Repellents & Sealants

For long life and water repellency leathers should be periodically cared for with a quality dressing. Pecard Leather Lotion is the best one we've found. It's based on a long-ago refined formula and is ideal for all for colored and black smooth leathers. Another opaque emulsion. Very easy to apply. Soaks quickly into leather with only a little rubbing and dries leaving a nice dry finish. Two sequential treatments (apply, dry, re-apply, dry, wear) recommended. Not waterproof. Water does not bead but instead re-emulsifies whatever dried residual substances this formula contains.

The boot version cleans, polishes, restores suppleness and provides increased water resistance. It's also still made (since 1902!) in a small northern Wisconsin town by a family owned company founded to manufacture dressings for logging boots, horse-drawn lumbering gear and related equipment. Early woodsmen needed to protect their expensive boots and leather harness gear in cold, wet and harsh environments. The quality and performance of this dressing resulted in a great reputation: Lumbermen and hunters swore by it. Factory workers endorsed it, and Admiral Richard E. Byrd specifically chose the boot dressing to protect gear on his first expedition to the South Pole.

Proven under brutal conditions, this is a leather dressing you count on. It's available around the world in experienced cobbler's shops, and here. Neutral colored formulated paste. Not for use on suede. Choose 4oz. Bottle or 6 oz. Tub.

Rejuvenates the water repellency of tired, worn leather clothing and accessories and replaces water repellent finishes and conditions leather. Prolongs the life of leather gear. 10 oz.

Highly recommended for leather gloves. Opaque liquid emulsion which goes on wet and soaks into pores in leather, helped greatly by rubbing into leather. Not recommended for fabric. Dries leaving a slightly tacky, waxy surface feel which may mostly be buffed away. Tacky-feel also wears away during use. Two applications (apply, dry, re-apply, dry, wear) are recommended to the back-side of glove, with either one fairly light application on palm to limit tacky-waxy effect on grip, or no palm application. Noticeably longer-lasting water-beading than Nikwax Glove Proof. 100ml.

A thick waxy paste that contains some silicones and is popular for boots but though not recommended specifically, may also be carefully applied to the back-sides of gloves. Needs to be worked into the leather by rubbing. Does not completely dry but surface may be buffed out. Leaves a slightly greasy surface feel. Water beads for a long time.

Wicks into and seals seams and zipper tapes. Dries in only a couple of hours. Ideal for permanently repairing tents and leathers. 1 oz. tube comes with a syringe applicator. Kit includes two 2" patches, brush applicator, and storage container. Urethane base.

Additional Information/Resources:

Medium viscosity sealant and adhesive forms a tough, elastic waterproof seal. Permanently adheres to fabrics like neoprene, hypalon, vinyl, Cordura, and heavier leathers. Dries overnight. Urethane base. .75 oz.

Cleans and revitalizes leather without over softening. Will not strip off the manufacturer’s water repellency. Prolongs the life of gear and optimizes outdoor performance. Biodegradable, non-flammable, non-hazardous. 10 oz.

Safe, non-toxic treatment, developed by the Gore company, enhances and restores the water repellency and stain resistance of garments constructed using GORE-TEX® laminated fabric. 10 oz.

Recommended for both leather and textile gloves. Goes on wet and penetrates and requires rubbing into leather or fabric. A very thin, very runny opaque emulsification that soaks in and dries to a nearly unnoticeable dry-feeling finish. Two sequential treatments (apply, dry, re-apply, dry, wear) recommended. Fairly long lasting. Water beads nicely for some time thru moderate rain exposures.

Wash-in re-waterproofing treatment for all breathable waterproof clothing. It saturates the stitching, fabric, and zippers making a noticeable difference. Hand or machine wash in. 10 oz.

Additional Information/Resources:

Restores the durable water-repellent finish of all types of waterproof/breathable fabrics. Ideal for garments or single-wall tents and synthetic sleeping bag shells. Best when sprayed on damp material. 10 oz.

For extended exposure in severe conditions. Includes repellent (two NikWax TX Direct Wash-In), one tube of Seam Grip Seam Sealer, syringe applicator, and instructions for upgrading or extending the water repellency of breathable/waterproof fabrics, and improving Roadcrafter main zipper's water resistance.

Non-detergent liquid soap specially formulated to protect the waterproof/breathable qualities of outdoor fabrics better than conventional liquid detergents. An excellent prep-wash for NikWax’s Wash-In Waterproofer. Biodegradable. 10 oz.

Water Repellents - The New Story...

This all-in-one leather treatment restores and protects your smooth-leather footwear against harsh conditions. Its durable formula replaces lost tanning oils to maintain flexibility, while forming a water-resistant barrier to keep feet dry even in severe weather. Easily applied with the included dauber, it’s ideal for work boots, hiking boots, motorcycle boots, western boots, and more (not for suede or nubuck). Expect some darkening—always spot-test first—and reapply as needed to sustain protection and suppleness.