Clean and waterproof covers - How?

[tmh]

OK, I have a 19' open bow so i have a cockpit cover and a bow cover, both Sunbrella fabric i think. One is new last season, the other 20 yrs. old but patched/fixed last season, along with waterproffing by the canvas shop. So, before this season starts i want to clean them and re-waterproof i think. Cleaning I have seen many threads on so I know what I want to do. I think i'll just use Woolite in a small garbage can of water. My covers aren't too filthy so I think just swooshing them around in the can a bit will clean them fine without having to find a large washing machine to do them in.

How do i waterproof? After cleaning, i assume I let them dry completely, likely the last bit snapped on the boat for shrinkage control. Then, do I just spray the outside surface with waterproof stuff? Do I spray BOTH sides? Brush it on? Do I kind of soak them in it in maybe a small garbage can with a gallon of waterproof stuff?

Lastly, please recommend what "stuff" to use for waterproofing.

 

[bjcsc]

Re: Clean and waterproof covers - How?

For waterproofing, I use 3M Scotchbrite Outdoor...sprayed on outside in several coats...

 

[elwopo]

Re: Clean and waterproof covers - How?

I've used stuff from WalMart. Don't remember the name (and I'm not at home to look) but it was sold in the camping section and has a bright neon orange top on the spray can. Worked amazingly well on a boat cover.

 

[tmh]

Re: Clean and waterproof covers - How?

I've used stuff from WalMart. Don't remember the name (and I'm not at home to look) but it was sold in the camping section and has a bright neon orange top on the spray can. Worked amazingly well on a boat cover.

OK, thanks. Sprayed on one side or both?

 

[scoutabout]

Re: Clean and waterproof covers - How?

I wish I had done some research into cleaning. I spread my bimini out on the deck last year, mixed up a bucketful of Tide liquid detergent and water, sloshed it on, then went at it (gently) with a boat brush. When I rinsed it all off I was horrified to see white streaks where the blue had been bleached right out. The detergent didn't say there was a bleaching agent that I could see. Damn I was pi$$ed at myself.

 

[elwopo]

Re: Clean and waterproof covers - How?

OK...got home and grabbed one of my 12 cans (cleaned out wally world when I saw how good it worked).
It's called Silicone Water-Guard and it's made by Sno-Seal brand. Other name on the can is atsko inc. www.atsko.com

I'd never do both sides. You want one side breathable. Seal the side that the moisture comes from. If you miss a spot or it's thin or...anything...in the top and moisture gets through it can be trapped if you do the backside as well.

 

[The Great Escape II]

Re: Clean and waterproof covers - How?

Go to Sunbrella's website they have VERY specific instructions on how to clean, protect and water proof they products. Here is the link.

http://www.sunbrella.com/eu/en/marine.pl