Waterproofing a coat?

[Gardenarian]

My lovely 5 year old winter coat seems to have lost it's power to repel water!

I have seen various products (Scotchguard is one) that you can spray on and they are supposed to make fabric waterproof.
Does anyone have any experience with these?

I would definitely do this outdoors with a mask - sounds like fairly toxic stuff.

Thanks!

[Mrs-M]

Spray-on waterproofing is da-bomb! Whatever you choose you won't go wrong, Gardenarian. My husband uses it to seal dressy footwear (has for years), and wow!

[Tussiemussies]

We have bought that also but never got around to using it.... The only thing is if it is toxic you will still be breathing that in after the coat has been sprayed. Maybe your local dry cleaners has something less toxic although I realize they use chemicals also...

[Mrs-M]

Yeah... definitely spray outside, and allow coat to dry before wear. Otherwise, no problem. The product my husband uses has a clean scent to it.

[fidgiegirl]

Outdoor stores like REI sell a product called Nikwax. You add it to your washer or something to refresh water repellency. I have some but don't think we've ever used it . . . hmmmm, wonder how that happened? Be sure to report back on whatever you decide . . .

[Rogar]

I have used a product called Nikwax TX for some of my rain gear. It is sort of expensive but I spend a fair amount of time outdoors and need dependable weather gear. It really isn't a waterproofer, but is supposed to restore waterproofing to waterproof/breathable fabrics like Goretex. It works good for that, but if your coat was waterproofed with a non-breathable plastic coating or is some other material it might not be the right product. I've tried it on some old plastic coated raingear where the coating was worn and it didn't help much. Maybe a scotchguard product is better for that?

Sorry if that isn't especially clear, but the stuff is expensive and really isn't a waterproofer in the sense that it provides a waterproofing coating. I've seen it at most outdoor shops and they might be able to help more.