Re-waterproofing a Jaeger parka?

[WhyteKnyght]

Does anyone know if it's possible to "re-waterproof" a coat? I have a Jaeger parka that's done good service for the last couple of years but it's starting to let in the rain for anything other than a very light shower.

I have a vague idea that getting it dry-cleaned might help (something to do with a very fine layer of dirt on the outside of coats making them less waterproof or something, even though it doesn't look grubby) but don't want to spend the £20 or whatever it will be to get it cleaned if it's only fit for the bin.

Are there any other methods of waterproofing coats? It's just an ordinary parka for city wear, not a proper Gore-Tex or waxed jacket or anything like that so I'm not sure whether it can be reproofed. Opinions from the knowledgeable gratefully received!

[imjessie]

Just get a waterproofing spray or if it’s washable wash it in niqwax products which will re proof it . You can get them in the Cotswolds outdoor shop or online .

[CaeciliusIstInAtrium]

Wash it in the NikWax Tech wash to get rid of the dirt, then hang it up and spray it with the NikWax waterproofer (can't remember the name, but it's purple) whilst the coat is still wet. Don't use a wash in waterproofer as you'll waterproof the inside of the coat too, which isn't good as it'll be far too sweaty!

[WhyteKnyght]

Thanks. Hadn't heard of the Nikwax products before.

I have discovered that the parka is actually machine-washable, not dry-clean-only as I'd thought. Caecilius (great name): is this the product you say not to use, because it'll make the coat too sweaty?

I have also found the Tech Wash and the spray-on waterproofer here. I couldn't find instructions saying to spray on when the coat is wet - why do you recommend that? Thanks again for the helpful advice.

[BikeRunSki]

That wash in TX Direct is indeed the one you don’t want to use.

The spray on version disperses much more easily and evenly on wet fabric. You then need to expose it to heat (iron, tumble dryer) to finish off.

[silkpyjamasallday]

Such a useful thread OP I'd noticed my parka hasn't been as waterproof lately, the outer layer was getting damp rather than water running off it. Off to order some magic spray...

[Shadow01]

Get some Mountain Warehouse wash and proof.
It cleans and rewaterproofs the jacket in one step in the wash. Cheaper and more washes per bottle than Nikwax.

[CaeciliusIstInAtrium]

What BikeRunSki said :)

[WhyteKnyght]

Brilliant. Thanks BikeRunSki and everyone else. Fingers crossed I can get another year or two out of the parka...

[L0quacious]

Wow, I have been looking without success for a smart wool coat that is really warm so I'm thinking coat First Aid too! I've given up and I've ordered a thermal lining. Must get some Mountain warehouse wash too

[BikeRunSki]

With the wash in stuff, just bear in mind that it will waterproof the inside of the garment too, which can make it rather sweaty.

[RevealTheHiddenBeach]

I know that this is a zombie thread but coats still need to be waterproof so I figured it's relevant.

I have a waterproof coat (fleece lined but waterproof shell) which my brother washed in that nikwax stuff. Since then it's been grossly sweaty... is that because it's been waterproofed on the inside? I never even considered that the waterproof stuff would affect the inside too...

If that's the case, is my stinky coat salvageable or do I need to get a new one and start again?