Hydrophobic re-treatment
Also known as: Reproofing, DWR refresh
Post-treatment application of a durable water-repellent (DWR) finish on outdoor textiles after loss of the original coating.
Description
Hydrophobic re-treatment (reproofing) replaces or reinforces the factory DWR of an outdoor jacket that has lost efficacy from washing, abrasion and UV after 20–40 wash cycles. Modern products are usually PFC-free based on C0 silicone or wax-polyurethane emulsions.
Application is either in-wash for even distribution or spray-on for exposed areas such as shoulders and sleeves. After application, heat activation at 40 °C in the tumble dryer or with an iron on wool setting is recommended so the hydrophobic structure sets. Nikwax TX.Direct, Grangers Performance Repel and Fibertec Textile Guard are common commercial products.
- Standard interval: every 20–40 washes or on visible "wetting-out"
- Fluor-free C0 products clearly recommended (EU PFAS restriction 2026)
- Heat activation at 40 °C for durable effect
- Does not replace a damaged membrane — surface treatment only
Properties
| Application type | In-wash or spray |
|---|---|
| Chemistry | PFC-free, mostly C0 silicone or wax-PU |
| Activation | 40 °C tumble dry or iron on wool |
| Interval | Every 20–40 washes |
Related product categories
Sources & references
2- Wikipedia: Durable Water Repellent (EN) Wikipedia — Freie Enzyklopädie https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Durable_water_repellent
- Wikipedia: Imprägnierung Wikipedia — Freie Enzyklopädie https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Impr%C3%A4gnierung
