WATERPROOFING SUNBRELLA

[JIM SMILEY]

THE SUNBRELLA CLOTH ON MY DODGER NEEDS TO BE RE-WATERPROOFED. WHAT'S THE BEST STUFF AVIALABLE?



SMILEYJ@COFC.EDU

[Mike Everett]

THE SUNBRELLA CLOTH ON MY DODGER NEEDS TO BE RE-WATERPROOFED. WHAT'S THE BEST STUFF AVIALABLE?

I have no idea if this is the best, but it's quick and easy: a spray can of 3M Scotch-guard. I also use this on canvas coats, felt hats, any fabric that I might wear in the rain. One can ought to last for a couple times of spraying a dodger.



everett@megalink.net

[Walt Bilofsky]

THE SUNBRELLA CLOTH ON MY DODGER NEEDS TO BE RE-WATERPROOFED. WHAT'S THE BEST STUFF AVIALABLE?

An article in Powerboat Reports (Sept. '97) compared seven water repellent sprays. Their conclusions:

1) Avoid silicone-based products. Silicone seals dirt in, and can degrade Sunbrella which uses a fluorocarbon repellent.

2) Scotch Gard was disappointing - it got a "Poor" rating on Sunbrella.

3) The best product they tested was 303, with Apseal almost as good at half the price. Both rated "Excellent" on Sunbrella, and are recommended by Sunbrella's manufacturer. Apseal, also marketed as Uniseal, is hard to find. Phone numbers: 303 Products: 800-223-4303. Apseal: ETI Inc, 800-767-2726.

BTW Powerboat Reports is published by the same people that do Practical Sailor. Subscriptions: 800-829-9086.

- Walt Bilofsky



bilofsky@toolworks.com

[Larry DeMers]

THE SUNBRELLA CLOTH ON MY DODGER NEEDS TO BE RE-WATERPROOFED. WHAT'S THE BEST STUFF AVIALABLE?

I have no idea if this is the best, but it's quick and easy: a spray can of 3M Scotch-guard.

...Do not use 3M Scotch Guard on Sunbrella..it simply does not hold up for any length of time. This product was intended to aid in stain-proofing interior fabric, and was not intended to be applied as a waterproofing agent. It is not UV proof either. In my testing of this product, I sprayed three (yup..3) cans of the stuff on my dodger canvas and within the month, it was not possible to even tell that I had done it. In the end, I was unsuccessful in finding a waterproofing agent, so the canvas was replaced (most of the stitching was in need of replacement also..it was 13 years old after all.;^) ).

Larry DeMers
S/V DeLaMer
Cape Dory 30 ~~~~~~~~Sailing Lake Superior~~~~~~~~~~



demers@cray.com

[Jon Larson]

My dodger on PERI is now 15 years old and I've had it restitched twice and new windows put in. It's not leaking as yet, but the signs are there that it's wearing in some places. I asked my local sailmaker about making up a new one, his comment was to totally replace the whole dodger as he'd never be able to redo the fit built into the current one on the current frame.

Has anybody in the Bay Area had new canvas made for an existing dodger, and how did things work out, and who did it?

Thanks,

Jon Larson
Cape Dory 30 PERI
San Francisco Bay

THE SUNBRELLA CLOTH ON MY DODGER NEEDS TO BE RE-WATERPROOFED. WHAT'S THE BEST STUFF AVIALABLE?

I have no idea if this is the best, but it's quick and easy: a spray can of 3M Scotch-guard.

...Do not use 3M Scotch Guard on Sunbrella..it simply does not hold up for any length of time. This product was intended to aid in stain-proofing interior fabric, and was not intended to be applied as a waterproofing agent. It is not UV proof either. In my testing of this product, I sprayed three (yup..3) cans of the stuff on my dodger canvas and within the month, it was not possible to even tell that I had done it. In the end, I was unsuccessful in finding a waterproofing agent, so the canvas was replaced (most of the stitching was in need of replacement also..it was 13 years old after all.;^) ).

Larry DeMers
S/V DeLaMer
Cape Dory 30 ~~~~~~~~Sailing Lake Superior~~~~~~~~~~

jon9@ix.netcom.com

[F. Moyse]

Hope this reply is not too late for you...but PRACTICAL SAILOR just tested all the so called water-proofers. Scotch Guard did nothing.
BEST products were 303 Protectant and another product, the name of which escapes me now as I had never heard of it. I have the PS flyer however and if you need name of other e-mail me and I'll check issue (which is at my office) and zap you back.



seawolf@tecinfo.com