COTTON PROOF

Cotton is a natural fibre; as such, it is renewable, biodegradable and can be produced organically. It is highly versatile and can be used to produce many fabrics, each with different properties. Additionally, cotton can be blended with synthetic fibres, such as polyester, to combine the desirable properties of both materials.
Cotton fabrics are breathable, absorbent and strong. They are used in the manufacture of clothing and outdoor equipment, but are not inherently water repellent.

• Once cotton gets wet, it stays wet…
• Cotton is highly absorbent and retains water, so it takes a long time to dry once wet. Therefore, it is important to ensure that cotton outer garments and equipment don’t absorb water, as this will cause them to increase in weight and will impair their breathability.
  To prevent cotton fabrics from absorbing water Durable Water Repellency (DWR) can be added by applying Nikwax Cotton Proof™.
• Cotton outerwear and equipment are ideal for people who need hardwearing items…
• Nikwax Cotton Proof™ is a must have for people who enjoy outdoor pursuits. Whether you have a fisherman’s smock, a cotton or polycotton jacket or a canvas tent, it will provide Durable Water Repellency (DWR) to prevent water absorption and weight gain.

Your cotton items could be soaking up water just because they are dirty. First, try cleaning them with Nikwax Tech Wash^®, and if they are fairly new, or recently re-waterproofed, the Durable Water Repellency (DWR) will be revitalised just from cleaning. But once items have been thoroughly used, you will need to add DWR using Nikwax Cotton Proof™, after cleaning first with Nikwax Tech Wash^®.

• Cotton outerwear and equipment need Nikwax Cotton Proof™ to protect you from the elements…
• Alternative waterproofing products are often solvent-based aerosols; alternatively, they may be water-based and use fluorocarbons. Aerosol products are flammable. Fluorocarbons pose a potential risk to the environment and to the long-term health of the consumer.
  Nikwax Cotton Proof™ is a safe product to use on cotton outerwear and equipment. It is WaterBased, non-flammable, contains no harmful volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and is fluorocarbon free.
  Additionally, some alternative products are designed for application to multiple fabric types, so are not cotton specific. They are often surface treatments which create a physical barrier to keep water out, but will also impair breathability.
  Nikwax Cotton Proof™ has been specifically designed and optimised for cotton, polycotton and canvas, providing Durable Water Repellency (DWR) whilst maintaining breathability. Nikwax Cotton Proof™ requires no heat to develop its DWR, so it is not necessary to use a tumble drier for best results.
• For best results make sure you use the correct product…
• Nikwax Cotton Proof™ has been specifically designed and optimised for cotton, polycotton and canvas, to provide Durable Water Repellency (DWR) whilst maintaining breathability.
  If your item is made of waxed cotton make sure you use Nikwax Wax Cotton Proof™ for best results.

Nikwax Cotton Proof™ has been specifically designed and optimised for breathable cotton, polycotton and canvas materials; it leaves a flexible water repellent treatment on individual fibres allowing moisture vapour to pass through, maintaining breathability, prolonging the life of gear and optimising performance in wet weather.
Nikwax Cotton Proof™ is easy and quick to apply in a washing machine and ensures that the treatment goes right through the garment. The highly Durable Water Repellency (DWR) of Nikwax Cotton Proof™ develops on air drying. Therefore the need for tumble drying is removed, saving energy.

• Like all Nikwax products, Nikwax Cotton Proof™ is safe to use…
• Nikwax takes great care to minimise the effect of Nikwax products on the environment and on you, the consumer. Nikwax waterproofing products are WaterBased, non-aerosol, non-flammable, non-hazardous and environmentally friendly. They contain no harmful solvents or volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and are completely free of fluorocarbons (which have been shown to be persistent in the environment and have been associated with serious health issues).
• People who use Nikwax Cotton Proof™ say that it does the job…
• Nikwax Cotton Proof™ is the product of choice of professional Outdoor trainers.
  To find out more about people who are using Nikwax Cotton Proof™, and other Nikwax products, take a look at our testimonials page (coming soon).

For best results always clean item(s) first with Nikwax Tech Wash in a separate wash cycle. No need to dry item(s) before waterproofing. Shake well before use. Follow care label instructions.

1. Remove all detergent build-up from the detergent dispenser.
2. Place clean items(s) in washing machine (maximum 3 items).
3. Use 50ml for 1 item, 100ml for 2 items and 150ml for 3 items.
4. Wash according to care label.

Air dry or tumble dry on a low setting if care label allows.
To maintain waterproofing always wash with Nikwax Tech Wash. Do not use detergents.

• Nikwax Cotton Proof™ can be applied by hand…
• For best results always clean item(s) first with Nikwax Tech Wash. No need to dry item(s) before waterproofing. Shake well before use. Follow care label instructions.Use gloves (to avoid waterproofing your hands!).
  1. Immerse clean item(s) in 6L hand-hot water in sink or bowl.
  2. Use 50ml for 1 item and 100ml for 2 items.
  3. Agitate to mix, leave to soak for 5 minutes, then agitate thoroughly.
  4. Rinse with cold water until water runs clear.

  Air dry or tumble dry on a low setting if care label allows.
  To maintain waterproofing always wash with Nikwax Tech Wash. Do not use detergents.

• Dilute Nikwax Cotton Proof™ before use on tents…
• For best results always clean tent(s) first with Nikwax SolarWash^®. No need to dry item(s) before waterproofing. Shake well before use.Use gloves (to avoid waterproofing your hands!).
  • Erect tent OR protect working surface and lay clean item flat.
  • Add 1 part product to 9 parts water and mix well.
  • Apply diluted product evenly to outside of wet or dry fabric with a brush or sponge (ensure product penetrates fabric surface). For large items apply in sections.
  • As you treat the fabric, remove any surplus product with a damp cloth.
  • Check carefully to ensure no areas have been missed.
  • After several minutes check for and remove surplus product with a damp cloth*.

  *Marks may appear on fabric if excess product is not wiped away. Test on a hidden area first.

  Use approximately 50ml of product, prior to dilution, per 3m² of fabric. The coverage is approximate and depends on the condition of the fabric being treated.

  Durable Water Repellency (DWR) will develop once the fabric is dry. Allow item(s) to dry fully before packing away.

  To maintain waterproofing always clean with Nikwax SolarWash^®. Do not use detergents.
  To waterproof synthetic tents use Nikwax Tent & Gear SolarProof^®.