on 5/15/2000 11:05 PM, Todd Guttman at tguttman@COLUMBUS.RR.COM wrote:

Have any Westy owners on the list tried treating their canvas tops with
Nikwax Cotton Proof?  I've used Nixwax products on leather boots and 'tired'
laminate clothing (Ultrex) with great results - waterproofing renewed and
nearly bombproof.  (http://www.nikwax-usa.com/)

I'm tentatively planning to spray the canvas on our somewhat permeable
Westy's top with Nikwax's Cotton Proof product and wondered if anyone else
has already tried the same.

Thanks for sharing any results and/or tips.

Todd Guttman

85 Westy 'Rivendell'  - recently re-titled here in Columbus, Ohio as a
'motorhome' with a $120 reduction in annual insurance costs.  Thanks to the
list for that tip!

Nikwax products are breathable. They use an encapsulation of fibers idea
instead of plugging the holes between the fibers idea.  So, you could use
that but it works best in submersed solution (the washing machine)
applications. (I don't know how you would dunk the canvas other than taking
it off and that is unnecessary)
You could also use a product called Techtron mfged by Blue Magic Corp (not
the Chevron Techron). It is basically spray teflon in a can and does a
really good job. Available at most better outdoor shops.
The trick to making any water repellancy formulation last is to have the
surface as clean as possible and then to have as little of the cleaning
residue remain behind.
Thats why the newest DWR (durable water repellancy) formulation for
waterbroof breathables advises the user to wash the garment without any soap
at all. You'd be amazed at how great water cleans by itself!
Cheers,
Dave C.
Williamsburg, VA
          zzzzzzzzz__
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'85 GL Westy (His)
'91 Cabriolet (Hers)

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