General Product Care
Kokatat offers basic care instructions and guidelines that will help extend the life and function of your Kokatat garment. See below for specific topics and guidelines for specific product types.
LEAKS and DE-LAMINATION in URETHANE GARMENTS
Delamination of the urethane coating on older dry suits and tops may occur with age, but does not normally result in leakage unless the delamination is very severe. Use and care will affect when delamination will occur; the better you care for your garment, the longer it will last. If the garment is not leaking, you can continue to use it. If you feel the garment is leaking, please contact us for assistance.
LEAKS and DE-LAMINATION in GORE-TEX® GARMENTS
Garments made with GORE-TEX® fabrics offer dramatically increased comfort in all conditions because GORE-TEX® fabrics are absolutely waterproof and windproof from the outside, yet allow moisture and perspiration vapor to escape from the inside. The result: you stay drier and more comfortable. And because the GORE-TEX® membrane is protected between two layers of fabric, it is more durable than coated fabrics. The GORE-TEX® membrane is a teflon type film, resembling white tape. It's sandwiched between an inner lining material and an outer face fabric (one of our nylons). The outer face fabric is produced for maximum durability while remaining supple & quiet. If you feel as though your GORE-TEX® garment is leaking, please contact us for assistance.
DWR
Durable Water Repellent (DWR) prevents liquid from building up on your garment’s outer layer which can make you feel damp and clammy (“wetting out”). Regular wear and tear, exposure to dirt, detergents and other impurities causes DWR to wear off over time, but the good news is that it can be restored. The effective life of the DWR depends upon how the garment is cared for, and how rigorously it is used. The most effective way to maintain the garment's water and stain repellency is to rinse it and let it drip dry (washing helps, and if it's not a gasketed or a coated fabric, then it can be put in the dryer). DWR is not what makes a garment waterproof - it's a treatment applied to the face fabric that keeps water beading on the outer surface rather than soaking into it.
ZIPPER INFORMATION AND CARE
Broken zippers cannot be repaired but can be replaced. This work may be performed only by Kokatat at our factory; if you feel your zipper has been damaged, please contact Customer Service to obtain a Return Authorization Number (RA#).
Kokatat’s TROPOS dry suits are supplied with TiZip® entry and relief zippers. This watersports zipper is effectively waterproof for surface watersports. All GORE-TEX® dry suits are supplied with a metal tooth Optiseal zipper, which has larger teeth and is factory tested to be completely waterproof to 20 feet.
The zipper is one of the most sensitive component of your dry suit. Avoid aggressive pulling, and NEVER force a jammed zipper. Keep sand and dirt out of the zipper teeth and the closing end. Clean it occasionally with mild soap, water and a toothbrush. Lubricate the zipper with a light coat of paraffin, beeswax or a zipper lube product. A dab of Vaseline in the closing end improves sealing. Make sure you read the instructions on your garment's hangtag before use!
GASKET CARE AND REPAIR
Latex gaskets need to be treated every 4–6 weeks to prevent drying and cracking. Kokatat recommends 303 Protectant, available in 2 oz. and 8 oz. sizes. Small tears or holes in the gasket may be repaired with Aquaseal. Replacement gaskets and kits are available from your dealer or directly from Kokatat.
Kokatat (and some dealers) will replace gaskets for a reasonable charge. Kokatat will replace gaskets and socks on Kokatat garments only.
The most common repair on a dry suit is a gasket replacement. If a gasket needs attention you have three options:
- Kokatat can replace it (no other brands, please). See the Warranty & Factory Repair page for more information.
- Have the store where you bought the gear or a regional repair facility do the repair. See the Warranty & Factory Repair page for more information.
- You can replace it using our Gasket Replacement Kit. See the Gasket Repair and Other Instructions page.