How to Waterproof Your Motorcycle Pants

two people riding motorcycles
  • 2-4 hours
  • Beginner
  • 25-75
What You'll Need
Mild laundry detergent
Scrub brush
Silicone based waterproofing spray
Paint brush
Clothes hanger
Large table or other flat work surface
Well ventilated room or area to work
Breathing mask
Safety glasses
Iron and ironing board
Clean bath towel
What You'll Need
Mild laundry detergent
Scrub brush
Silicone based waterproofing spray
Paint brush
Clothes hanger
Large table or other flat work surface
Well ventilated room or area to work
Breathing mask
Safety glasses
Iron and ironing board
Clean bath towel

Motorcycle pants that are waterproof can be expensive. So, if you want to save some money, and already have a pair of heavy denim or leather pants, you can waterproof the pants. Waterproofing the pants will provide you with extra protection if you get caught in the rain while on your bike. Waterproofing the pants is not difficult, and this handy step by step guide will show you everything you need to know.

Step 1 - Wash or Clean the Pants

Before you begin, take the time to thoroughly wash or clean the pants you'll be waterproofing. If the pants are made of denim, you can simply throw them in a washing machine and launder them as you normally would. However, if you will be using leather motorcycle pants, you should take a damp cloth and wipe as much dirt, dust and grime from the pants as possible. Alternatively, you can have leather pants professionally dry cleaned.

Step 2 - Air Dry

Instead of using a dryer to dry the pants, you should allow them to air dry. To do this, simply put them on a hanger and hang them somewhere outside. When drying the pants, it is better to place them in an area that gets a slight breeze, rather than setting them in direct sunlight.

Step 3 - Brush Lint and Dust from the Pants

After the pants are dry, use a soft bristle brush and brush away as much lint and dust as possible from the pants. This will allow the waterproofing to better set into the pants and will also prevent dirt or dust from clogging in the pores in the material that will be waterproofed.

Step 4 - Apply Waterproofing Spray

Lay the motorcycle pants on a flat surface. Then, hold the can of waterproofing spray approximately 8 to 10 inches away from the pants and began spraying them with long consistent spray streams. Spray the front of the pants first, and then flip the pants over and spray the backside.

Step 5 - Brush in Waterproofing Spray

Before the waterproofing spray has a chance to dry, spray the bristles on a small paintbrush and then run the brush up and down the material on your motorcycle pants. This will help to better ingrain the waterproofing spray in the material of your pants.

Step 6 - Heat and Dry

After you apply the waterproofing spray, run a hot iron over denim pants to quickly heat them and help the waterproofing spray set in. With leather pants, place a terrycloth towel over the pants and then iron them. Do not place the hot iron directly on the leather.

Step 7 - Repeat for Best Results

For the best results, you should repeat the waterproofing steps two, or even three, times. The more waterproofing spray solution you apply to the pants, the more water resistant they will be in rainy weather.