Waxing Cordura??

[Midget]

I am toying with the idea of waterproofing my EDC bag. I'm first going to try a spray-on solution from "303," as it has gotten really good reviews. It arrives in a few days and I'll try it out.



If that doesn't work, there's always the old school method of waterproofing cloths -- wax. I'm reading a little about how to wax canvas, but my bag is made from cordura. I'm wondering if anyone has ever tried to wax cordura before, and if so, was it similar to waxing canvas and/or cotton materials? I wonder if waxing cordura will even work?


The main concern is that cordura is that it will melt under heat. I need to apply heat to the wax to be able to get it to soak into the material. In fact, will the hot wax even soak into cordura? I'm guessing that cordura is made to be very non-absorbent.


What do you all think? Crummy idea?

 

[Foilist]

There is a product line called Nik Wax, which is for synthetic outdoor fabrics. In addition to special cleaners, they have a wash-in water repellent that you toss into the washing machine instead of detergent. I have used it for years on Cordura motorcycle gear.

 

[Midget]

There is a product line called Nik Wax, which is for synthetic outdoor fabrics. In addition to spechave leaders, they have a wash-in water repellent that you toss into the washing machine instead of detergent. I have used it for years on Cordura motorcycle gear.

cool. could you clarify?


the wash-in stuff.. is this one:
http://www.nikwax.com/en-us/product...uctid=267&activityid=-1&itemid=-1&fabricid=-1


how about the one that's for synthetic outdoor fabrics?

this one?
http://www.nikwax.com/en-us/product...uctid=261&activityid=-1&itemid=-1&fabricid=-1

or this one?
http://www.nikwax.com/en-us/product...uctid=250&activityid=-1&itemid=-1&fabricid=-1

???
http://www.nikwax.com/en-us/product...uctid=251&activityid=-1&itemid=-1&fabricid=-1


????
http://www.nikwax.com/en-us/product...uctid=273&activityid=-1&itemid=-1&fabricid=-1


i only ask b/c there are a ton of nik-waxes, i looked at these last night actually. i couldn't find any that were specified for cordura.


thankee!

 

[mete]

It's about impossible to get cordura that hasn't been coated with polyurethane on the back. That makes it water repellent and I wonder if wax would help much.

 

[CWL]

Wax has to be applied while melted to fabric. The fabric has to absorb the wax.

Cordura and other synthetics will not absorb any of the wax, you are just coating it and setting wax into the spaces in between the nylon. All you will end-up with is a mess of cracked wax that will keep coming off.

You need artificial water-retardants for nylon.

 

[Foilist]

cool. could you clarify?


the wash-in stuff.. is this one:
http://www.nikwax.com/en-us/product...uctid=267&activityid=-1&itemid=-1&fabricid=-1


how about the one that's for synthetic outdoor fabrics?

this one?
http://www.nikwax.com/en-us/product...uctid=261&activityid=-1&itemid=-1&fabricid=-1

or this one?
http://www.nikwax.com/en-us/product...uctid=250&activityid=-1&itemid=-1&fabricid=-1

???
http://www.nikwax.com/en-us/product...uctid=251&activityid=-1&itemid=-1&fabricid=-1


????
http://www.nikwax.com/en-us/product...uctid=273&activityid=-1&itemid=-1&fabricid=-1


i only ask b/c there are a ton of nik-waxes, i looked at these last night actually. i couldn't find any that were specified for cordura.


thankee!

The first one you linked (TX Wash in Direct) is the one. The procedure is first to wash the item using the Nik Wax cleaner, then run an extra rinse cycle, then run a cycle with the Wash in Direct. Since you are not washing a dirty item, you can probably skip the first steps. I do my motorcycle riding suit (Aerostich) once a year like this, and I don't e er get wet in it.

 

[Midget]

sweet, thanks everyone!

 

[Unicorn161]

Multiple applications of Camp Dry. About 4 or so to start. This has worked well for me for rucks, and jungle and desert boots. Also hats, windbreakers, nylon knife sheaths, messenger bags, briefcases, just about everything made from nylon I own.