From the Rolls-Royce experimental archive: a quarter of a million communications from Rolls-Royce, 1906 to 1960's. Documents from the Sir Henry Royce Memorial Foundation (SHRMF).
Technical flyer for 'Proofine', a waterproofing compound for various materials including leather and textiles.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 24\2\ Scan178 | |
| Date | 25th November 1921 guessed | |
| The Insulating & Waterproofing Compounds Company (J.{Mr Johnson W.M.} HENDERSON, D Sc. M.I.E.E.) 99, CURTAIN ROAD, LONDON, E.C. "PROOFINE." "Proofine" is a new Waterproofing Compound entirely different from anything previously on the market, and possesses several very remarkable properties. It can be applied to Leather, Paper, or Textile Fabrics, such as Silk, Linen, Cotton or Canvas, and in every case will be found to thoroughly impregnate the material, and not only coat over the surface like a varnish. It will be found invaluable for waterproofing Sports Boots, and in addition it preserves the leather and keeps it soft. The soles as well as the uppers may be treated. "Proofine" is easily applied to Boots and Shoes, being painted on by an ordinary soft brush, they are then allowed to dry in the air or near a fire, when a second coat may be given if necessary, this will depend on the absorbent qualities of the particular kind of leather. "Proofine" does not prevent the boots taking on a polish in the usual way, on the contrary it improves the surface, and if given three or four coats it will be found that the boots acquire a surface similar to Patent Leather, with this important difference, that the surface will not crack. "Proofine" does not contain any Rubber, Celluloid, Nitro-cellulose Pyroxylene or other materials which are injurious to Leather, and which are usually found in so called Waterproofing compositions. "Proofined" Boots will stand any temperature that the leather will stand, as the substance does not soften under the influence of heat like Dubbin and similar greasy compounds. "Proofine" may also be applied to Textile Fabrics; these should be stretched on a frame and thoroughly dried before the Compound is applied by means of a brush to both sides. The Fabric may then either be air dried or dried in an ordinary oven at a temperature of 212 degrees Fah. (the boiling point of water). In the latter case about three or four hours heating should be sufficient. "Proofine" may be used to repair leaks in Motor Car Hoods, Perambulator Hoods, Ground Sheets, Tents, Mackintosh Coats and Capes, and Rubber Hot Water Bottles, and may be applied to both Metal and Wood, when it acts as a Waterproof Varnish. | ||