Workwear Guru is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Learn more
Carhartt is an American clothing brand known for durable and qualitative working clothes. One of the most popular Carhartt clothes is their heavy-duty work jacket, a favorite of labor workers worldwide. These jackets are very high quality, and they are built to last. So most people will wear them for a long time, but the coat might lose its waterproof ability over time. In order to maintain the jacket in good condition, its wearer must take care of it, and one of the best ways to do it is to waterproof it to make sure water does not penetrate the jacket. So let’s take a look at how to waterproof Carhartt jackets.
How to Prepare Your Carhartt Jacket for Waterproofing
Before you begin the process of waterproofing, there are a few things you have to make sure are done.
- First, you need to wipe down the jacket from any dust or wash it entirely if it has stains or dirt. You should also dry it well, eliminating the water from the surface. The jacket should finally be spotless and dry in order to be properly waterproofed.
- Lay the jacket in a proper place and put protective paper, plastic, or anything else to prevent the surroundings from being stained with wax or spray.
- If you are using waterproofing wax, it is also advisable to heat your Carhartt jacket using a hairdryer to make the waxing easier.
How to Waterproof Your Carhartt Jacket
Many improvised methods are used to waterproof jackets, but a lot of them are not safe and can damage them. The safest way to waterproof your Carhartt jacket is using a waterproofing spray or waterproofing wax. To make sure that your model of the Carhartt jacket is compatible with the method of waterproofing, consult the company’s website or other credible online sources.
Using spray
One of the easiest ways to waterproof your jacket is using a waterproofing spray. These specialized products enable outdoor clothes to retain their waterproof ability by raising the tension of your jacket’s fabric fibers, thus stopping water from leaking inside your clothes. Waterproof sprays are very convenient to use and can be bought at most supermarkets or online shops.
Apply spray
After you have washed and dried your jacket, spray the surface of the jacket. The spraying is usually done at an equal amount across all surfaces, but some sections of the jacket may require a second layer of spray. It is very important to follow the instructions of the specific spray that you are using, especially about the right distance of spraying and the proper amount that you should spray.
Allow to dry
The jacket’s waterproofing ability depends significantly on the spray liquid drying properly on its surface. So make sure to leave your Carhartt jacket in a dry and warm place immediately after you spray it.
Using wax
The second option is to use waterproofing wax. This is arguably the most popular method for waterproofing clothes and boots, but keep in mind that it may not be suitable for all types of jackets. You can use special jacket wax from the supermarket or make your own homemade wax for this method. However, if you want a quality waterproofing process, it is better to invest in a high-quality wax.
Melt the wax
Before you apply the wax onto the jacket, you need to heat the wax a little bit in order for it to become softer and spread more easily. For this process, you can use either a hairdryer to melt the wax or leave the wax box near a hot place such as a stove for it to melt gradually. After the wax has become softer, you are ready to apply the wax.
Apply the wax
Now that the wax is soft and squishy start gently applying it to the surface of your jacket. You should try to spread the wax as evenly as possible across the whole jacket. It is best to use a paintbrush or sponge for this step.
Melt the wax again
Now that the jacket is all covered in wax, you should try to apply some heat onto the jacket surface to make sure it is well embedded. Carhartt jackets have a pretty strong surface, so it’s best to use a hairdryer but keep it at a further distance in order to avoid melting the wax completely.
How Long Will the Waterproof Feature Last?
The amount of time the waterproof feature will last depends on the Carhartt jacket’s technology and the quality of your waterproofing product. Carhartt jackets usually are separated into two waterproofing categories: rain defender and storm defender. Rain defender jackets are generally light jackets made with water repellent technology that ensures protection against light rain and water. On the other hand, storm defender jackets are made with elaborate technologies that protect against heavy rain and water from getting inside and allow the body to breathe and the sweat to get out.
As you can imagine, storm defender jackets stay waterproof for a longer time and, when waxed or sprayed with a quality waterproofing product, can last for years before another waterproofing process is necessary. However, lighter rain defender jackets may need waterproofing every couple of months, depending on usage.
Conclusion
Having your work jacket to keep you warm and dry is very important for laborers and hikers worldwide. Knowing how to waterproof your Carhartt jacket is a valuable skill that will enable you to use your Carhartt jackets much longer. Therefore it is essential to know all the necessary methods and tools that will allow you to have more enjoyable days with your waterproof jacket keeping you warm and dry. So, follow this information to make your life easier and your jacket drier.
