Waterproofing.

[Andrew]

Recently I got soaked to the bone on a birding trip and whilst my scope and bins were waterproof I was not pleased to have a wet stay-on-case.

So, I resolved to do something about it. I thought about Fablon spray but this is pricey. Looking in a shoe shop I saw a smaller can for three pounds and fifty pence, and tried it on my LCE Stay-on-Case and now the water runs off like water off a duck's back!

I hope this is useful to anyone else out there with covers or binocular cases that are not waterproof.
:t:

[Dave Smith]

This looks useful. What is this stuff called?

[Andrew]

'Protector' from Clark's but FHWillis do one of their own in a slightly smaller can for three pounds.

[Nikon_Boy]

Scotch Guard is pretty good stuff. Just spray it before you go out and let it dry for about 10 minutes.

Rain just beads away.

[Andrew]

It is best to spray it until it looks like it's soaking. The fabric will absorb it and it will provide a higher degree of 'waterproofness'.

[paula]

Andrew, that is a very useful tip. I shall certainly use it.

[T0ny]

Forgive my enquiring, Andrew, but was the stay-on case soaked right through to the scope, or was it just the fabric ? The reason I ask is that I believe that stay-on cases are made from closed-cell foam, which does not absorb water as readily.

Tony

[Andrew]

No the scope did not get wet but the outside skin of the case was wet and had to be dried out. This would be a pain if I was not going home but staying somewhere over night. This is why I water proofed it. Does this make sense Tony?

What is closed cell foam by the way?

[T0ny]

AFAIK, closed cell foam is where each individual cell is a discrete entity, not connected to the other cells as is the case with other foam (think bath sponge). As the cells are not connected, a) the foam does not distort, thus providing better cushioning for the scope in the case of a blow, and b) the entire thickness of foam does not get waterlogged - as you found.

Tony

[Andrew]

Thanks for the answer and suggestion TOny and Kevin.

I also did my Manfrotto strap and it's waterproof too.

Could do my hair too!!

[T0ny]

Do what I do, Andrew - use Pledge ! Nice and waterproof, a lovely shine, and anti-static too ;)

Tony

[Doug]

But T0ny, do you really want a scope that smells like a sideboard?

[alan_rymer]

Doug

Was TOny talking about his SOC or his head?.

[robinm]

This may be a completely stupid question, but I'll ask it anyway. Is there a reason not to waterproof a SOC e.g. by doing so you may be trapping condensation inside the case - on the scope.

Robin

[alan_rymer]

robinm
I would think if you are trapping condensation into the scope or S.O.C. it means that they are already wet!. The idea is to stop the water getting in there in the first place.
I haven't waterproof mine, but there again, its never been wet!. But I will at some time!.

[robinm]

Alan, I take you point. But in fact the SOC cannot prevent water getting in, e.g. through focus wheel openings etc, so waterproofing the SOC will not keep the scope dry. The only virtue is to keep the SOC itself dry. If I get my scope/SOC really wet I take the SOC off at the first available opportunity to allow the scope to air. But sometimes this is not possible, in which case the fact that air can actually get to the scope may be a good thing. I'm probably wrong, but it was just a thought.

Robin

[alan_rymer]

robinm

Agreed. If you are using the scope, its open to the elements and going to get wet. And I would agree, remove the SOC and dry/air the scope and case.
But I would imagine a fully waterprof SOC is easier to dry than a non proofed one!.
I would think you need to be careful with what product is used as I would think that some could possibly cause deterioration of the rubber armouring, or smearing of the lens.
Just flying kites and wondering . I know deet ( in mosquito repellent) can cause rubber to rot .

[Andrew]

My scope is waterproof. Just didn't like having to dry off the SOC when I got home.

I look forward to this new stuff, probably out of my price range though!!

[TerryH]

I have been using Grangers - "Extreme Superpruf" from Millets it is a waterproofing spray for all synthetic & breathable fabrics, on my Lowpro camera case it only take about 15 minutes to dry. costs £5.49 a can.

Terry.

[Andrew]

Is it a big can, if you've got one handy tell us how many millilitres it holds. That way I can analyse the value of it. Mine was a small can, deodorant sized can. I think yours is the massive car spray can type?

By the way, I did my green cap and it's brilliantly waterproof. The problem now is rain will run onto my face instead of staying on the cap. Not worried about that though.

[TerryH]

Andrew,

It's 250ml size and has sprayed my bag twice once to coat and one for good measure.. plus enough left in can to perhaps do it 2 more times.

Terry

[Colin]

If you are spraying your SOC with anything other than water, it would be a good idea to keep it away from the lenses while you are doing it. Contact with the lens coating with these things which probably contain solvents won't do it much good.

Colin

[Andrew]

Indeed Colin, I took them off and stood them up in a cardboard box in the shed (well ventilated) and sprayed away then brought them in to dry quicker in front of the fire.

[peter hayes]

Thanks for starting this thread Andrew. I bought some Granger spray (thanks to Kevin's suggestion) and sprayed my SOC today before birding in Essex.

[Andrew]

Kevin & Peter, Does the Granger's dry completely such that the material feels as it did pre-sprayed? Or is it waxy?

[Andrew]

Thanks for the tip on laces.

Did not read the instructions, just shook the can and sprayed away. Typical of me!!! I will do my Lowepro camera bag. It claimed to be waterproof of some kind but I tested it and it stayed wet on the outside so it's gonna get the works too.

[peter hayes]

Kevin - I say again: when are you going to release a book of tips and hints? You're a natural man!

[Andrew]

You could be on that five minute slot that used to be on BBC2 called 'Tricks of the Trade' or summat like that.