Waterproofing is the process of protecting an object from water damage by applying a protective coating. The article below will talk about some of the best waterproofing sprays available in 2022 and what they do to help protect your outdoor gear.
We’ll also discuss which features are important when looking for a suitable product, as well as review our top picks.
Table of Contents
Quick Recommendation
| RANK | PICTURE | NAME | RATING | SHOPS |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Best Overall |  |
Rust-Oleum NeverWet
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| Best Budget |  |
KIWI Camp Dry Heavy Duty
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| Most Versatile |  |
303 Fabric Guard
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| Editor Choice |  |
Nikwax Nubuck and Suede Proof
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|
Rust-Oleum NeverWet
Price: 17.7$
Surfaces: Leather, Suede, Shoes, Canvas, and more
Drying time: 1-3 hours
Bottle volume: 325ml
What we Like: Easy to use and dries quickly
What we Don’t: Not all fabrics react well with the product, can leave a white residue on some surfaces
Review: Rust-Oleum NeverWet is great for protecting against water damage caused by rain or snow. It may also work as an alternative to Scotchgard if applied correctly.
The product has a fairly quick drying time and can be applied to most surfaces. It works well with fabrics that are not waterproof, such as cotton or polyester/nylon blends, but may leave a white residue if used on dark fabric colors. One of the best things about this spray is how easy it is to use.
Nikwax TX.Direct
Price: 20.61$
Surfaces: Technical Clothing, Synthetic Sleeping bags, Leather, Tents
Bottle volume: 500ml
Drying time: Several Minutes
What we Like: Provides an excellent waterproofing effect, can be applied to most fabrics
What we Like: Suitable for many surfaces, Increase ventilation, Does not contain dangerous substances, Does not create unpleasant odors
What We Don’t Like: Not as effective as other sprays
Review: Nikwax TX. Direct Spray-On is a waterproofing spray suitable for use on many different surfaces. It is also one of the few sprays that do not contain harmful substances and do not produce an unpleasant odor.
The spray provides a good waterproofing effect and can be applied to most fabrics. However, it is not as effective as some of the other sprays on our list. However, it makes up for this with other benefits, such as its lack of harmful substances and unpleasant odor.
303 Fabric Guard
Price: $33.99
Surfaces: Upholstery, Cushions, Umbrellas, Jackets, Suede, Canvas, and other outdoor fabrics
Drying time: 6-12 hours
Bottle volume: 946ml Ke: Easy to use, High performance, Contains no poisons
What we Like – Easy to use, High performance, Contains no poisons
What We Don’t Like: Long dry time, High price
Review: 303 Fabric Guard is an easy-to-use, high-performance product that will keep your fabrics looking and feeling great. 303 Fabric Guard not only waterproofs and protects against UV damage, but it also inhibits the growth of mold and mildew.
The bottle features a trigger sprayer for ease of application, and the product is safe to use on all types of fabrics, including suede, canvas, and other outdoor fabrics. The only downside is the long drying time; it can take up to 12 hours for 303 Fabric Guard to completely dry. However, the high price is well worth it for a product that delivers such excellent results.
Scotchgard Water and Sun Shield
Price: $9.98
Surfaces: Patio furniture, Patio umbrellas, Grill covers, tarps, flags, Boat covers, and more
Drying time: 2 – 4 hours
Bottle volume: 10.5 Ounce
What we Like: Low Price, Good water resistance, Affordable, Contains no poisons
What We Don’t Like: The spray is not smooth
Summary: Scotchgard is a brand that is known for its water and sun shield, which can be used on many different surfaces. This product provides good water resistance at a low price, making it affordable for most people.
In addition, Scotchgard does not contain any poisons, so it will be safe to use around the house. However, the spray from the nozzle is not as smooth, and it may be difficult to cover all the desired areas.
Star Brite Stain Repellant
Price: $58.99
Surfaces: Boat Covers, Car Covers, Bimini-Tops, Sail covers, Tents, Jackets, Backpacks, Boots, Awnings, and Patio covers
Drying time: An hour in direct sunlight
Bottle volume: 128 Ounces
What we Like: High capacity, Good waterproof, Sunscreen, Does not cause gas, Does not affect color and texture
What We Don’t Like: High Price
Review: Star Brite’s Stain Repellant is a high-capacity waterproof spray that can be used on many surfaces. In addition, this product also contains sunscreen to help protect the surface from UV rays. And unlike other products that cause gas, Star Brite’s Stain Repellant will not have any negative effects on color or texture. The only downside is that this product has a relatively high price.
KIWI Camp Dry Heavy Duty
Price: $25.85
Surfaces: Tents, Tarps, Boots, Leather, Outdoor Gear, Boat covers, and Patio Furniture
Drying time: 24-48 hours
Bottle volume: 12 Ounce
What we Like: Long-lasting protection, Multi-Surface, High Performance
What We Don’t Like: Not smooth sprayer head, Long dry time
Review: KIWI Camp Dry Heavy Duty is a versatile water repellant that can be used on many surfaces. It provides high performance and long-lasting protection. The only downside is that the sprayer head is not smooth and the product can take up to 48 hours to dry.
KIWI Boot Protector
Price: $13.22
Surfaces: Leather
Drying time: 24-48 hours
Bottle volume: 12 Ounces
What we Like: Easy to spray, High Performance
What We Don’t Like: Long dry time
Review: KIWI Boot Protector is a specialized waterproof spray for the skin surface to create a tough silicone protective layer that water jets can hardly penetrate.
Kiwi Boot Protector is very easy to spray, and it forms a high-performance protective layer. The only downside to this product is that it has a long dry time.
Collonil Carbon Pro Waterproofing
Price: $18.05-$21.99
Surfaces: Boots, Leather, Suede, and Textiles
Drying time: 2-3 hours
Bottle volume: 300-400ml
What we Like: New Carbon Fiber Technology, Suitable for Many Surfaces, High performance
What We Don’t Like: The spray is not smooth
Review: Collonil Carbon Pro Waterproofing possesses modern waterproofing capabilities with all-new carbon-fiber technology that allows for a denser protective net but still provides impressive ventilation. So this product is very suitable for wearable items such as garments and shoes.
More specifically, the bottle design of Collonil Carbon Pro Waterproofing allows the spray to be sprayed more strongly, thereby better protecting the surface. However, the spray is not very smooth.
Nikwax Nubuck and Suede Proof
Price: $10.75
Surfaces: Leather, Synthetic
Drying time: 10-15 minutes
Bottle volume: 125ml
What we Like: Low Price, Suitable for Synthetics, High performance, Contains no poisons, Odorless
What We Don’t Like: Can slightly increase leather color density, Bottle Volume too Small
Review: Nikwax Nubuck and Suede Proof Waterproofing is a great choice for protection from water to outwear fabric that contains special construction. This product can create a high-performance waterproof barrier on the surface so that water will not penetrate it.
In addition, this product is also odorless and contains no poisons. However, this product can slightly increase the color density of leather.
Grangers Performance Repel Plus
Price: $10.75
Surfaces: Leather, Suede, Textiles
Drying time: 10-15 minutes
Bottle volume: 275ml
What we Like: Easy to spray, Creates smooth surface, Suitable for many surfaces, High performance, Maximizes Breathability, Eco Friendly
What We Don’t Like: The spray is not smooth
Review: Grangers Performance Repel Plus is a high-performance waterproof coating that can be used on many surfaces. It contains special technology that can create a smooth surface on the fabric. In addition, this product also maximizes breathability and is eco-friendly.
How To Choose a Waterproof Spray
- Type of Surface: The first step in choosing a waterproof spray is to consider the type of surface you are coating. There are many different types of waterproof sprays available on the market, so you need to find the right one for your needs. If you are coating a porous surface like wood
- Protection Performance: When looking for a waterproof spray, you need to consider the protection performance of the product. The higher the protection performance, the more water, and weatherproof your product will be.
- Ease of Use: Some waterproof sprays are easier to use than others. If you have a large project or one that requires a lot of precision, you need to find a product that is easy to use.
- Breathability: Not all waterproof sprays are created equal. Some products are designed to be breathable, while others are not. If you need a product that will allow your surface to “breath,” you need to find a product that is specifically designed for that purpose.
- Drying Time: If you are in a rush, you need to find a waterproof spray that dries quickly. Some sprays dry immediately while others take hours or even days to dry.
- Ingredients and Safety: When looking for a waterproof spray, you also need to consider the ingredients and safety of the product. Some products contain harmful chemicals while others are environmentally friendly.
- Extra features: There are also some extra features to consider when choosing a waterproof spray. Some products offer you more protection than others and come with added benefits like UV protection.
- Cost: Last but not least, you need to consider the cost of the product before making a purchase. Waterproof sprays can vary in price, so you need to find one that is within your budget.
Note: Be aware of Potential Fabric Alteration – Some waterproof sprays can cause fabrics to stiffen or change color. If you are using spray-on clothing or other fabric items, be sure to perform a small-scale test before coating an entire garment.
Type of Surface: For Gear or For Clothing
There are two basic types of waterproofing sprays available on the market – gear, and clothing. Gear-based waterproofing sprays work best on non-porous surfaces like metal, plastic, or rubber. They are designed to provide a watertight seal and prevent moisture from entering the material. Clothing-based waterproofing sprays are designed to protect the fabric from moisture and weather. They work by coating the fabric with a water repellant and preventing water from penetrating the material.
Aerosol vs Spray Bottles
When looking for a waterproofing spray, you will also need to decide if you want an aerosol or a spray bottle.
- Aerosol-based waterproofing sprays are easy to use and provide a thick, even coat. However, they can be harmful to the environment and should not be used in enclosed spaces.
- Spray bottle-based waterproofing sprays are more difficult to use, but they are less harmful to the environment. They also allow you to apply a thinner coat, which is ideal for precision work.
Silicone vs Non-Silicone-Based Sprays
The silicone-based spray is the most common type of water repellant and is available in both aerosol and spray bottle form. It is known for its long-lasting protection and durability. However, it can be harmful to the environment and should not be used near food.
The non-silicone-based sprays are less common, but they are becoming more popular because they are environmentally friendly. However, they do not offer the same level of protection as silicone-based sprays and can wear off more quickly.
How do Waterproofing Sprays Work?
Waterproofing sprays work by creating a barrier between the material and the environment. This barrier prevents water from penetrating the surface, which keeps your material dry. The type of waterproofing spray you choose will depend on the type of surface you are coating and the level of protection you need.
Alternatives to Waterproofing Sprays
If you are looking for an environmentally-friendly way to waterproof your gear or clothing, there are several alternatives available.
One option is to use a water repellant wax. This is a natural product that can be applied to most materials. It is durable and provides long-lasting protection. It will seal the surface and protect it from water, but waxes are not as effective at repelling oil-based liquids.
Another option is to apply beeswax. This is a natural product that will protect your material from water without altering its color or texture. It can be applied to most materials, and it is durable and long-lasting.
If you are looking for a waterproofing spray that is environmentally friendly, non-toxic, and biodegradable, look for a silicone-based spray. This spray is designed to protect the fabric from water without altering its color or texture. It is non-toxic and biodegradable, making it a better option for the environment.
Whichever type of waterproofing spray you choose, be sure to check the manufacturer’s instructions before use.
How to Re-Waterproof Your Gear
Inevitably, the waterproof layer on the gear will gradually peel off, even with the best waterproofing spray. This occurs because exposure to UV light breaks down the protective layer over time.
The good news is that it’s not difficult to re-waterproof your gear or clothing, which will protect it from future moisture damage. To re-waterproof your gear, simply follow the steps below:
- Inspect: The first step is to inspect your gear for any signs of damage. If your gear is damaged, it will not be waterproof.
- Clean: The next step is to clean the surface of your gear. This will remove any dirt or debris that may prevent the spray from sticking.
- Apply: Once the surface is clean, you can apply the waterproof spray. Apply a thin coat to both sides of your gear and allow it to dry before use.
- Re-apply: Once the waterproof spray wears off, you will need to reapply another coating. Check manufacturer’s instructions for reapplication times.
- Storage: Finally, if possible, store your gear in an environment where it is protected from moisture. This will help prevent the waterproofing spray from wearing off.
FAQ
Q. Can the waterproofing spray damage the shoes?
A. It is important to check the manufacturer’s instructions before using a waterproofing spray. Some sprays can damage certain materials, so it is important to know what type of spray you are using and how to use it properly.
Q. Is the waterproofing spray washable?
A. Most waterproofing sprays are washable, but you should always check the manufacturer’s instructions for specific information.
Q. What is a good alternative to waterproofing spray?
A: There are several alternatives to waterproofing sprays, including water-repellant waxes and beeswax. These products are natural and environmentally friendly. They will protect your shoes and gear from water without altering their color or texture.
Q. How long will the waterproofing spray last?
A: This will depend on the type of spray and how you use it.
Q.Do you need to spray waterproof boots?
A: Yes, you should always apply a waterproofing spray before using boots in any weather.
Q.Does waterproof spray expire?
A: Yes, waterproofing sprays have an expiration date. Be sure to check the manufacturer’s instructions for information on how long the spray will last.
Q. How often should you spray your shoes?
A: This will depend on how often you use your shoes and the type of spray you are using. Be sure to check the manufacturer’s instructions before using your shoes in any weather.
Q. What is the best type of waterproofing spray?
A: The best types of sprays will depend on the material you are coating and the level of protection you need. It is important to check the manufacturer’s instructions before using a waterproofing spray. Some sprays can damage certain materials, so it is important to know what type of spray you are using and how to use it properly.
Q.Is waterproofing spray safe/toxic?
A: It is important to check the manufacturer’s instructions before using a waterproofing spray. Some sprays can be toxic, so it is important to know what type of spray you are using and how to use it properly.
Q. How long does waterproofing take to dry?
A: This will depend on the type of spray you are using and how you apply it. Be sure to check the manufacturer’s instructions.
