Canvas Waterproofing?

[Escapade]

Trying to be pro-active before the season. Looking for best practice on waterproofing our camper top.
Have you any good suggestions? Thanks Mike

 

[Quint4]

303 fabric guard......and 303 vinyl protectant for your seats.

 

[brewster16]

303.....absolutely

 

[Westie]

303 fabric guard it's what Sunbrella recommends

http://www.sunbrella.com/en_us/how/cleaning/marine-tops-covers.php

http://www.goldeagle.com/product/303-fabric-guard

it's available at many places/

 

[ZZ13]

I used to use the 303 fabric guard until I discovered the Starbrite stuff works just as well for half the price.

 

[fwebster]

Glen Raven Mills, the maker of Sunbrella uses a proprietary bonding agent in its finishing process that binds the fibers of Sunbrella together to make it repel water. This is a very long lasting repellancy method. Starbrite may be cheaper but it is solvent based and it diluted the bonding agent that Sunbrella's maker developed. You can use it, but you destroy the fabric's natural ability to shed water. Once you start with Starbrite, it is a process that you must re-apply regularly or it will rain as hard under the canvas as it does on top. The only product Glen Raven recommends for retreatment of Sunbrella is 303 Fabric Guard.


From Glen Raven Mills:
"As part of the finishing process, Sunbrella fabrics are treated with a fluorocarbon finish, which enhances water repellency. This finish is designed to last for several years,
but must be replenished after a thorough cleaning. Glen Raven® recommends 303® Fabric GuardTM as the preferred re-treatment product for Sunbrella fabrics.
Fabrics should be re-treated after thorough cleaning or as needed.
For more information, visit www.303products.com.

APPLYING 303 FABRIC GUARD
303 should be applied to Sunbrella fabrics after each thorough cleaning, which typically removes the original finish and reduces the fabric’s
water repellency.
• Clean Sunbrella fabric, using one of the cleaning methods. • Allow Sunbrella to completely air dry.
• Apply 303 Fabric Guard in a well ventilated area
following instructions on the container.
• Apply 303 in a thin, even coat and allow fabric to dry completely. • Apply a second thin, even coating of 303. (Two light
coatings are more effective in restoring fabric water
resistance than a single heavy coating.)
Note: A 16-ounce bottle provides coverage of up to 75-100 square feet of fabric depending on material and application method."

 

[sandydlc]

303 fabric guard......and 303 vinyl protectant for your seats.

Oh good - I just bought both of these! Haven't used them yet. Any recommendations on applying them?

 

[ZZ13]

Well it didn't say that on the Starbrite bottle, Frank.

Thanks for enlightening me once again.

 

[Woody]

Well it didn't say that on the Starbrite bottle, Frank.

Thanks for enlightening me once again.

I wonder what this means,
APPLYING 303 FABRIC GUARD
303 should be applied to Sunbrella fabrics after each thorough cleaning, which typically removes the original finish and reduces the fabric’s water repellency.

 

[Almightys]

303products are cheap on Amazon especially if you have prime and or subscribe and save. Sometimes they even have 20 to 30% off coupons

 

[Creekwood]

I used Starbrite on my last boat. It did work well, but I think it did actually ruin the 303 base coating in the sunbrella. It had to be reapplied twice a year to maintain full effectiveness. I also found it softened the fabric.

I also used it on the carpet covers. VERY bad idea. Starbrite is very slippery. It made the carpet covers dangerous.

 

[Wet Dogggg]

303 as well. I even use the stuff on our ski clothing.

 

[BillK2632]

I've used the StarBrite some in the past, but went back to 303. Also +1 on 303 Vinyl protector. I just cleaned all my seat cushions, Spary Nine with a stiff brush and a rinse followed by 303 - my 16yr old seats still look great.

 

[bbwhitejr]

+1 on both 303 products. Our camper canvas is only exposed to the elements maybe 5-6 times/season. I always make sure it is dry and carefully put away after each use. I have found that a good cleaning and the 2-light coats of 303 will last 2 years. It does an amazing job!

Also use it on the cockpit carpet and carpet runners for the cabin! I use the 303 vinyl protectant on all of our vinyl as well as the black carpet backing. All are still new looking!

I also watch eBay and just bought a 32 oz bottle for $19 and free shipping!

Bennett

 

[dpmulvey]

303 on the canvas. Malco PB2 to dress the vinyls.

 

[Black Valkyrie]

303 did not seem to work for ours

 

[dpmulvey]

303 did not seem to work for ours

How old is the canvas? I've heard of this before. The new owner put several coats of 303 on before it "took". The canvas had been somewhat neglected.

 

[Escapade]

Thanks for the input. We have used 303 on previous vessel with acceptable results. I was searching to learn of any new product. I will be off to West Marine Saturday am for 303. Thanks for the replies.

 

[tcason]

I pour the 303 into this sprayer and find I can apply a finer spray multiple coats and my hand is not sore from squeezing the trigger.
Solo 420 2-Liter One-Hand Pressure Sprayer

I learned this from this forum a few years back

http://www.amazon.com/420-2-Liter-O...8&qid=1459524958&sr=8-5&keywords=solo+sprayer

 

[sandydlc]

I pour the 303 into this sprayer and find I can apply a finer spray multiple coats and my hand is not sore from squeezing the trigger.
Solo 420 2-Liter One-Hand Pressure Sprayer

I learned this from this forum a few years back

http://www.amazon.com/420-2-Liter-O...8&qid=1459524958&sr=8-5&keywords=solo+sprayer

The guy from Fisheries Supply that sold me the 303 said to make sure not to get the canvas protectant on the isinglass. Is this sprayer accurate enough to be able to avoid the isinglass?

Thanks,
Sandy