Waterproofing clothing

I got an Epic Armoury cloak from Ryan the other week (a black Cape De Luxe if anyone is curious - I think it’s quite nice), and I was thinking that I would really like to get it waterproofed, partly cause I think that would be quite cool, but also because then I could have an in-character-appropriate rain coat :smiley:

To that end, I was wondering if anyone had any suggestions on how to go about doing that? I have heard that just spraying Scotchguard on the exterior should work, which makes sense to me, but I have tried that so far. A drycleaners near to my house had something up on their window claiming that they did waterproofing, but when I rang them I was told they didn’t, which rules that out. I would be quite willing to get it done professionally if anyone knows of anyone on the Shore in Auckland that can do a good job without it costing too much. Otherwise, does anyone have any other suggestions beyond Scotchguard, or is that the generally accepted method?

I just make cloaks from wool and they work pretty well. They’re not ‘waterproof’ in the modern sense, but the water sits on the fabric for the most part and they are still warm when wet.

There is waterproofing “paint” used on canvas tents, and also a different version designed for nylon tents. Not sure if it’s what you’re after, but I did see this stuff sold in 1L tins at Bunnings, in the outdoor/tent section, about $30-50 (??)
Scotchguard is designed to be repellant to foods etc, so may be overkill if you just want it waterproofed, but I suppose does the same thing.
Have you tried investigating the traditional “oil skin” - I don’t know what it is, but have a hazy memory of it just being canvas soaked in oil.

Try these

Grangers XT, Nikwax TX Direct or Gecko Guard.

I also tend to use wool…
Also “fuzzy” wool (like in blankets) tends to be better in the rain than the smoother stuff (the sort used for suits etc), Though saying that my cassock has done me pretty well.

To answer your specific question - I don’t know how well waterproofing actually works. I think things like Scotchguard and other waterproofing sprays are meant to help repel the odd spill, or a bit of mist/drizzle - but they won’t protect you from a good, solid downpour.

Since your cloak isn’t wool, it’s be more likely to absorb water and get heavy/damp if there’s a big rainstorm. But it’ll probably also dry faster. But it’ll probably hold up fine, being two layers.

So scotchguard it if you want to keep a little water off it, but I don’t think you should imagine it’ll turn it in to a waterproof parka :slight_smile:

Do you know what material your cloak is made from? In many cases, the cloak is an rain coat despite being non-water repellant, as Derek and others suggest. For example, my cloak at Teonn becomes heavier, and absorbs moisture, but underneath I stay dry through everything but torrential rain.

The point? Specific fabrics will have a specific level of ‘hydrophobia’, and there are specific, as you say, chemicals one can add to certain fabrics to increase the level at which they repel water.

Thanks for the responses everyone :slight_smile: Shows you how much I know about this stuff. I think the cloak is made out of wool, although I’m not 100% sure. I might try first testing its natural waterproof-ness first, and see how that goes. If I still want it to be more waterproof-y, I’ll check out Scotchguard and what Ants suggested. I’m not really expecting to stay totally dry in a massive downpour, but it would be nice if it worked in, say, conditions like those we experienced on the Sunday of the Teonn last November (which was a drizzle/light rain for much of the day, for those who don’t recall).

Last November is to what I refer with regards to my (average blend fabric) cloak’s performance. Basically: Cloak = wearer is drier than normal.

I checked the catalogue and your cloak isn’t wool (the ones that are wool are advertised as such). So it’ll be some sort of a blend of fabrics, is my guess.

But it’s a cloak designed for LARPing which means it should offer you some protection from the elements. Not just, you know, like an oilskin duster or something like that! :smiley:

[attachment=0]IF-300220.jpg[/attachment]

[quote=“Epic Armoury”]Double layer cape in 100% cotton. Outer layer in cotton twill and lining of soft cotton sheeting.

This cape is made in “action-length”, which means you can run and fight in it. The front ends just over the knees, and at center back it comes halfway down the calves.

Maintenance:
Mashine wash on 40°C. Wash seperately the first time, hereafter with similar colours.[/quote]

Hope that helps.

Huh. I could have sworn I’d seen a tag or something which came with it and said that it was wool. Ah well. Thanks for the info Ryan.

So yeah, I think I’ll check out its waterproof-y-ness first when I get the chance, and then go from there.

“Twill” is a weave that is supposed to be more waterproof than most.

But of course the proof is in the pudding. Get someone to “rain” on you with a garden hose and see what happens? On a fine day, that way you can hang it out to dry again.

wear waterproof clothing under your costume.