How do I refresh a water repellent coating?

What is a DWR finish?

DWR stands for durable water repellent, which means that when used as a coating on the outside of a textile, it repels water so that the material doesn’t become soaked through.

How can I refresh a DWR finish?

DWR wears off over time – which actually has no effect on how waterproof the textile in a membrane product is. But if the outer layer becomes soaked, it feels damp and it is more difficult for the water vapor inside to wick to the outside. Therefore, it is important to reapply the DWR from time to time in order to maintain its function.

Our recommendation:

Make sure to use a PFC-free option when refreshing your DWR, because perfluorinated and polyfluorinated chemicals are not biodegradable and thus accumulate in the body and the environment.
DWR can be sprayed on or washed in. We do not advise wash-in products as they can also coat the inside of the items and thus prevent them absorbing moisture.

Step-by-step Guide:

WASH: Wash the garment before reproofing, following the care instructions on the product label. Ideally, use the wool cycle at 30 °C with a liquid wool detergent and a maximum spin speed of 400 RPM.
SPRAY: Apply the waterproofing spray evenly and only on the outside of the garment.
SPREAD: Gently spread the product over the fabric using a cloth.
DRY PARTIALLY: Let the product dry slightly — for example, by hanging it on a hanger or clothesline — but do not let it dry completely.
HEAT ACTIVATE: The waterproofing must then be activated with heat. Before it is completely dry, you can iron the garment at a low temperature using a towel as a barrier (do not bring the iron too close to the material).