Hi everyone, not sure if BIFL, as textiles are generally prone to wear out. I’m looking for good rainproof trousers. A little background: I’m commuting by bike, 7 km back and forth plus train commute, all year. Due to the geographical region (Germany) there is a good chance of unforseen rain.
Now I’m looking for a well built, stable set of rainproof trousers. I’m not a fan of those standard trousers where you need to put your feet or shoes through, as I’d like to put them on spontaneously and without too much hassle. I recently found out about full zipper trousers which kind of have a side entry rather than a top entry. They seem interesting, but I’m unsure about the practicability.
I’d be glad to hear your experiences with rainproof trousers for commuting, and ideally a buy it for life very long recommendation.
Linseed oil also polymerizes very fast and can be used to waterproof fabrics.
If you go for linseed oil, make sure to put it outside to dry. During the oxidization process it can get so hot that it’s self-igniting.
Yes, it’s used to make oilcloth but as far as I know, you’d have to leave the garment to dry somewhere with ventilation for a week or more. However I’ve not done it so if that isn’t the case please correct me.
I’ve never done it, but I believe you can iron it to set the oil, kind of like seasoning a cast iron pan. It’s worth looking into.
I’ve found using a blow dryer works pretty well, and helps keep the wax liquid until the cloth can absorb it (often it’s linseed mixed with beeswax, the linseed really makes a difference). The extra heat seems to help the fibers remain soft and the liquid flowing, while driving off the excess solvent