Water proofing wool
#1
Super Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: Michigan
Posts: 1,664
Water proofing wool
Has anyone ever tried to water proof wool & if so what did you use. I have a garden flag in my yard and have a few ideas as to what I want to make for it but they will look best in wool. I know I can get some cute ones that are very inexpensive but they are not what I want.
#3
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: PA
Posts: 678
Has anyone ever tried to water proof wool & if so what did you use. I have a garden flag in my yard and have a few ideas as to what I want to make for it but they will look best in wool. I know I can get some cute ones that are very inexpensive but they are not what I want.
#4
Super Member
Join Date: Jul 2012
Location: Vancouver Island, Beautiful BC
Posts: 2,090
I think you will have to be more concerned with the wool rotting in the sun.
Although sheep live outside in all weather, they are shorn annually.
nikwax is designed for clothing that will be worn outside for a limited time, not 24/7 in all weather.
Although sheep live outside in all weather, they are shorn annually.
nikwax is designed for clothing that will be worn outside for a limited time, not 24/7 in all weather.
#5
Naturally water proofed wool comes from the way it is processed after the sheep is shorn. Some sheep breeds are very greasy and when the fleece is washed not all of the lanolin is scoured out. These sheep usually wear jackets to keep other vegetable matter out so vigorous scouring is not needed. The fleece is well skirted also. Some breeds of sheep's wool, like the finer fibered ones, felt very easily and this also helps keep the wool waterproof. Vigorous washing of a piece of wool cloth in alternating hot and cold water, and then a dryer will also cause felting which will help to waterproof. Go easy....you don't want to over felt.
#8
After rereading the original post, I would not put a wool flag outside. It would not last long at all. The sun would fade it quickly and ANY wool would eventually absorb water that would take forever to dry, Slow to absorb moisture and very slow to dry back out.
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