Wader Repair: Aquaseal vs. Shoe-goo vs. ???

[rayfound]

Hey, so as many of you have already seen - My waders have lived a hard life: Willows, blackberry thickets, Yucca, and Size 10 Barbless hooks have all taken their toll. I've run through my first tube of aquaseal (prior to my kern trip, I put a bit of aquaseal on every spot that looked the least bit suspicious).

A couple weeks ago on the owens, I had a major cut open up (3/4" long), just right on the edge of where an old repair (of my original Major leak).

I've since located the breathable fabric patches that came with my waders, but I still need to get more aquaseal... but before I just go buy what I had before, I was wondering if there is anything better, or something that will be easier to locate or cheaper.

Of course, Shoe goo and Goof come to mind. Any thoughts on these products for wader repair?

Also, I have heard breathables are machine washable, what kind of soap would you use? What cycle? how should I wash them if not in the machine?

[Gary C.]

As far as washing, I'm not sure about waders but I know that with other breathable fabrics you are not suppose to use liquid detergents. You should only use powder soaps, liquid detergents will clog the pores.

[briansII]

More info than you probably wanted to know......

What Gary said. Mild, powdered detergents like Dove or Woolite. Rinsing thoroughly is the key. At one time, Simms said to wash on gentle cycle in the washer. Now they recommend washing by hand in the bath tub. Dry and treat with a water repellent like ReviveX. I've washed mine in the washer, and doubled the rinse cycle. Treating afterward makes the waders repel water like new, but it doesn't last very long.

For me, Aquaseal is my go to. It sticks as good or better than anything I've tried, and it's durable/flexible. The UV stuff is ok too, but doesn't stick as well. Downside to Aquaseal is, it hardens in the tube after you open it. A way to extend the life it to find a countersunk, flat head, wood/sheet metal *. The flat head needs to be the same size as the Aquaseal tube opening. Shove the * in before capping the tube. A little bit of aquaseal will push out around the * head to help the seal. The * will allow access to the soft Aquaseal in the tube, even if the stuff around the opening hardens. This extends the life of the tube so you can use it multiple times, not just once or twice. I've heard of putting it in the fridge, but I've never done that.

Haven't tried Shoe Goo or Goop for repairs. Shoe Goo might work well. Seems to stick well and is flexible. The tube doesn't get hard after opening. Goop is very thick and comes out of the tube with a almost dry, skimmed over surface. Not sure how well it will stick.

briansII

[rkfiske]

Not entirely a hijack, but on the topic of Revivex, do any of you use this stuff on your waders, shells, etc... does it damage breathables at all?

[rayfound]

Not entirely a hijack, but on the topic of Revivex, do any of you use this stuff on your waders, shells, etc... does it damage breathables at all?

Dunno. I tried Rain-X on my waders, and that, I can say 100%, does <oops!> all for waders (works miracles on glass though).

[briansII]

Not entirely a hijack, but on the topic of Revivex, do any of you use this stuff on your waders, shells, etc... does it damage breathables at all?

It works for a while, but eventually wears off(see my post above). By "works", I mean it repels wader on the fabric, like a new pair of waders. Not sure why waders eventually start to soak up water on the outer shell, but I would imagine part of it is because it gets dirty. I have an unused bottle of Revivex sitting in my tying desk for the past year or two. I'll probably use it, once I patch all the pinholes and wash my waders.

briansII