Waterproof Your Gloves: The Snow Seal Method for Ultimate Winter Protection

Updated at: 14/02/2025

Winter's icy grip can turn even the warmest gloves into frigid, useless shells. Soggy fingers are not only uncomfortable, they can lead to frostbite and significantly impact your enjoyment of outdoor winter activities. Whether you're a dedicated skier, an enthusiastic snowshoer, or simply someone who braves the elements to walk the dog, maintaining warm, dry hands is paramount. Frozen, wet gloves are a recipe for misery, but there’s a solution that’s both effective and surprisingly simple: waterproofing with Snow Seal.

This remarkable product transforms ordinary gloves into dependable barriers against the elements, providing the ultimate winter protection. Forget constantly wrestling with damp gloves; this guide will take you through a step-by-step process to waterproof your gloves using Snow Seal, ensuring comfortable, dry hands throughout even the harshest winter conditions. Let's get started!

Preparation and Safety Guidelines

Tools Needed
  • Snow Seal
  • Ziploc bag
  • Hair dryer/Heat gun
Safety Guidelines
  • Always work in a well-ventilated area. Snow Seal fumes can be irritating.
  • Allow the treated gloves to dry completely before wearing to ensure proper waterproofing and avoid skin irritation.
  • Test a small, inconspicuous area of your gloves first to ensure Snow Seal doesn't damage the material.

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Prepare Gloves

    • Prepare your gloves. Inspect for worn areas needing re-waterproofing.
    Prepare your gloves. Inspect for worn areas needing re-waterproofing.
    Prepare Gloves

  2. Initial Snow Seal Application

    • Apply Snow Seal. Use a Ziploc bag and your fingers to apply a generous amount of Snow Seal to the leather portions of your gloves. Work it into the leather thoroughly.
    Apply Snow Seal. Use a Ziploc bag and your fingers to apply a generous amount of Snow Seal to the leather portions of your gloves. Work it into the leather thoroughly.
    Initial Snow Seal Application

  3. Heat Activation & Flexing

    • Use heat to melt in the Snow Seal. Use a hair dryer or heat gun on a hot setting to melt the Snow Seal into the leather. Multiple coats may be necessary.
    • Flex the gloves while applying heat. This helps to loosen the leather and make the gloves more supple. Repeatedly flex and shape the gloves into the desired position to increase flexibility.
    Flex the gloves while applying heat. This helps to loosen the leather and make the gloves more supple. Repeatedly flex and shape the gloves into the desired position to increase flexibility.Flex the gloves while applying heat. This helps to loosen the leather and make the gloves more supple. Repeatedly flex and shape the gloves into the desired position to increase flexibility.
    Heat Activation & Flexing

  4. Second Snow Seal Coat (Optional)

    • Apply a second coat (optional). After the first coat has cooled, apply a second coat of Snow Seal, especially to high-wear areas.
    Apply a second coat (optional). After the first coat has cooled, apply a second coat of Snow Seal, especially to high-wear areas.
    Second Snow Seal Coat (Optional)

  5. Final Drying

    • Allow to dry completely. Let the gloves air dry to allow the wax to fully penetrate the leather.
    Allow to dry completely. Let the gloves air dry to allow the wax to fully penetrate the leather.
    Final Drying

Read more: Top 7 Best Ski Gloves for Unforgettable Winter Adventures

Tips

  • To soften stiff leather gloves, flex them while applying heat and wax. This process helps loosen the leather and makes them more comfortable to wear.
  • Don't be afraid to apply a heavy amount of Snow Seal; the leather will absorb a lot of it.
  • Re-waterproof your gloves every season or two. This ensures long-lasting protection.
  • Waterproof the pull tabs as well for easier on/off.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Applying too much Snow Seal at once

Reason: Excess product can lead to clumping, uneven coverage, and a longer drying time, potentially affecting waterproofing.
Solution: Apply thin, even coats, allowing each to dry completely before adding another.

2. Not allowing sufficient drying time between coats

Reason: Incomplete drying results in a sticky, less effective waterproof barrier that may attract dirt and debris.
Solution: Follow the manufacturer's instructions for drying time between coats, ensuring complete dryness before applying the next.

3. Ignoring glove preparation (cleaning and drying)

Reason: Dirt, oil, or moisture on the gloves will prevent proper adhesion of Snow Seal, reducing effectiveness.
Solution: Clean the gloves thoroughly with mild soap and water, ensuring they are completely dry before applying Snow Seal.

FAQs

How long does the Snow Seal treatment last?
The durability of a Snow Seal treatment depends on factors like glove usage, frequency of washing, and the type of glove material. Generally, you can expect protection for several weeks or even months with proper care. Reapplication might be needed after heavy use or washing.
Even the best heated gloves, like those reviewed in our guide on the top five electrically heated ski gloves for superior warmth, won't keep you warm if they're soaked through. That's why waterproofing your gloves is crucial for ultimate winter protection. This guide details the Snow Seal method, ensuring your hands stay dry and toasty, no matter how extreme the conditions.