Fabsil in Spain

[RobbieW]

Fabsil appears to be the preferred canvas proofer and, possibly, cleaner for those in the UK. Any suggestions for canvas cleaning and proofing products commonly available in Spain ? Granger's website doesnt show a Spanish distributor so I'm sort of assuming I wont be able to get it here.

Thanks ...

 

[ccscott49]

Fabsil appears to be the preferred canvas proofer and, possibly, cleaner for those in the UK. Any suggestions for canvas cleaning and proofing products commonly available in Spain ? Granger's website doesnt show a Spanish distributor so I'm sort of assuming I wont be able to get it here.

Thanks ...

I couldnt find any in Barcelona, just ordered it online and got it sent.

 

[tinkicker0]

Fabsil appears to be the preferred canvas proofer and, possibly, cleaner for those in the UK. Any suggestions for canvas cleaning and proofing products commonly available in Spain ? Granger's website doesnt show a Spanish distributor so I'm sort of assuming I wont be able to get it here.

Thanks ...

Do NOT use Fabsil or any other silicone based waterproofer on Acrylic fabric covers (Sunbrella etc). It will not work as it reacts with the original waterproofing chemicals (PolyFlouro somat or other) and will let the water in.

The correct poly whatsit stuff that I have found is 303 fabric protector.

http://www.canvascountry.com/caring-for-marine-canvas.html

 

[emandvee44]

I tried to get some sent to me in Portugal, but could not find any supplier willing to ship it (in 5 lt. cans) - including Granger's. Force 4 will, but only in the 1.5lt. cans which work out more than double the price.

From Fabsil website:-

Fabsil Liquid
quote " suitable for all fabric types "

I used NikWax instead, which was sent in 5lt. size.

Cheers,

Michael.

 

[tinkicker0]

I tried to get some sent to me in Portugal, but could not find any supplier willing to ship it (in 5 lt. cans) - including Granger's. Force 4 will, but only in the 1.5lt. cans which work out more than double the price.

From Fabsil website:-

Fabsil Liquid
quote " suitable for all fabric types "

I used NikWax instead, which was sent in 5lt. size.

Cheers,

Michael.

Fabsil is silicone based. As said DO NOT use on acrylic fabrics.

http://www.paintsprays.co.uk/catalog/fabsil-liquid-p-670.html


Here is what Canvascountry has to say about acrylic and silicone as in my original link:

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.


Sunbrella Website:


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.
For more information on re-treatment products, please visit www.303products.com.

http://www.sunbrella.com/cleaning/marine-tops-covers.php