Bimini waterproofing

[wmiii]

I have iust taken my bimini down for repairs and thought I would waterproof it while off.
What is the best and easiest product to use?

Thanks

[TrueBlue]

In my prior boats with dodgers & aft enclosures, I used a fluoropolymer-based spray on acrylic Sunbrella fabic. In lieu of spending more at a marine supply store (West Marine), get it cheaper at a department store (WalMart/Sears) selling camping gear.

Make sure you clean the fabric with soap & water and dry thoroughly before spraying . . . on a very calm day. Don Casey has a good article on the subject and cautions against using silicone on acrylic:

http://www.boatus.com/boattech/casey/22.htm

Steve,
TrueBlue, Nauticat 33
Pilothouse Motorsailer

[PaulBl]

when you take it off to wash just be sure to be gentle.

Mty canvas guy says the 3M Water Repelant spray is about as good as anything else. I have redone mine the last time I washed my canvas. Lightly spray a few coats on the canvas letting it dry in between. You will need a few spray cans to complete the job, Just one won''t do more than your average sized cloth rain coat.

303 Spray protectant is also good over the top of that. It does not add anything to water proofness but will add a layer of UV protection. In the end UV claims all canvas. The 303 spray really works well in extending the life of all canvas. You don''t always need to use soap every time you clean canvas, but if you do you need to respray.