Fabsil Waterproofer

[Bigplumbs]

I hope I have not done the wrong thing. I just applied Fabsil waterproofer to my canvas tonneau covers. It had good reviews. Has anyone else used it to good effect. It also claims to be a protection against UV

 

[Poignard]

I use it and it does work.

 

[BruceK]

I have used it very successfully in sealing stitching and raised areas by the frame where water can pool. Avoid getting it on the clear plastic windows. It's a dog to clean off. I found it was great and longlasting while the cover was up. If you take the cover off damp (I did before a storm) and they cant dry quick it loses adhesion and simply wipes off.

 

[Bigplumbs]

I applied it with a £7.50 garden sprayer I got from screwfix. Then wiped it over with a Clean dry cloth. That seemed to 'push in' the beads of fabsil on the surface.

Here it is in the tent drying as it needs 6 hours.

 

[Poignard]

Did you spray it in situ?

 

[Bigplumbs]

Did you spray it in situ?

Yes..... Have I committed a school boy error ?.

The cover was dry

 

[Switch]

Great product although I prefer Fabsil Gold. I use it every year and have been really pleased with the results. Water beads off easily even after 12 months. I apply it with a paint brush.

 

[Bigplumbs]

Yes I saw the Fabsil gold but I had about 1.5 ltrs in a tin I had a while ago. Apparently it lasts in the tin for ever. I have some other covers on other boats I could do so I might give the gold a go

 

[Poignard]

Yes..... Have I committed a school boy error ?.

The cover was dry

The thing is that some of it may have sprayed onto other parts of the boat and since Fabsil contains silicones that might cause problems if you ever needed to carry out any repairs.

 

[BruceK]

The thing is that some of it may have sprayed onto other parts of the boat and since Fabsil contains silicones that might cause problems if you ever needed to carry out any repairs.

You can bet your bottom dollar the boat is covered in silicone from all the washes and waxes its had in it's lifetime. Any half assed repairer would clean and prep the surface before any repair. Plenty solvents out there that can be used to clean off silicon without causing chemical damage.

 

[DavidJ]

Fabsil just didn’t work for me so I did a bit of research and Sunbrella recommend 303 Fabric Guard.

 

[BruceK]

Fabsil just didn’t work for me so I did a bit of research and Sunbrella recommend 303 Fabric Guard.

I'd be interested to know why. What is your cover made from? Some covers have from new a water retardant chemical in the fabric itself which repels some silicon water proofers rendering them ineffective. So here is a chance to list what works well with what material.

 

[Boathook]

Great product although I prefer Fabsil Gold. I use it every year and have been really pleased with the results. Water beads off easily even after 12 months. I apply it with a paint brush.

I use the gold as well. It certainly makes a difference and does seem to protect the material from the UV.

 

[doug748]

I'd be interested to know why. What is your cover made from? Some covers have from new a water retardant chemical in the fabric itself which repels some silicon water proofers rendering them ineffective. So here is a chance to list what works well with what material.

I have always used Thompson Water Seal on acrylic canvas without any problems so far. For cheapskates; it's available at under £20 a gallon.

 

[russ]

I use a long arm radiator roller and paint tray. Soaks the area really well without having it dripping or spraying where you don’t want it.

 

[longjohnsilver]

Yes I saw the Fabsil gold but I had about 1.5 ltrs in a tin I had a while ago. Apparently it lasts in the tin for ever. I have some other covers on other boats I could do so I might give the gold a go

The gold is more concentrated, but the ordinary Fabsil is still good. I too use a sprayer, I find painting it on very hard work. Easy I guess if the cover is very small.

 

[Boathook]

I use a long arm radiator roller and paint tray. Soaks the area really well without having it dripping or spraying where you don’t want it.

I will have to try that next time. Presently I use a paint brush and that isn't ideal.

 

[jrudge]

It does work the main challenge I find is getting it truly saturated. If not it does not seem to last long.

I have bought a load of it and will try to dip the bits in a bucket up it to solve that problem.

Price on line differs wildly

 

[Momac]

I have used Fabsil Gold before and it seems very long lasting. I used a handheld spray bottle , on a calm dry day . Brush painting it on is, I believe, recommended - if possible.
Presently have some Autoglym which is sold for convertible car hoods , which was a gift and I may have used before . It is supplied in a spray bottle. There no doubt other suitable products.

 

[Scubadoo]

I too use Fabsil Gold and use a brush to really soak into the canvas, it last a least two years that way. When I renew, I use a pressure washer first with great results, but don't aim the nozzle too close to the stitching.