Ok, they're clean now so what do I waterproof them with?

[CharlieCobra]

When I bought "Oh Joy", she came with a full set of covers and boom tents. They were horribly stained and mildewed. Having just bought a new LG washer and dryer, I washed them. The difference is startling. They look brand new, no mold, mildew, rust or oil stains. However, what do I spray them with to help them regain their water resistance?

[swadiver]

I use multiple applications of Scotch Guard which you can buy at any Home Depot.

Scott
Catalina 30 - Namaste

[jboatjack]

Having just bought a new LG washer and dryer, I washed them. The difference is startling. They look brand new, no mold, mildew, rust or oil stains.

Why bother with sprays? If you cleaned them up once than why not just clean them up again without a lot of sprays and chemicals?

[Faster]

IIRC the manufacturer recommends 303 Fabric Guard (also a 3m product, if I'm not mistaken)

Washing sunbrella in strong detergent breaks it down so regular trips through the washing machine are not recommended unless you are using Woolite as opposed to a true detergent.

Water will eventually wick through if the detergent-washed fabric is not treated afterwards.

[CharlieCobra]

I used an HE detergent and wanted to waterproof them so they keep water off the sails. Thanks for the responses.

[Valiente]

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

http://www.seattlefabrics.com/waterproofing.html

http://continuouswave.com/ubb/Forum3/HTML/007888.html

[bestfriend]

There are some treatments that are actually wash-in treatments. Just add it to the wash. You can by them at REI, although I am not sure how much better they are than spraying scotch guard or similar.

[blt2ski]

The wash in type is typically for breathable type fabrics like gor-tex or equal. Spray ons work well too. probably better for heavier fabrics like sail covers etc.

Personally, I would try to web browse sunbrella's sight and see if they recommend a particular product, if any at all. or tents, I have found the spray on silicone based products work best, or coats that are not breathable style fabrics. or my carhart work coat and vest.

I gave up on scotch guard yrs even a decade or two ago. never found it to work waterproofing wise, but did keep stains off! That is my experienc with it.

Marty

[sailingdog]

The newer formulations of ScotchGuard aren't as effective due to changes in their formulation. IIRC, they changed the formulation due to EPA restrictions on some of the old ingredients.

[Valiente]

ScotchGard is ridiculously toxic on the atmosphere...its main ingredient is (or was) a type of CFC.

http://www.chemicalindustryarchives....otchgard/1.asp