Hi-Vis Yellow - Fading & Fix

[globalrider]

OK, so my KLIM Latitude Hi-Vis Yellow & Black jacket is fading due to the UV it has seen since I bought it in 2016, the Hi-Vis Yellow portion of it that is. Same thing happened to my Aerostich in red.

With nothing to lose as it is an old jacket but still like new, I bought some Rit Neon Yellow - All Purpose Dye and looking at the label in the jacket, it stated Nylon.

In a plastic cup, I mixed some dye with water and tested it on some fabric. I used a new toothbrush when applying it to the suit.
This is what it looks like "wet" but will dry to a slightly lighter color after applying it to one of the sleeves last week. I also finished off the rear panel while it was still wet a second time.

 

[riderr1150gsadv]

That is one way to get a few more years of life out of the gear. Good to see that this seems to work. I usually keep my suits for 10 years and then dump them as nylon and other materials suffer greatly from UV deterioration. The stitching is especially susceptible to break down. I live in a high UV area year round so stuff breaks down faster down here in S.FL... YMMV

 

[globalrider]

That is one way to get a few more years of life out of the gear. Good to see that this seems to work. I usually keep my suits for 10 years and then dump them as nylon and other materials suffer greatly from UV deterioration. The stitching is especially susceptible to break down. I live in a high UV area year round so stuff breaks down faster down here in S.FL... YMMV

My KLIM likely is low mileage, but certain colors fade faster than others. Plus most of its use was in the Alps with plenty of sunshine and thinner less dense air.

I'll post some pics once the panel dries. If it needs a third coat (it got two coats while still wet), hell its winter and I got time.

 

[globalrider]

After applying two coats the first time while the first coat was still wet, I applied a third coat yesterday and it looks great.

Unfortunately it looks pale in the photo. Could be due to the flourescent lights in the kitchen. Actually in person it looks like the day I bought the suit and the yellow is more vivid.

I am about to apply the dye to the rest of the Hi-Vis Yellow panels.

 

[riderr1150gsadv]

That looks really good

 

[lee]

Looks good.
It will be interesting to see how well the Rit dye holds up after a couple washings.

 

[dravnx]

What effect does the dye have on the Goretex?

 

[globalrider]

What effect does the dye have on the Goretex?

Don't worry, coming from running a lab I already thought about that aspect. But since my KLIM Latitude just passed the 8 year mark and although it is still like new, I didn't worry about it affectng the Gore-Tex. I want to remain as visible as possible.

Besides any of these "keep you dry" products no matter who makes them depends on many factors...outside humidity, user activity, etc.

The SCAM Outdoor Brands Don't Want You To Know

Anyway as good as my KLIM Latitude is and it kept me dry in monsoon type rains for over an hour while riding, it has been great so far. My annual multi-week trips in the Alps are over and I am riding less technical roads back home on mostly sunny day trips. If I need another KLIM jacket, I'll buy one.

By the way, I use Revivex spray on instead of Nik-Wax, although I have used both.

 

[CaptCF]

I have a 10 year old induction jacket that I might try this on. No Goretex there so nothing to worry about on that front.

 

[globalrider]

I have a 10 year old induction jacket that I might try this on. No Goretex there so nothing to worry about on that front.

Dont know if I mentioned it, I put about 1/4" dye in a plastic cup and add about 3/4" water. I didn't want to experiment with less water. So far so good.

The more faded parts need two or three applications. Not an expert as this is a first try but it is looking like new if...you wash the suit (Shout liquid) really well if there are any darker spots, rubbed-in dust/dirt in the Hi-Vis areas.

 

[omega man]

With the age of some of the Gear mentioned, I think I would make the jump to a “sew-on” high-vis reflective strips allowing both day and night visibility improvements.

• 
• After the sewing I would seal the stitching with tent seam sealer-

Or equivalent.
OM

 

[CaptCF]

There is something to be said for rocking gear that is a bit, uhh, too ancient. The 10 year old jacket was technically replaced this year, but as my backup hot weather jacket it should still look it's neon yellowy best!

 

[paul_f]

With the age of some of the Gear mentioned, I think I would make the jump to a “sew-on” high-vis reflective strips allowing both day and night visibility improvements.

• 
• After the sewing I would seal the stitching with tent seam sealer-

View attachment 99531
Or equivalent.
OM

Although the silver stripes on my seventeen old Motoport riding still reflect at night, my yellow Helite air bag vest has had daytime drivers compliment me on how easily they were able to see from a distance. (Actually, as much as I enjoy night riding, I try to avoid it as despite additional lighting, I prefer not to risk running into nocturnal animals.)