Re: Spray for boat cover for slipperiness?
Thanks, I was going to try that but . . .
I just came across this site on Google that says not to use silicone on Acrylic:
Mine is: reflective polyester which is stated on the box but nothing metioned in the instruction sheet on what type of spray to hit it with? Just says don't use soap to clean it.
Waterproofing or Re-Waterproofing Canvas
Conventional cotton canvas typically doesn't need waterproofing; its waterproofing characteristics arise from the way the cotton fibers swell when they get wet. The swollen fibers seal the canvas weave. So classic cotton canvas does fine without any special waterproofing. But cotton canvas isn't used on recreational boats much anymore, as it tends to mildew and can be damaged too easily by bird droppings and similar debris. Most marine canvas today is made of a woven acrylic or vinyl-coated polyester.
The popular Sunbrella canvas, for example, is a tight-weave acrylic. It is breathable, which helps it resist mildew better, and it holds up better under damaging UV rays. It also has better resistance to stains But acrylic canvas needs a special chemical treatment to give it the needed water repellancy, and the chemical treatment can lose effectiveness over time, particularly if the canvas is cleaned with detergents, or scrubbed vigorously. Acrylic canvas used on boats is likely to start losing its waterproof characteristics after a few years — the owner's maintenance of the canvas and where the boat is kept and stored can make a big difference in how long the initial waterproofing lasts.
Acrylic canvas such as Sunbrella can be re-waterproofed, but it is important to use the right type of formula. Never use a silicone-based agent on acrylic canvas. The factory waterproofing uses a fluorocarbon, which is incompatible with silicone, and it would result in a patchy and ineffective waterproofing.
Fluoropolymer and petroleum waterproofing agents are the best agents to use to re-waterproof your canvas. These agents are compatible with the original treatment, and they provide excellent, long-lasting results.
Preparing Your Canvas For Waterproofing
Before applying any waterproofing spray or compound to your canvas, wash the canvas thoroughly first. Then rinse it thoroughly, then let it air dry thoroughly. If possible, it's better to remove the canvas from the boat, because some waterproofing formulas are capable of damaging your boat's gelcoat finish. If you can't remove the canvas, then be sure to cover all boat surfaces around the canvas. You'll also want to protect any isinglass or zippers in the canvas itself; removing the isinglass is best, but at least cover it with foil or plastic sheets, and be very careful to avoid getting any of the waterproof spray on the zippers.
Whatever canvas waterproofing product you choose, be sure to test it on an inconspicuous bit of the canvas first, to make sure it doesn't cause any color changes in the canvas. Most of the canvas waterproofing sprays on the market will work fine on your canvas, but it's better to be safe than sorry.
Start Spraying
When you're finally ready start applying the waterproofing, follow the manufacturer's directions carefully. Most sprays call for two light coats, with the second coat applied perpendicular to the first. Don't overspray; the canvas doesn't need to be drenched and dripping. A light coat covering the entire surface is fine.
Let the canvas dry thoroughly, according the time specified in the instructions that came with the spray. Your canvas should now be completely waterproof again. This type of treatment should least you at least a year, possibly more, depending on how you use, maintain, and store your boat and canvas. You can re-apply waterproofing treatment again when needed.
