Re-Waterproofing Sunbrella - Help!

[Southern Star]

With some time on my hands under anchor last week, I decided to clean my Dodger/Bimini with mild soap/water and a soft brush. It worked extremely well at removing some spider/bird stains; unfortunately, it also removed the coating that waterproofs the fabric: it now functions somewhat like a bedsheet in heavy rain.

Does anyone have any suggestions for/experience with a coating that can be owner-applied to restore waterproofing to Sunbrella? My dodger/bimini (actually, complete cockpit enclosure) is only 3 years old and is otherwise in excellent condition (as well as being spotlessly clean). I am prepared to have it professionally done, although would prefer to keep it on for the balance of the very short sailing season here in the great white north.

Brad

[Talbot]

Camping specialist for canvas re-proofing

IIRC 3M do a re-proofing spray that should do the job.

[Southern Star]

Thanks Talbot, but a few questions:

1. Is 'IIRC' the name of the 3M product, or is that the full corporate name?
2. Are products designed for re-proofing canvas (and there are a number of them) suitable for Sunbrella?
3. If so, are any of the brush-on products any good?

Brad

[Talbot]

IIRC = If I Recall Correctly

[FrankZ]

Glen Raven, the makers of Sunbrella, recommend 303 High Tech Fabric Guard

Might want to start looking in that direction.

[anjou]

Scotch Guard is another product, usually applied by dry cleaners

[speciald@ocens.]

I use the 303 product; spray it on. NOT cheap. Available at West. I heard others use Thompson's deck sealant with good results but I have no personal experience.

I did try Fabric guard once. I have brass colored Sunbrella - it was stained darker by the Fabric Guard.

[Talbot]

The manufacturer of Sunbrella, has endorsed 303 Fabric Guard as best for restoring water repellency to Sunbrella. It also protects against oil based liquids and other stains, has excellent soil release characteristics and provides UV screening.

303 Fabric Guard will not affect the fabric's color, feel or breathability. It does not attract dirt and tests indicate that it is the longest lasting topical treatment available! The 16 oz spray can covers from 50-100 square feet. The gallon can covers from 500-800 sq. feet (soaking the fabric with 303 is not required). Use also on other synthetic & natural fabrics and carpeting. Do not get this product on your dodger windows or on your zippers!
303 High Tech Fabric Guard was reviewed in January 1, 1998 Practical Sailor. Rated as the BEST of the seven brands tested.
Also use 303 High Tech Fabric Guard on Cotton Duck Canvas (Otis Permasol), Auto & Truck Interiors, Campers, RV's, Carpeting, and Tents. 303 High Tech Fabric Guard is powerful enough to protect fabrics in the harshest environment...outdoors. Yet 303 High Tech Fabric Guard is safe for the finest fabrics, wool, silk, and fine leathers including suede.
303 Fabric Guard Provides: Unsurpassed water & oil repellency
Highly recommended for Sunbrella
Superior stain resistance & soil release characteristics
Durable protection lasting up to 3 years
UV Screening to control fading
Will not alter the color, feel, flammability, or breathability of fabric
Resists mildew formation
Environmentally Safe
Fluoropolymer based
No Ozone Depleting Solvents
Non-toxic & odorless when dry No product on the market makes Sunbrella totally water proof. 303 Fabric Guard is the best for restoring water repellency to Sunbrella fabric.

[Talbot]

Video of application technique

303 High Tech Fabric Guard -Fabric Protection for Sunbrella & More

[Endojoe]

I had excellent results with 3M Scotchguard on my Sunbrella Main Sail Cover and Safety Line pads. Applied once a year.

[Southern Star]

Wow, thanks everyone. That certainly answers my questions!

Brad

[Southern Star]

PS Apart from figuring out how to keep it off the zippers!

Brad

[anjou]

ok guys, whats my lotto numbers this week?

[KStepman]

A thank you, too. I was just searching for the same information. 3.88 inches of rain fell yesterday, while at anchor, both outside and inside my cockpit.