Different Types of Waterproof Material
Waterproof material stops water from penetrating the fabric, it is a long-lasting and simple to clean. It can be used for garments and outdoor home projects.
Water resistance in fabrics depends on weave design, fiber selection, and coatings or laminations. Dense weaves and coatings improve water resistance but may sacrifice comfort, flexibility and breathability.
Wool
Wool is one of the oldest waterproof materials used in garments. Its surface repels water, while its inner core is very hygroscopic and can absorb up to double its own weight in moisture. It then slowly releases this moisture, preventing chilling and keeping you comfortable.
It is also naturally flame resistant and durable. The fibres in wool can be shaped by heat, friction and pressure to form felt fabrics for hats, carpets and floor-coverings. The scales that make up the outer surface of wool fibres can be dissolved with dilute acids or baked to remove excessive cellulosic impurities.
Tightly woven cotton duck cloth coated with linseed oil is a classic example of a tightly woven, heavy, but water-resistant fabric. It is still used today in tote bags, luggage and in medical settings for waterproof mattress covers.
Polyester & Nylon
Nylon and polyester are both synthetic textiles, but they’re constructed very differently. Nylon is a group of polyamides that are thermoplastics, meaning they can be repeatedly melted and cooled without degradation. Its strength, abrasion resistance and colour-fastness are excellent. It also resists rot, bleach, oxidants and petroleum products.
Nylon’s abrasion resistance is higher than that of cotton, and it also resists shrinking, stretching and tearing. This durability and resistance make nylon suitable for industrial applications, clothing, shoes and a variety of other uses. It’s also soft, dries quickly and retains dyes well. Its poor breathability, however, makes it a less than ideal choice for high-exertion activities. It’s often blended with other textiles to improve its performance capabilities. Nylon is available in many different styles and weights.
Waxed Cotton
Waxed cotton is a classic performance fabric, which was originally used by sailors impregnated with linseed oil (hence Waterproof Material the name ‘oilskin’). Nowadays it can be found in clothing, bags, hats and luggage, providing protection against rain and wind.
Unlike regular cotton clothing, waxed cotton will resist soaking in water which can otherwise quickly cause hypothermia. By filling the cotton fibres with paraffin or natural bee’s wax, there is no space for water to soak in, leaving the garment dry.
Waxed cotton is famous for its durability, as it can withstand severe weather conditions and build up a unique patina with use over time. However, it’s also a breathable textile, allowing sweat to evaporate and the garment to adapt to your body. Waxed cotton also has a very high abrasion resistance and usable lifespan measured in decades.
Polyurethane Laminate
Polyurethane Laminate (PUL) is a soft waterproof fabric that’s breathable. It’s great for things like wet bags, cloth nappies and reusable lunch bags.
PUL is created by laminating a lightweight polyester fabric, often an interlock knit, with a thin layer of cling film-like polyurethane. The fabric is bonded to the polyurethane by either solvent or hot melt lamination.
Solvent lamination uses chemicals to fuse the polyurethane and fabric together, while hot melt uses a heat-activated glue to stick the two materials together. The polyester side of the fabric will feel damp if it comes into contact with water but it won’t penetrate the polyurethane layer.
PUL
PUL is a waterproof material that’s used in a huge variety of fabric products, such as wet bags and cloth pads. It’s made by laminating a lightweight poly gabion basket suppliers fabric (usually an interlock knit) to a layer of polyurethane film, using either solvent or hot melt adhesives.
PUL fabrics don’t fray, are easy to sew with a standard sewing machine and are waterproof when used as intended. It’s best to use polyester thread as this won’t wick water and can be easier on your presser foot too.
Often eco-friendly, PUL is made with renewable resources and is safe in contact with skin. This makes it ideal for things like reusable nappies and cloth pads, as well as keeping allergens, dust mites and bacteria off mattresses and pillows.
Microfibre
Microfiber is a synthetic fiber that has a strand weight less than one denier (the number of grams per 9,000 meters of a single strand of silk). It’s often used for cleaning because it can remove dirt and other debris from surfaces better than a traditional cloth or sponge.
It’s also water-repellent and breathable, making it ideal for towels and sheets. Sheets and tablecloths woven from microfiber have qualities that cause spilled liquids to bead up, making stain removal easy. Bath and beach towels woven with opposite weaving techniques can absorb lots of water but dry quickly to prevent mildew.
When washing microfibers, it’s best to avoid fabric softeners. These additives can create a wax that blocks the pores of the fabric, causing it to lose its ability to repel and hold water.
Vinyl
Vinyl is one of the most versatile plastic materials. It can be manipulated to be as rigid or supple as needed and offers a range of colors and textures to suit different applications. According to the Vinyl Institute, vinyl is used in a diverse array of durable products that span across numerous industries.
Its durability and visibility make vinyl perfect for outdoor signage, car wraps, wall decals, window graphics, and floor graphics. It also works well for industrial settings where it is commonly used for safety signs and equipment labeling.
Vinyl can withstand the elements and is easy to clean. It is available with removable or permanent adhesive options to meet specific project requirements and budget constraints. This makes it an affordable option compared to other traditional printing methods.
