re-waterproof cover?

[Duncan]

My Rankin cover (predecessor to Evolution covers) is from 2009. I have never re-done the water resist/proof coating. I need to give it a good wash this Spring and would like to give it a coating.

Any thoughts whether to do so? If so, product/brand suggestions?

[chpthril]

In the past, I have washed the covers in a front-load machine with Tec-wash. Let air dry, then lay out inside out. Clean pump up garden sprayer and a gallon of the 3M marine canopy waterproofer and coat the cover to the point of puddling. Let dry.

[wired1236]

In the past, I have washed the covers in a front-load machine with Tec-wash. Let air dry, then lay out inside out. Clean pump up garden sprayer and a gallon of the 3M marine canopy waterproofer and coat the cover to the point of puddling. Let dry.

Dido on the 3M. Have never put in the washer though.

Sent from my GT-P5113 using Tapatalk

[Hula Boat Care]

You may want to check out Bimini Topp.
These guys specialize in fabric tops for cars and boats and have all the approvals from the largest manufacturers of these kinds of fabrics.
We have seen them on use and they provide great results.

[Duncan]

I am going to use this 303 Waterproofing Protectant. I will report back next month.

[JLG]

I am going to use this 303 Waterproofing Protectant. I will report back next month.

Have you had the chance to use your cover with moisture on it? Was wondering how well the 303 did as I know they make great products just a little more pricey than other brands. I was wanting to redo my cover with sealant and was just now researching so am curios of results.

[jrj701]

Have you had the chance to use your cover with moisture on it? Was wondering how well the 303 did as I know they make great products just a little more pricey than other brands. I was wanting to redo my cover with sealant and was just now researching so am curios of results.

Happened to be talking to someone the other day that used the 303 and he said it did a great job. Haven't tried it myself, just passing it along.

[laserfish]

Found this interesting:
http://www.myboatstore.com/scotchguard.asp

[JLG]

Found this interesting:
http://www.myboatstore.com/scotchguard.asp

Thanks for the info that is great info to have. My current boat cover is on its last leg anyway so the water repellant is the last step to preserving it before I have to order another one. It is worn down enough that any part that touches the boat leaks so I am wanting to seal in and hope that prolongs the cover.

[Ewok]

Lots of products to try, the new product Never Wet seems like a good option to try but it leaves the fabric rough and scratchy. I would look into the manufacturers recommendation for the fabric in question, not the crew that put the cover together but the original manufacturer of the fabric. Here is what Sunbrella says about caring for their fabric from their website:

http://www.sunbrella.com/en_us/how/c...ops-covers.php

Sunbrella Marine Tops and Covers

One of the best ways to keep Sunbrella® fabrics looking good and to delay the need for deep or vigorous cleaning is to hose fabrics off on a monthly basis with clear water. This helps prevent dirt from becoming deeply embedded in the fabric and eliminate the need for more frequent vigorous cleaning. In most environments, a thorough cleaning will be needed every two to three years.

When it’s time for a thorough cleaning, Sunbrella fabrics can be cleaned while still on a boat or, size permitting, they can be removed for cleaning in a washing machine or dock side.

Download the Marine tops and covers cleaning (pdf)
General or light cleaning

To clean Sunbrella while still on a boat, follow these simple steps:

Brush off loose dirt.
Hose down.
Prepare a cleaning solution of water and mild soap such as Woolite or Dawn dishwashing liquid.
Use a soft bristle brush to clean.
Allow cleaning solution to soak into the fabric.
Rinse thoroughly until all soap residue is removed.
Air dry.
May not require re-treatment depending on the age of the fabric.

If stubborn stains persist, you can use a diluted bleach/soap mixture for spot cleaning of mildew, roof run-off or other similar stains (see our Stain chart for specific recommendations).
Heavy cleaning for stubborn stains and mildew

Sunbrella fabric does not promote mildew growth, however, mildew may grow on dirt and other foreign substances that are not removed from the fabric. To clean stubborn stains:

Prepare a solution of 1 cup bleach and 1/4 cup mild soap per gallon of clean water.
Soak affected area in solution for 15 minutes.
Remove stain with a sponge or clean towel.
Rinse thoroughly to remove all soap residue.
Air dry.

View the Sunbrella fabric Stain chart.

Remember to protect the area around your Sunbrella fabric if using a bleach solution. Carpet or other fabrics that are not Sunbrella may have an adverse reaction to the bleach.

If a boat cover is suitable in size for a washing machine, these steps should be followed:

Use mild soap.
For heavier stains add 1 cup of bleach to wash.
Wash and rinse in cold water.
Air dry. Never apply heat to Sunbrella.
Re-treatment for water and stain resistance will be necessary after machine washing.

Re-treating the fabric

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. Based on test results,
Glen Raven recommends 303 High Tech Fabric Guard™ as the preferred re-treatment product for Sunbrella fabrics. Fabrics should be re-treated after thorough cleaning or after five years of use.
Applying 303 High Tech 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 15-ounce bottle provides coverage of up to 50 square feet of fabric.

For more information, please visit www.303products.com.
Professional cleaners

You may have access to professional cleaning firms. In evaluating the services of a professional firm, you should inquire about a firm’s experience in working with Sunbrella fabrics and knowledge of cleaning and re-treatment requirements. DO NOT dry clean Sunbrella fabrics.
Helpful hints

Protect the area around the Sunbrella fabric when using a bleach solution – bleach may discolor non-Sunbrella fabrics. Always rinse Sunbrella thoroughly to completely remove bleach.

Please be aware of the environment when cleaning with bleach. Bleach can have harmful effects on the natural environment around you. We do not advise using bleach if you are surrounded by a body of water or other environment that could be affected.

Sunbrella air dries very quickly. Machine drying is not necessary for Sunbrella fabrics.

If fabric has some wrinkling, use an iron, if necessary, but only on the synthetic setting. As some irons exceed the recommended temperature on the synthetic setting, test a small inconspicuous area before ironing entire piece.

DO NOT use a steamer or iron set to steam setting.

Use of bleach and/or advanced age of the fabric application may impact the deterioration of the sewing thread and other non-Sunbrella components.