NIKWAX FABRIC & LEATHER WATERPROOFING

Formulated without wax in order to preserve the look (color & texture) of leather and fabric footwear, instead it contains additives that improve the bond between the waterproofing polymers and the synthetic (cordura, nylon or polyester) fabric fibers. It provides maximum waterproofing with minimum change to the appearance and texture of fabric and leather combination footwear. The application is preferentially drawn to areas that need it most since those are the areas that soak up the most water. May slightly darken light colored leathers, test on hidden area first.

• Can be applied to wet or dry leather because it is water-based -- no need to dry boots before treating them -- a major advantage in a backpacking situation
• Prevents dirt from sticking to the leather
• Easy to apply -- has an attached applicator brush
• Waterproofs and conditions without over-softening
• Will not change the fit or support of footwear
• Contains tanning agents that will extend the life of leather
• Nine years ago, Nick Brown the inventor of Nikwax, developed and patented the Nikwax TX.10 water-repellent elastomer -- based on EVA, the same material found in the flexible soles of footwear
• The patent also involves altering the molecular structure of mineral wax, which is typically brittle, strengthening the molecule making it very elastic and resilient
• Coats fabric and leather fibers with a network of elastic TX.10 water-repellent molecules -- bonding to anything that is not water-repellent, but leaving the spaces between fibers open and breathable
• Can flex and move with fabric and leather fibers, withstanding several washings and remaining effective whereas the competitors must be re-applied after each wash
• Virtually impossible to over-dose leather because it coats the fibers and once coated they will not absorb anymore
• Safe to use on boots with waterproof/breathable linings (Gore-Tex^®, Sympatex^®, etc.) as well as "waterproof" leathers
• May darken leather and wax down suede or nubuck leathers