🚀 go-pugleaf

Roger Caffin wrote:
>> I don't actually know if the GTX membrane would be
>> damanged significatly by the dubbin.
> The GoreTx membrane consists of a layer of Teflon covered by a thin layer of
> polyurethane. Yes, in essence the much vaunted GoreTx is relying on PU, just
> like the rest of the W/B fabrics.

The waterproof layer in Gore-Tex is flourocarbon, a sheet of PTFE 
mechanically treated so that it contains pores that are larger than a 
water molecule but much smaller than a water droplet.  Surface tension 
prevents liquid water from getting through (though it can still block 
the pores) but water vapour can escape.  A urethane layer is applied to 
one side to repel oily contamination i.e. body oils.  So Gore-Tex is not 
using polyurethane coatings like any other waterproof fabric.

http://www.fieldandtrek.com/article-Waterproof-Fabrics-tech_waterproof_fabrics.htm

> Not that GoreTex would DAMAGE either of
> these afaik. Sure will make the membrane useless though.
> 

I assume that GoreTex is a typo for Dubbin.  Not chemical damage, no, 
but rendering the membrane useless by coating the outside with wax, 
clogging the pores.

> What Dubbin did do was rot the stitching. That was in the days of cotton
> stitching though. Doubt it would damage polyester thread.

I can find no evidence to support this, and I think it's an old wives 
tale.  I used dubbin on my first set of boots, and never saw any 
evidence of the stitching being affected.