Leather motorcycle jackets are expensive and not easy to replace, so it’s important you take care of them. In this article, I’ll give you a few tips on how to make your leather jacket waterproof.
What is the purpose of a Leather Motorcycle Jacket?
A leather motorcycle jacket is a great way to keep yourself warm on a cold day or to keep the wind off when you’re riding in warmer weather. Leather jackets are also usually waterproof, so they can be used for activities like biking, skiing, and other outdoor sports.
The Types of Waterproofing
Waterproofing a leather motorcycle jacket can be difficult, but there are many different types of waterproofing that can be applied. The most common type of waterproofing is a water-repellent finish, which works by repelling the water and stopping it from entering the jacket. Another type of waterproofing is an oil-repellent finish, which works by trapping oil and preventing it from penetrating the jacket. There are also water-resistant finishes that work by stopping the water from getting through the fabric, but they won’t keep you dry if you get wet.
To waterproof your motorcycle jacket, first decide what type of finish you want. If you’re using a water-repellent finish, choose one that’s designed to repel water. Water-repelling finishes come in a variety of colors and textures, so find one that looks and feels good on your jacket.
If you’re using an oil-repellent finish, choose one that’s designed to trap oil and stop it from penetrating the fabric. Oil-repelling finishes come in a variety of colors and textures, so find one that looks and feels good on your jacket.
Next, apply the finish to your motorcycle jacket using a spray bottle or brush. Be sure to evenly coat all areas of the jacket with the finishing product. Once you’ve applied the finish, let it dry completely before wearing it out in weather conditions that could potentially cause rain or moisture buildup.
Methods for waterproofing your leather motorcycle jacket
There are a few methods you can use to waterproof your leather motorcycle jacket. The most common way is to coat the outside of the jacket with a waterproofing agent and then seal the coat with a durable finish, like an oil or wax. You can also apply a raincoat liner to the inside of your jacket before sealing it.
Another option is to sew a waterproof membrane directly to the surface of the leather. This method is more expensive but offers better protection against water and dirt. Finally, you can also install a moisture-repelling treatment on the exterior of your jacket.
How to apply the waterproofing
If you are like most riders, you probably take your motorcycle jacket for granted. You wear it every day, rain or shine, and you may not give it much thought as to how waterproof it is.
Motorcycle jackets are designed to be waterproof, but they are not impervious to water penetration. In fact, a motorcycle jacket can become wet and then rain through if the waterproofing seal around the neck and wrists is not properly maintained. This is where proper care of your motorcycle jacket comes in.
The best way to waterproof a motorcycle jacket is by applying a layer of insurance before any precipitation hits. Make sure your jacket has been prepped by treating the exterior with a good water repellent product such as D3O or Akzo Nobel’s DWR (durable water repellent). Once the motorcycle jacket has been treated, do not expose it to direct sunlight or heat for extended periods of time as this will prematurely break down the treatment and allow moisture inside the fabric. Another key factor in keeping your motorcycle jacket waterproof is ventilation – ensure that there are no “gaps” where moisture can gather and penetrate the fabric. Finally, make sure you store your motorcycle jacket correctly so that it does not become saturated with rainwater – either hang it up when not in use or store in a dry area away from direct sunlight.
What are the alternative ways to waterproof your leather motorcycle jacket?
There are a few different ways to waterproof your leather motorcycle jacket. Some people put a coat of wax over the entire jacket and then seal it with a clear coat of spray paint. This will protect the wax and make the paint last longer, but it won’t provide any real protection from the rain or water. Others use a water resistant leather treatment that they can apply to their jacket before they go out riding in bad weather. This treatment lasts for several months, but it will still get wet if you get caught in a rainstorm. The best way to waterproof your motorcycle jacket is to purchase an armored raincoat that is specifically designed for motorcycle riding. These coats are made from high quality materials and have built-in protection from the elements. They usually cost around $200, but they are worth the investment if you want to keep your leather motorcycle jacket looking and performing like new
Conclusion
Leather motorcycle jackets are a great way to keep warm on a cold day, but they can be vulnerable to water damage. If your jacket gets soaked in the rain or snow, it will start to rot and lose its structural integrity. To prevent this from happening, you need to waterproof your jacket. There are a few different methods you can use, and each has its own pros and cons. Hopefully, this article has helped you decide which method is best for your specific leather motorcycle jacket.