How Nikwax works
Nikwax have developed easy-to-use, highly effective and long-lasting after-care treatments for all weatherproof fabrics. 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, it will just protect and prolong its useable life. The treatments are water-based, environmentally safe and non-flammable. Ideal for all types of outdoor equipment and accessories.
To minimize contact with a Nikwax treated material, water beads up.
When force is applied, such as rain hitting the surface, water droplets distort but won’t enter the fabric.
Water resists contact with the water-repellent fibres and moves back to the surface.
What’s in Nikwax and how does it work?
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.
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.
Unique to Nikwax, it is the technology that keeps you drier in the outdoors.
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 our 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.
Our 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.
Our 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 our 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.
Our 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).
