How to waterproof fabrics including upholstery, outdoor cushions, and your favorite outdoor jacket using a water repellant that won’t cause discoloration. Learn this simple, 10-minute method to make furnishings and fabric spill proof for easy maintenance and longevity.
When it came time to select new bar stools for the kitchen island we built, I was sweating bullets. Everything looked so fragile, so delicate, so pristine! My son is a master of disaster when it comes to food spills, stains, and general oopsies. I’m not proud of it, but at one point I honestly considered covering our new furniture in plastic.
Rather than banning everyone from the new furniture, I tested and reviewed several ways to waterproof it. The best methods are durable, spill proof, and don’t require a double boiler or wax melting. Better yet, both methods take less than 10 minutes active time!
Ready to learn the secret to spill-proof your upholstery, sports gear, rain jackets, and outdoor furniture?
What You Will Need
- The item you want to waterproof
- Drop cloth or Tarp to protect the surrounding areas
- Bucket and water to test beading
- Waterproofing Agent – read the methods to determine which product is best for you!
Fabric Wax Note: After doing some research and testing, the only all natural or food safe method I found was to melt wax such as beeswax to create a water-resistant seal. Paraffin wax is made from petroleum, so it’s not food safe. While these waxes can be useful, they will alter the look and feel of most fabrics. If you’re interested in going the natural route, check out this fabric wax product.
Method 1: Wash and Repel
This water repellant method is ideal for clothing, gloves, tarps, and other materials that can be tossed into a washer or bucket. I generally prefer this product and process for gear for rainwear, skiing, boating, motorcycles, hunting and hiking. I have not personally used it to waterproof old tent shells, but that is an option.
Which product you use will depend on what type of fabric you have.
- The hardshell protector is intended to use with items with waterproof outer layers, like a raincoat or a non-insulated tent.
- The softshell protector is intended to use with items with a smooth outer surface that have an insulating layer similar to fleece.
- There are also products specific to use with leather, suede, and canvas material.
Waterproofing Wash Directions
Step 1: Shake the washing agent well. Add to the machine and then add the garment/fabric to the machine. Don’t remove or allow the item to dry before step 2. It should be damp. If you’re handwashing, empty the bucket and wring out the excess water from the fabric.
Step 2: Shake the TX. Direct the bottle precisely into the washing machine or bucket. Wash as directed, following the same method as step 1.
Step 3: I generally prefer to air dry the items as most of them aren’t suitable for the dryer (tent covers, rain gear, etc). However, the directions state that the items can be tossed in a dryer after washing.
Quick Tip:
This can be performed in a variety of washing machines, including high efficiency machines. For HE machines, use about ⅔ the suggested amount of the cleaning “wash” and the normal amount of waterproofing wash.
Method 2: Waterproofing Spray
This method works best for items that can’t be washed such as upholstery, outdoor cushions, and tightly woven natural, twill, or cotton fabrics. I recommend this Fabric Guard repellant product because it works well. This product is safe for all fabrics and it’s easy, fast, and marine grade.
How much material with this cover? To treat 3 bar stools, I used the 16 oz bottle of this waterproofing spray, and I had about half a bottle left over. Because we’re treating cushioned, upholstered fabric, it takes more solution than a thinner tightly woven fabric like a tarp or tent. The smaller bottle would coat a medium size ottoman and several pillows. The instructions say about 40 sq feet for heavy fabrics.
What types of fabrics does this work for? This method works best for tightly woven fabrics that are used indoors or outdoors including cotton and synthetics.
Waterproofing Spray Directions
***I recommend wearing latex gloves and only spraying outdoors because of the fumes. Full sun is also best for faster drying and curing.
Step 1: Lightly spray the entire surface.
Hold the sprayer 6″ to 8″ away from your fabric. Slightly overlap each pass to ensure the entire surface is covered. The surface should be evenly damp/wet, but there’s no need to completely saturate. Let your project dry for about six- eight hours. Full sun is best for curing.
Step 2: Test
Test by pouring water on fabric. Reapply to any spots that did not fully bead once the piece dries again.
Step 3: Clean Up
When all fumes have dissipated, bring the item back in the house. I let my bar stools sit outside in full sun most of the day. It worked perfectly.
Quick Tip!
Although I didn’t experience any color change, I highly recommend testing an inconspicuous area first for any method you use.
How long does the waterproofing last?
I’ve maintained my barstools for 7 years and they’ve held up great! No stain has ever remained (including soy sauce, ketchup and hardened chocolate syrup), and I’ve never experienced any discoloration. Spills simply bead up on the fabric where I gently dab them away with a damp sponge. Even dried spills have been a breeze to clean!
I clean and respray my barstools every 8-10 months. I have also used the wash method for some rain jackets that lost their waterproofing, and it worked quite well, but I use those items far less frequently.
For those of you with messy eaters at home like me, I hope this helps!
More DIY Home Projects? Check out these posts:
Frequently Asked Questions
Both spray and wash-in methods work for outdoor fabrics. Test an inconspicuous area for color change first.
If the fabric has it’s waterproofing intact, it shouldn’t be dirty underneath the water protection. Soapy water will clean it up easily and do pay attention to the fabrics cleaning instructions label.
For work shoes made of leather, I like a quality product such as beeswax-based fabric wax. After cleaning and drying the boots, heat the surface up gently with a hair dryer (but not too hot!) and rub the wax into the fabric vigorously. Buff any excess away after it cools.
Yes! I highly recommend a good waterproofing spray like this one to make things as easy as possible.
You can waterproof a variety of fabrics, including cotton, canvas, polyester, nylon, and denim. These materials are commonly used for outdoor gear, clothing, and accessories, making them ideal for waterproofing to enhance their durability and resistance to moisture.
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Christine says
Have you used clear silicone and white spirits for the waterproofing ?
Rachel says
I have not. Unless there is something I misunderstand, I can’t imagine that either of those products would be safe on fabrics.
David johnny says
What a great way to waterproof fabric, seems like it is very easy and simple. I would like to waterproof my garden fabric chairs. Thank you very much for your article.