Water-repellent impregnations

Even the best jackets with a membrane (Gore-tex or any other) require regular treatment with water-repellent impregnations. This is necessary for several reasons. A membrane wetted with water may stop “working” and you will get wet. In addition, the fabric becomes saturated with moisture and becomes heavy and more vulnerable. Water-repellent impregnations cover the surface of the fabric with a thin layer of a special substance with a low surface tension coefficient. As a result, the water does not wet the fabric, but simply rolls down “like water off a duck.” Impregnations are made based on Teflon or silicones. They are applied to the fabric either locally (from an aerosol can) or by dipping the product into a solution (more precisely, a suspension) of water-repellent impregnation. Aerosol impregnations can only be applied to dry fabric, but they dry quickly. Suspensions also apply when wet, but take longer to dry. So it’s better to take care of treating your clothes well before the rain starts.