you apply it.