Last weekend during a typical summer afternoon shower I found that the Sunbrella fabric which my bimini top is made of is no longer resistant to water. Is there a way to restore the water resistant quality to Sunbrella? Do I just get a can of Scotchguard and start spraying?
Sunbrella fabric
- Thread starter mojo16700
- Start date
- Status
Waterproofing
There is a spray on protector called 3M High Tech guard which is quite expensive, but works really well to protect Sunbrella material. I have used it on a 5 year old bimini and it works quite well, I also use it on my convertible top. One treatment a season should work. You must clean the material very well first, make sure it is dry. Then apply it. But y ou have to be carefully, it is inflammable until it dries. ajp
There is a spray on protector called 3M High Tech guard which is quite expensive, but works really well to protect Sunbrella material. I have used it on a 5 year old bimini and it works quite well, I also use it on my convertible top. One treatment a season should work. You must clean the material very well first, make sure it is dry. Then apply it. But y ou have to be carefully, it is inflammable until it dries. ajp
Sunbrella
I have used the Green can of Scotchguard which is made for waterproofing. I apply it once a year and it works for me.
I have used the Green can of Scotchguard which is made for waterproofing. I apply it once a year and it works for me.
Sunbrella waterproffing
Sunbrella has recommended, and I have used, "303 Fabric Guard" and been very satisfied with it. I have used it on my dodger and winch covers for the last 6 years. It is available in the usual marine stores (Defender, Boaters World,...and if you must, in West Marine).
Sunbrella has recommended, and I have used, "303 Fabric Guard" and been very satisfied with it. I have used it on my dodger and winch covers for the last 6 years. It is available in the usual marine stores (Defender, Boaters World,...and if you must, in West Marine).
Sunbrella
I second the 303 Fabric Guard. It works very well and is easy to apply. You need to make certain you get the right product because they also make other products including a protectant for hard surfaces. WM sells the stuff.
I second the 303 Fabric Guard. It works very well and is easy to apply. You need to make certain you get the right product because they also make other products including a protectant for hard surfaces. WM sells the stuff.
Just Remember
that the UV protection from Sunbrella is guaranted for only five years. I have stretched my fabric to ten years by cleaning it each year and rewaterprofing it. However, this year I started replacing all the canvas on the boat.
that the UV protection from Sunbrella is guaranted for only five years. I have stretched my fabric to ten years by cleaning it each year and rewaterprofing it. However, this year I started replacing all the canvas on the boat.
303 is worth the price
We have a huge amount of sunbrella covering (deck, steering, bow sprit, winches, engine instrument, etc, and recently we had to wash them all to remove light areas of algae. The coverings are over 7 years old. At the Atlanta boat show last January the Sunbrella factory reps had a booth and it was refreshing to talk to someone who had first hand knowledge of proper cleaning and treatment. At Boat US, West Marine, etc., the "303 Protectant" is available in spray bottle. Although its not cheap by any means, trust me on this one; after spraying and saturating the sunbrella, water beads right off! It bonds with the fibers like no other protectant. The protection will last several years. I am totally pleased with the product and with 2k+ worth of sunbrella all over the boat I want to protect this investment. Do not go for the cheap stuff, the factory recommends 303 and its the best thing around. If you go to the sunbrella website they have washing instructions as well. Bob
We have a huge amount of sunbrella covering (deck, steering, bow sprit, winches, engine instrument, etc, and recently we had to wash them all to remove light areas of algae. The coverings are over 7 years old. At the Atlanta boat show last January the Sunbrella factory reps had a booth and it was refreshing to talk to someone who had first hand knowledge of proper cleaning and treatment. At Boat US, West Marine, etc., the "303 Protectant" is available in spray bottle. Although its not cheap by any means, trust me on this one; after spraying and saturating the sunbrella, water beads right off! It bonds with the fibers like no other protectant. The protection will last several years. I am totally pleased with the product and with 2k+ worth of sunbrella all over the boat I want to protect this investment. Do not go for the cheap stuff, the factory recommends 303 and its the best thing around. If you go to the sunbrella website they have washing instructions as well. Bob
303 is fantastic!!
You are so right Bob. That is one great product that delivers exactly what it says. This year I used 303 Protectant on my topsides and smooth portions of deck with great results. The shine is still there after 3 months on the water. My neighbours who waxed their topsides etc. have already lost their wax protection are are starting to look a little dull.
You are so right Bob. That is one great product that delivers exactly what it says. This year I used 303 Protectant on my topsides and smooth portions of deck with great results. The shine is still there after 3 months on the water. My neighbours who waxed their topsides etc. have already lost their wax protection are are starting to look a little dull.
303 is great ...... BUT
If you do not wash the fabric FIRST with a *mild/gentle* soap (Ivory or Woolite) you can expect to be recoating with 303 every few months. If you dont wash first, all you'll be doing is waterproofing the dirt and when the dirt eventually falls off, etc. so does the 303. In most situations all you have to do is properly wash the fabric to restore repelliency. Glen Raven Mills recommends that Sunbrella be periodically WASHED (with a mild soap) to preserve such repelliency. Gentle *soap* (not detergent) is the key. BTW -- many of these water repellient chemicals - fluoro-phosphines (scotchguard, probably soon 303) are being or soon to be removed from the market place because of grave environmental concerns.... so you should consider to stock-up.
If you do not wash the fabric FIRST with a *mild/gentle* soap (Ivory or Woolite) you can expect to be recoating with 303 every few months. If you dont wash first, all you'll be doing is waterproofing the dirt and when the dirt eventually falls off, etc. so does the 303. In most situations all you have to do is properly wash the fabric to restore repelliency. Glen Raven Mills recommends that Sunbrella be periodically WASHED (with a mild soap) to preserve such repelliency. Gentle *soap* (not detergent) is the key. BTW -- many of these water repellient chemicals - fluoro-phosphines (scotchguard, probably soon 303) are being or soon to be removed from the market place because of grave environmental concerns.... so you should consider to stock-up.
- Status