Frequently Asked Questions

Click on the section below to find the answer

 

 

General FAQs 

Application & cleaning instructions 

Queries regarding deliveries

The science behind Liquiproof LABS

Customer corner

 

General FAQsfaqs

Why was Liquiproof LABS created?

Liquiproof LABS was founded in 2013 with a simple aim of helping people give their wardrobe and their world a long and wonderful life. 

We started with our first little lab in London and began fusing natural ingredients with advanced technology to create powerful formulations without any harmful toxic or environmental side effects! We pride ourselves on the fact that all of our products are eco-friendly and non-toxic - safe for your wardrobe, your family and your world....what's not to love?

Since launch, in 2013, we have quickly grown into one of Europe’s leading fashion care brands working with eco-conscious clients from London cobblers to luxury fashion houses, streetwear retailers and international retail powerhouses. We have successfully won multiple start-up awards, gained investment on UK’s Dragon’s Den and were recently backed by Consumer and Digital Venture Builder - The Lab Collective. 

 

How many shoes can I cover with the 50ml Protector bottle?

This depends on the material you’re treating and its absorbency. Following our application method, one 50ml bottle will treat two pairs of size 8 suede shoes or one pair of short sheepskin boots.

It is not advised to make the bottle last more than 2 pairs of shoes, as this will reduce the overall performance.

What shoes or material can I use the Premium Protector on?

Our Premium Protector can be used on any type of absorbent material, such as canvas, suede, leather, sheepskin, nubuck… the list goes on! The Protector will not work on pre-treated fabrics such as patent, greased or waxed leather as these items already have a protective coating. Please do not use the Protector on these items. 

bullet pointWill it work on satin shoes? Yes.

bullet pointWill it work on Nike trainers, specifically Air Max or Huaraches? Yes, but it won't turn them into wellies!

bullet pointWill it work on the soles of my shoes? No. It will not work on rubber.

bullet pointWill it allow my feet to breathe? Yes, our coating is 100% breathable.

bullet pointWhat about shoes or garments that have both leather and suede on them? Use the Premium Protector on the suede, allow to dry before applying the  Protector to the remaining leather sections of the garment. Visit our How To page for more details.

bullet pointWill it work on my mesh shoes? Although it is powerful, our coating will not fill air gaps and therefore will not prevent liquid from passing through mesh or netting.

What shoes or material can I use the Cleaner and Freshener on?

The Cleaner and Freshener have been designed for use on all fabrics. 

How long does the Protector last?

We say that our Protector is permanent because it can last longer than the life of the shoes – the coating permanently bonds to each individual fibre and can only be removed through mechanical abrasion. 

If you were to leave a pair of treated shoes in a cupboard for 5 years or more, they would still remain repellent. However, excessive dirt or dust will reduce the repellent effect of the coating and could potentially cause water ingress. So it’s a good idea to maintain the surface and clean at regular intervals with water. Remove excess dirt with a fine brush and only use cleaning agents recommended for the fabric. Please contact us for further advice.

Will the Protector affect the feel or look of the shoe or item, particularly on suede?

The Premium Protector is designed to be invisible and is applicable to all textile fibres, both synthetic and natural. However we do recommend always testing on a small inconspicuous area of your material to test colourfast before commencing with the full application.

Due to the vast differences in animal hide, the Protector may intensify the colours on suede and nubuck. Thousands of customers are very happy with the results but we always advise patch testing. Once dry you can use a suede brush to bring the nap back to its original texture. Flexibility is not affected.

What is the difference between other water repellent sprays and the Liquiproof LABS Protector?

Most water repellent sprays currently on the market will last from three weeks to three months. Our Premium Protector fuses natural science with the power of nanotechnology which bonds with individual fibres on the shoe, resulting in 2-3 years of protection depending on usage.

Unlike many competitors, Liquiproof LABS products are non-hazardous and non-toxic. Our Eco-Cleaner and Freshener are made from all natural ingredients and are completely biodegradable. Our Protector is made from a silicon dioxide, a natural compound composed of silicon and oxygen. In fact, the World Health Organisation has listed the only risk associated with silica: suffering from lack of it! 

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Application & Cleaning Instructions

How Do I Apply It?

Please refer to our How To page to find a full step-by-step application method for our Protector and Cleaner. Always follow the instructions, as incorrect application can cause irregular protection or visible patches. Before applying, we always recommend checking colourfast by testing in an inconspicuous area.

How do I clean my shoes and clothing once Protected?

Shoes, Footwear & Sneakers

We recommend cleaning regularly to remove surface dirt and scuffs, which will remove residue easier. We recommend using our Eco-Cleaner and a brush to remove any residue on the shoe. For suede shoes, we recommend our Premium Brush. For other materials or Vegetable Fibre Brush works well. We suggest you use a wet microfibre cloth and our Eco-Cleaner to clean the soles of your shoes. 

Clothing, Upholstery & Carpets

We recommend rinsing with water to make cleaning easier. If the residue is dried on or stubborn we recommend using our Eco-Cleaner and water to hand wash the items. Make sure the area is thoroughly rinsed and allow to dry. If the area has been subject to heavy abrasion or scrubbing we recommend re-applying the Protector.  

Can I use the Protector on customised shoes?

Our Protector is completely water-based and will not react with any paints used to customise the sneakers, such as; Angelus. Once dry the paints/finishers already provide some level of protection, but that is not to say that the Protector won’t help keep them looking newer for longer. Various collectors and well-known sneaker customisers are already using Liquiproof LABS to protect their pieces. 

"I’ve applied Liquiproof but its protective 'beading' effect has become weaker - why?"

The surface needs to be cleaned to expose the coating, so this result usually occurs after the surface has come into contact with extreme dirt or dust. If you have used a strong detergent, this will also reduce the effect of the coating. Pouring washing up liquid/hand soap/detergents over the material is not advised and will require rinsing with water.

If your footwear comes into contact with soiling agents like dirt, then simply rinse with clean water, leave to dry and re-apply Liquiproof to advance its protection.

Remember the coating is designed to prevent accidental staining and watermarks. Our product is only as good as the items its used on, which is why we advise not to use the Protector on old shoes.

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Queries regarding Deliveries

'There has been a problem with the delivery of my Liquiproof order, what do I do?'

We aim to dispatch and deliver your order within 3-5 days. We offer a next day delivery service if you need your order quickly. If you do not receive your order within 5 days for UK deliveries, please contact us here.

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The Science behind Liquiproof LABS

How does the Protector work?

The Protector utilises the revolutionary features of nanotechnology to apply an invisible oleophobic barrier to the surface.

Our formula bonds SiO2 particles to the individual fibres of the surface at a nanometre level – roughly 500 times thinner than a human hair – and these billions of SiO2 particles form permanently bonded layers that build up an invisible barrier that renders water and oil unable to touch the fibres. Put simply, it is a spray that creates liquid proof surfaces. Liquids bead up and roll off.

What is it made of?

Our formula contains pure, particle free Silicon Dioxide – SiO2 – which means that it contains ‘pure glass’. The glass is in a molecular form and is held in a liquid. It doesn’t become ‘glass’ until it’s allowed to cure (taking 24 to 36 hours). SiO2 is completely inert, harmless and indigestible, with zero toxicity. It carries no allergic warnings and is environmentally friendly. It's commonly found in nature as quartz, the most abundant family of materials on Earth.

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If the FAQs above haven’t answered your queries about Liquiproof LABS, don’t hesitate to get in touch via the Contact Us page.