this may be total bullshit, but i remember reading somewhere that nikwax doesn't make goretex waterproof, just upholds its breathability? may have been on this forum so probably not right...
You don't need any chemical to make Gore Tex waterproof. The GTX membrane is inherently waterproof on it's own.
The issue is that all GTX jackets are bonded with a facing layer that is treated with a Durable Water Repellant (DWR).
The facing layer is there to stop the Gore Tex membrane getting dirty, and also to stop it getting 'wetted out'. When either of these occurs, the membrane is no longer 'breathable'
The DWR treatments make water bead off the facing layer, but when you wash the garment this treatment is stripped off. The purpose of re-proofing agents is to return the beading DWR to the facing.
Many DWR chemicals are heat activated, so after washing Gore Tex should be ironed or tumbledried.
You don't need any chemical to make Gore Tex waterproof. The GTX membrane is inherently waterproof on it's own.
The issue is that all GTX jackets are bonded with a facing layer that is treated with a Durable Water Repellant (DWR).
The facing layer is there to stop the Gore Tex membrane getting dirty, and also to stop it getting 'wetted out'. When either of these occurs, the membrane is no longer 'breathable'
The DWR treatments make water bead off the facing layer, but when you wash the garment this treatment is stripped off. The purpose of re-proofing agents is to return the beading DWR to the facing.
Many DWR chemicals are heat activated, so after washing Gore Tex should be ironed or tumbledried.