This video shows several objects – from a shoe to a paper towel – that have been completely waterproofed:

This new process is called “ion masking” and is described here:

British boffins perfect process to make any item ’100% waterproof’

From the article:

According to P2i, all the individual fibres of a shoe – at a molecular level – are treated with the ion-mask plasma. So, unlike Scotchgard and similar waterproofing sprays, absolutely every part of the shoe is waterproofed, including the laces, sole, uppers, lowers etc at more than the surface level. Additionally, this treatment is permanent and doesn’t eventually wear off like Scotchgard, P2i claimed.

The traditional way to waterproof things involves Teflon (aka PTFE) that is sprayed on, as described here:

In the ion mask process, a polymer is applied as a plasma. The P2i web site describes it this way:

The advantage of using a plasma process to deposit polymers onto surfaces is that the precursor molecules in the plasma can infuse any porous or complex object on a submicroscopic scale. In an item of clothing, for example, every fiber is given a layer of oil and water repellant polymer only molecules thick. Depositing such thin layers of polymer during processing means that only minute quantities of chemical are needed compared with traditional dipping methods.

In theory, we should never have wet shoes or socks again.

For more info see the P2i web site: p2i-labs.co.uk

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