How To Waterproof Synthetic Boots? [Procedure, Time & Cost]
Synthetic boots come in a variety of textiles like nylon, polyester, acetate, acrylic, latex, spandex, orlon, and many more. These materials, being man-made are less water absorbent than natural leather.
Most of the synthetic boots come with a DWR (Durable Water Repellent) coating or some kind of waterproof membrane or material like PVC, rubber, etc.
However, as weatherproof and waterproof synthetic boots are made to be, the protection gets damaged or faded owing to continuous exposure to water and dirt.
Thus, additional waterproofing on your part replenishes the DWR of your synthetic boots, making them very easy to clean and wash.
Moreover, as opposed to genuine leather, synthetic material requires many seams. This makes synthetic boots vulnerable to letting the water in through leaks.
Such damp boots can make your feet itchy and sore. To avoid this, synthetic boots must be made waterproof using any of the suitable methods described below.
How To Waterproof Synthetic Boots?
The waterproofing agent needs to get into the pores of the boot material, and if they’re filled with mud and grime, it becomes difficult for the agent to get in and seal the boot. Therefore, cleaning thoroughly and spraying the waterproofing is the way to go.
Below listed are 4 effective methods to waterproof synthetic boots.
- Using Atsko Silicone water guard
- Water-based Nikwax waterproofing treatment
- Using Kiwi Camp Dry Heavy duty water repellent
- Using Acrylic resin spray – Rust-Oleum Shield H2O
Read on to know some of the amazing methods to make your synthetic boots waterproof.
1. How To Waterproof Synthetic Boots Using Atsko Silicone Water Guard?
Atsko Silicone water guard is a silicone-based spray that has a wide range of applications. It is fit for synthetic boots made of nylon, polyester, nylon-polyamide, and other materials.
As it is silicone-based, it relies on cross-linked silicone polymers for achieving quality waterproofing. These polymers are highly catalyzed and maintain the breathability of the boot along with the water resistance.
Silicone water guard is perfect for withstanding harsh weather conditions. The feet inside boots stay considerably dry and warm. Discoloration can be a problem with many boot products, but the silicone water guard dries clear and doesn’t show much discoloration.
The spray contains CO2 as a propellant, instead of aerosol, which means the can contains more of the actual spray and not just propellant.
Required Items
- Atsko Silicone water guard
- Brush
- Washing detergent
- Newspaper
Procedure [Step by Step]
1. Clean your synthetic boots
- Take some water and mix some washing detergent in it.
- Dip the brush in the solution and scrub off the dirt from the boots.
- Rinse with clean water.
- Let the boot air dry.
- When damp, keep a rolled piece of newspaper into your boots to soak in the extra moisture from inside.
2. Spray the silicone water guard
- Take out well dried boots out in an open space.
- Hold the spray 7-8 inches away from the boot.
- Spray a good amount until you’re sure the spray has covered the entire surface.
3. Allow the boots to dry
- Let the boot air dry. It will dry odorless in 24 hours.
- Wait for 72 hours for the silicone water guard to cure completely.
Precautions and aftercare
- Silicone water guard has a very strong odor, hence it should never be inhaled.
- The boots should be sprayed seasonally or as when needed.
- Boots shouldn’t be cleaned in a washer to prevent the spray coat from getting depleted.
Time
It will take 3 days to finish the process. However, the spraying is quick and will hardly take 10 minutes to process both the boots.
Cost
Approximate cost of required items:
- Atsko Silicone water guard: $15
- Brush: $5
- Total: $20
The total estimated cost: $40.
2. Water-based Nikwax waterproofing treatment for synthetic boots
Processing your synthetic boots with Nikwax cleaner and waterproofing spray is another popular method to make them waterproof. Nikwax spray is a water-based spray that replenishes the DWR of the boots.
It lays down a fine coat onto the synthetic fabric and highly improves its water repellence. Water absorbance of the synthetic material decreases as well.
Since it is water-based, Nikwax waterproofing treatment is more eco-friendly than other solvents commonly used for waterproofing. Nikwax waterproof spray doesn’t use aerosol as a propellant and it is non-flammable. It contains no VOCs as well.
Further, it is usually paired with a Nikwax Cleaner. This cleaner is a gel and quite effective. Conventional detergents might still leave some dirt behind but this gel works effectively against all the dirt and rigid stains.
Without Nikwax cleaner, the spray ends up waterproofing the film of dirt instead of the fabric underneath.
Required Items
Procedure [Step by Step]
1. Scrub the synthetic boots
- Using a damp brush scrub off the loose dirt and mud from the boots.
- Rinse once with clean water.
2. Apply the Nikwax cleaning gel
- Shake the cleaning gel well a few times and open the cap of cleaning gel can.
- Gently press the sponge applicator onto the boot surface. This break the seal of the sponge.
- Apply the gel in circular motion.
- Rinse away with water.
- Wait until most of the water has evaporated, and boots are a little damp.
3. Coat with Nikwax spray
- Take the damp boot and shake the spray vigorously a few times.
- Keeping the can at least 5cm away from the boot, spray a good amount on it.
- Pay special attention to the seams of the boot. Spray should well permeate them.
- Wait for 2 minutes to let the boot soak the coating.
- Wipe the boot using a clean cloth.
4. Let the boots dry
- Keep the boots undisturbed for around 24 hours before they’re ready to be worn.
Precautions and aftercare
- Nikwax Waterproofing spray might darken or alter the color of boots, depending on their material. Therefore, a spot test on an inconspicuous area is highly advisable.
- While the boots dry, they should be kept away from any kind of heat source.
- Post cleaning, boots can be stuffed with paper to soak in the moisture from inside.
- Boots should be waterproofed once every 2-3 months, or as required.
Time
The time this method requires is around 2 days. It might get longer depending on the drying time of boots, after cleaning, due to weather conditions.
Cost
Approximate cost of required items:
- A pack of Nikwax waterproof spray and Nikwax cleaning gel: $15
- Brush: $5
- Total: $20
The total estimated cost: $40.
3. Kiwi Camp Dry Heavy Duty Water Repellent to Make Synthetic Boots Waterproof
This heavy-duty water repellent is works wonders on synthetic boots, especially the ones made for hiking. This water repellent creates a strong water barrier on the surface of boots. It uses a silicone layer to coat the synthetic boots waterproof.
This silicone layer bonds with the boot material and prevents water from percolating in it. At the same time, it keeps the boots breathable from inside.
Two coats of this heavy-duty spray provide coverage and seamless protection against the heavy downpour. The spray is completely odor-free and its spray nozzle gives a smooth and even application experience.
It is known for keeping intact the actual color of the material. However, after it is applied, it might render a heavier and stiffer texture to your synthetic boots
Required Items
Procedure [Step by Step]
1. Clean the boots
- Mix some white vinegar in water in the ratio 1:1. As an alternative to white vinegar, a small quantity of washing detergent can also be used.
- Wet the brush with this solution.
- Rub the brush well to get rid of dirt and any stains.
- Leave the boots soaked for around 10 minutes.
- Rinse the boots with clean water.
- Let the boots sit for a couple of hours until they’re dry.
2. Spray the heavy-duty water repellent
- Ensure the boots are completely dry.
- Shake the can well before spraying.
- Keeping the can 8-10 inches away from the boot, spray with a steady hand.
- Make sure the coat is even and light.
- Wait for 4 hours until the first coat dries.
3. Apply the second coat
- After 4 hours, shake the can and apply the spray, giving another thin coat.
- Keep the boots undisturbed for the next 24-72 hours until the spray cures completely.
Precautions and aftercare
- Do a patch test to check if the spray alters the texture and appearance of your synthetic boots. Only proceed if you are satisfied with the results.
- Even though the smell goes away eventually, it might strongly stink for some time. Avoid inhaling the vapors.
- Spray periodically after every 6 months. For extra protection, use as often as the boots are exposed to bad weather.
Time
It will take minimum of 3 days before your boots are wearable.
Cost
Approximate cost of required items:
- Kiwi Camp Dry Heavy duty water repellent: $20
- Brush: $5
- White vinegar: $15
- Total: $40
The total estimated cost: $80.
4. Waterproof Synthetic Boots Waterproof Using Acrylic Resin Spray – Rust-Oleum Shield H2O
Rust-Oleum Shield H2O is a silicone-free clear spray. Its formula includes acrylic resin dissolved in mineral spirit along with other hydrophobic ingredients.
They give boots a sturdy water treatment. The spray makes the boot surface superhydrophobic. It adds a water-repelling barrier and dries clear.
Fit for synthetic boot material like polyester, etc., Shield H2O spray is meant to be applied in temperatures above 10°C.
It keeps the insides of the boot completely dry and protects shoes from wear and tear from rough weather. It repels moisture without compromising the texture and looks of the fabric.
Required Items
- Rust-Oleum Shield H2O spray
- Brush
- Washing detergent
- Lint-free cloth
Procedure [Step by Step]
1. Clean up the boots
- Make a solution of water and detergent.
- Dip the brush in the solution.
- Scrub off the boots gently.
- Rinse with clean water.
- Keep boots in an open place to let them dry naturally.
2. Prepare the surface
- Keep boot on an elevated platform in a well-ventilated place.
- Cover the surrounding area with plastic or other material to protect from the spray.
3. Spray the Shield H2O spray
- Open the nozzle by rotating it to the ON position.
- Without shaking the spray can hold it 8-12 inches away from the boot.
- Coat the boot until it is completely wet with the spray.
- Any bubbles on the spray coat can be cleared using a soft, lint-free cloth.
4. Allow drying
- Let the boot dry for 24 hours before exposing it to water.
Precautions and aftercare
- The spray is inflammable, therefore heat exposure must be avoided.
- Spraying on a windy day might affect the results.
- The spray might give off an odor but once the coat dries it will dissipate.
- The spray coat should be renewed seasonally or as when needed.
- Synthetic materials with lighter colour can darken when sprayed, hence a spot test is advisable.
Time
Under optimum conditions (more than 10°C temperature and less than 85% humidity), the whole process will take around 2 days to finish.
Cost
Approximate cost of required items:
- Rust-Oleum Shield H2O spray: $20
- Brush: $5
- Total: $25
The total estimated cost: $50.
Final Words:
All the above-mentioned methods are great at waterproofing synthetic boots. However, the most suitable method depends on the type of synthetic material your boots are made up of.
- Silicone water guard from Atsko seals boots extremely well using catalyzed polymer. Moreover, it gives the maximum coverage for the same amount of volume as compared to other sealing sprays.
- Nikwax spray is great if you’re looking for something non-toxic and silicone-free sealer. Note that it might darken the boots.
- Kiwi heavy-duty spray would be perfect if you have sturdy hiking boots to process. The final texture might come out a little stiff.
- Lastly, Rust-Oleum Shield H2O would be the best choice if you want to keep the look and texture of your synthetic boots intact.
You can choose any of these methods, but do a patch test to make sure you are satisfied with the results. And since the spray coat diminishes over time, the boots should be re-sprayed every season, no matter which method you use.
