Ora

How does crep protect work?

Published in Sneaker Protection 5 mins read

How Crep Protect Works

Crep Protect works by forming an invisible, super-hydrophobic barrier on your sneakers and other fabric items, utilizing advanced nanotechnology to repel liquids and prevent stains from adhering to the material.

The Science Behind Crep Protect

At its core, Crep Protect employs nanotechnology to create a protective shield. This technology involves engineering materials at an extremely small scale (nanometers), allowing the spray to form a fine, imperceptible layer over the treated surface. This layer is designed to be super-hydrophobic, meaning it exhibits an extreme aversion to water.

  • Super-hydrophobicity: This property is what causes liquids, like water, coffee, or soda, to bead up and roll off the treated fabric without soaking in. Imagine a lotus leaf, which naturally repels water; Crep Protect creates a similar effect on your shoes.
  • Nanotechnology's Role: The tiny particles in the spray create a textured surface at a microscopic level. When liquids come into contact with this surface, they touch only the "peaks" of these nano-structures. The surface tension of the liquid, combined with the low surface energy of the coating, prevents it from spreading and allows it to maintain a spherical shape, which then rolls off due to gravity or movement. This ensures water rolls off the fabric without affecting the material.

How the Invisible Barrier Forms

The application process is key to activating Crep Protect's powerful properties. Once applied and dried, Crep Protect Spray creates an invisible coating that shields the material.

  1. Surface Preparation: For optimal results, ensure your sneakers are clean and dry before application. Any dirt or dust can hinder the bond of the protective layer.
  2. Even Application: The spray is typically applied in two even coats, allowing for drying time in between. This layered approach ensures comprehensive coverage.
  3. Curing Process: After your sneakers are all dried off and you've applied two coats, the spray cures, forming a robust, invisible coating. This coating is what actively repels liquids and stains.

Key Benefits of Using Crep Protect

Using Crep Protect offers several advantages for maintaining the pristine condition of your footwear and other items.

Feature Explanation
Liquid Repellency The super-hydrophobic coating causes most liquids to bead up and roll off the material, preventing absorption and subsequent damage or staining.
Stain Prevention By repelling liquids, the spray significantly reduces the chances of common spills like coffee, juice, or mud from leaving lasting marks. Our super-hydrophobic spray creates an invisible coating which repels liquids and repels stains.
Material Protection The nanotechnology ensures that water rolls off the fabric without affecting the material itself, preserving its original look, feel, and breathability. It helps extend the lifespan of your shoes by protecting them from environmental elements.
Invisible Barrier The coating is completely transparent and undetectable to the naked eye, meaning it won't alter the appearance or texture of your sneakers.
Versatility Effective on a wide range of materials, including suede, nubuck, canvas, and various knit fabrics.

Practical Application Tips

To maximize the effectiveness of Crep Protect, follow these steps carefully:

  1. Clean Your Shoes: Start with shoes that are thoroughly clean and dry. This allows the spray to bond directly with the material.
  2. Shake Well: Shake the can vigorously before use to ensure the active ingredients are properly mixed.
  3. Spray Evenly: Hold the can approximately 20 cm from the shoe and spray an even coat across the entire surface. Do not saturate the material.
  4. Allow to Dry: Let the first coat dry completely for about 10–15 minutes.
  5. Second Coat: Apply a second even coat.
  6. Full Cure: Allow the shoes to dry for at least 30 minutes, or ideally, for several hours (up to 24 hours for best results) to allow the protective layer to fully cure.
  7. Reapply as Needed: The protection typically lasts for several weeks or months, depending on wear and exposure. Reapply when you notice liquids no longer bead up effectively.

What Surfaces Can It Protect?

Crep Protect is renowned for its versatility and can be safely used on most porous materials found in footwear. This includes:

  • Suede
  • Nubuck
  • Canvas
  • Knit materials (e.g., Primeknit, Flyknit)
  • Nylon
  • Leather (though it's most effective on absorbent materials)

It is generally not recommended for use on patent leather or other non-porous, glossy surfaces, as the spray needs to penetrate slightly into the material to form its protective bond.

Maintaining Your Protected Items

Even with Crep Protect, regular cleaning and reapplication are essential for long-term protection.

  • Wipe Away Spills Promptly: While the spray repels liquids, it's always best to wipe away any spills as soon as possible to maintain cleanliness.
  • Spot Clean: For any stubborn marks, use a gentle shoe cleaner designed for your material type.
  • Reapply Periodically: The super-hydrophobic effect will gradually wear off over time due to friction, weather exposure, and cleaning. Reapply Crep Protect every few weeks or months, or whenever you notice a decrease in its water-repelling properties.