How to Waterproof Fabric

Waterproofing your clothing can provide much needed relief from wet conditions for campers, cyclists, hikers and any other outdoor adventurer. It can also simply provide relief from cold, damp skin on a rain day. Waterproofing often increases the lifespan and durability of your products, making the expense and effort well worth it. It can save money in the long run, not only in replacing damp, rotted products, but also in avoiding illnesses associated with overexposure to damp environments.

Things You'll Need

• Silicone waterproofing spray
• Cardboard (optional)
• Newspaper (optional)

Instructions

1. Find an outdoor spot for waterproofing your fabrics. You should not use waterproofing spray indoors because the fumes are very strong and dangerous if inhaled. You also don't want to get the waterproofing spray on your regular household items.

2. Lay a few sheets of newspaper down on the ground or on any flat surface. This is especially helpful for small fabrics like shirts, shoes or hats. If you are waterproofing larger items, like tents or awnings, you can skip this step.

3. Place pieces of cardboard in between overlapping fabrics. For example, if you are waterproofing a T-shirt, place a piece of cardboard, like the side of an old box, inside the shirt. This will keep the spray from seeping onto other layers of the fabric. This step is optional, but helps provide a more consistent coat of waterproofing.

4. Spray silicone waterproofing spray over the fabric from a distance of about 6 inches, in long, sweeping motions. Do not linger on one area of the fabric for too long or you will create an uneven, drip-like spot.

5. Allow the spray to dry/cure as per the manufacturer's instructions. All sprays are a little different, and times vary. Once the section you have been working on dries completely, turn the fabric over and treat the other side.

Tips & Warnings

• Waterproofing spray can usually be found in the camping section of department stores or near the adhesives in hardware stores.

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish
• Buy Waterproofing Spray