(what you could do is wash it in soap - if really dirty, in non-bio detergent to get the crud off, then soap to get the detergent off, - then SPRAY the outside with something like TX10 SPRAY ON.)
DO NOT USE WASH IN TX10...it messes up the lining and has to be removed)
I thought VR worked like Buffalo stuff and didn't need proofing at all. I have never re-proofed mine and I wouldn't call it waterproof, but in anything other than a downpour my skin stays dry provided I keep moving.
It basically does yes There's no real harm to carefully spray reproofing the outer fabric though.
Only real difference is that (I think) not many people wear it next to skin (its less warm etc.). I guess that if you're purely using it as an outer garment you might do OK wash proofing it.
Wouldn't really advise it though as probably will still be getting some direct moisture transfer off your base layer, especially where the liner/base are stuck together under a rucksack.
I was thinking the same thing, i'm sure i've put my VR Light in a TX Wash with my Paramo stuff (what they recommend to use) and not had any issues with the VR top after in terms of performance.
Yes Paramo is different Paramo has a smooth inner face and a dense, fluffy outer face. The stuff on the inner thus resists incoming moisture by (iirc) capilary action. Anyway to work that needs the liner to be non absorbent, hence proofing it with wax.
With a VR the liner faces the other way round (and is slightly different.). So its very usable as a base layer for instance. Basically its a fleece and windshirt sewn together. The latter you want to proof, the former not really.
However if you wear it purely as mid/outlayer then the bulk of the moisture will be going out as gas anyway, which obviously isn't going to be affected if you've proofed the liner.
Still I'm fairly sure that I've had direct moisture transfer between layers underneath my rucksack, which proofing the liner certainly won't help with.
Its a bit different with full weight Buffalo because you probably will be wearing that as a base layer and proofing the pile thus really not clever.
There's no real harm to carefully spray reproofing the outer fabric though.
