How To Waterproof Polyester Fabric? [Procedure, Time & Cost]
Polyester is made up of polymer fibers that are waterproof whereas when the polymer fibers are woven into any fabric, water can leak through the gaps.
Most polyester fabrics do not have waterproof nature, and it needs to be specially treated with some sealants or waterproof products to make them 100 % waterproof.
By waterproofing the polyester fabric, you can stay hassle-free without getting any stains or wet on your fabric.
Also, while waterproofing does not forget to cover your seams since seams are the most vulnerable areas for water leaking.
In this article, I will provide you with 4 effective methods to waterproof your polyester fabric on your own.
Can Polyester Be Made Waterproof?
Polyester is made from synthetic chemicals from petroleum. Though polyester fabric possesses some water-resistant properties, it is essential to treat the fabrics with proper waterproofing methods to make them more durable.
You can treat your polyester fabrics with wax, sealants, and waterproof spray to make them 100% waterproof.
Also, by treating your polyester fabric to waterproofing treatments, you can prevent dirt, stains or any dust stick on to the fabric.
But you need to make sure the waterproofing treatments should not impact the breathability of the fabric.
So do not be concerned, I will give you the best waterproof product suggestions, so you can pick the feasible one from the list.
How To Waterproof Polyester Fabric?
To waterproof your polyester fabric, follow any of below-listed waterproofing methods to achieve the best results.
- Using waterproof spray and seam sealer
- Canvas method
- Using Turpentine and soybean oil
- Using Iron-on vinyl
1. Waterproof Polyester Fabric Using Waterproof Spray and Seam Sealer
If you are looking for an ideal method to waterproof your polyester fabric, follow the below spray method.
The waterproof spray can repel water, and it can help protect the fabric from rain and other precipitations.
Polyester fabric used in car seats protects the damage from water splashing by kids.
The fabric waterproofing spray provides the breathability of waterproof fabrics and provides a luster appearance on the polyester fabric.
Also, the fabric waterproof spray increases the thickness of the fabric by providing more water-resistant properties.
The polyester fabric sprayed with waterproofing the spray is easier to clean as compared to non-waterproof treated fabrics.
Required Items
Procedure [Step by Step]
1. Clean and dry the fabric
- Before you start waterproofing the polyester fabric, make sure to clean it thoroughly. If the fabric is heavily soiled or cannot be washed, you can use a mild fabric cleaner.
- Also, ensure the fabric is completely dry after cleaning since the waterproof sprays and sealers won’t stick on the wet fabric.
2. Apply waterproof spray on polyester fabric
- To apply the spray on the polyester fabric, hold the spray can 6 to 8 inches away from the surface and coat the fabric in a thin layer.
- Cover the entire fabric without leaving an inch to get the final waterproofed product.
3. Dry it
Let the spray gets dried completely on the fabric for up to 4 hours.
4. Apply seam sealer
Now, apply seam sealer on the polyester fabric to make it extra waterproof on the seams.
5. Dry it again
- Let the fabric gets dry for 1- 2 hours.
- The ideal waterproofed polyester fabric is ready for use now.
Precautions
- These sealers will be pungent, so make sure you choose a nice ventilated place to waterproof your polyester fabric.
- Always prefer to waterproof your fabric on a dry/windless day since these spray-on sealers are sensitive to humidity.
- Also, if the outdoors is windy, it may cause some dust settlement in your fabric.
- Take necessary protection such as safety goggles and gloves when you work with spray-on sealers.
Time
The application process takes a minimum time of 30 minutes, and it also depends on the size of the polyester fabric. And the overall drying process takes up to 4-6 hours.
The total processing time is around 6 hours.
Cost
Approximate cost for the required items:
- Polyester fabric spray – $16
- Seam sealer – $11
The estimated total cost is around $27.
2. How to Waterproof Polyester Fabric Using Canvas Wax?
If you are looking for a quick and easy method to waterproof your polyester fabric, the canvas wax method is for you.
Canvas wax is the perfect waterproofing product when it comes to waterproofing your polyester fabric. It helps to repel the water settled on the surface.
Canvas wax can be used to waterproof any untreated fabrics and clothing ranging from jackets, hats, bags and tents.
Canvas wax can penetrate the polyester fabric by rubbing. And it seals the surface by forming a protective layer. Also, this canvas wax is suitable to waterproof for both natural and synthetic fibers.
Canvas wax applied on the surface helps to seal and block the polyester fabric by providing resistance against moisture.
Required Items
- Canvas wax
- Sheets
- Blow dryer
Procedure [Step by Step]
1. Prepare the workspace
- Place the polyester fabric on the floor or the bench lined with sheets. You can get the canvas wax which comes in a bar.
2. Rub canvas wax on the polyester fabric
- Rub the canvas wax on the top side of the polyester fabric thoroughly without leaving an inch.
- Blow hot air on your polyester fabric using a hairdryer so that the wax gets to blend with your fabric.
3. Dry It
- Once you are done with the rubbing, set the polyester fabric to dry for a couple of days.
- The ideal waterproofed polyester fabric gets ready for use after drying.
Precautions
- Follow this method in open space to avoid the waxy smell indoors. Also, you can set the polyester fabric to dry in your garage to get rid of strong odor.
Time
The preparation and application process can take up to 1 hour, and it also depends on the size of the polyester fabric. And the drying process will take 24-72 hours before use.
Total processing time: 3 days
Cost
Approximate cost for the required items:
- Canvas wax – $16
- Blow dryer – $24
The estimated total cost is around $40.
3. Waterproof Polyester Fabric Using Turpentine And Soybean Oil
Soybean oil has a greater ability to penetrate the porous substrate surfaces and seal them completely. They form the integral bond by providing breathability to the polyester fabric.
They also provide excellent water repellent characteristics. Also, soybean oil is non-toxic and safe use for any waterproofing technique.
The soy’s hydrophobic nature increases the resistance of any stains on the surface, and makes it a great option for outdoor applications.
Also combining turpentine oil acts as the best solvent when combined with soybean oil. The turpentine oil also provides bonding and penetrating the surfaces which results in excellent waterproofed polyester fabric.
Required Items
- Flat bristle brush
- Wooden stirrer
- Turpentine oil
- Soybean oil
- Plastic sheets/Drop cloth
- Container
Procedure [Step by Step]
1. Clean and dry the polyester fabric
- Before you start waterproofing the polyester fabric, make sure to clean it thoroughly. If the fabric is heavily soiled or cannot be washed, you can use a mild fabric cleaner.
- Also, ensure the fabric is completely dry after cleaning since the waterproof sprays and sealers won’t stick on the wet fabric.
2. Prepare the ingredient
- Take a large container and add 1 cup of soybean oil, 4 ounces of turpentine and stir it well with a wooden stirrer.
- Use plastic sheets on the surface because turpentine oil can cause stains on the surface.
- If you have a small fabric, you can also use a sprayer to waterproof.
3. Apply turpentine oil mixture
- Apply turpentine oil mixture on the polyester fabric using a paintbrush.
- Always give even strokes without leaving any gaps. Also, do not overlap the coating to achieve a seamless finished product.
- Let the polyester fabric gets dry for a day.
Precautions
- Store the sprayer in a cool, dry place out of direct sunlight.
- Always prefer a nice ventilated place to perform this waterproofing method, since the turpentine can get pungent.
- Also, remember using turpentine oil can cause the polyester fabric to darken.
Time
While the application process takes a minimum time of 30-45 minutes, the overall drying process can take up to 1 day.
The total processing time is around 24 hours.
Cost
Approximate cost for the required items:
- Turpentine oil – $28
- Soybean oil – $18
- Flat bristle paintbrush – $9
The estimated total cost is around $55
4. How to Waterproof Polyester Fabric Using Iron-On Vinyl?
If you are looking for a time-efficient method to waterproof your polyester fabric, this method is for you.
Vinyl withstands extended water exposure and vapor and acts as an excellent waterproofing product. You can expose the vinyl to water for days without causing any damage.
Vinyl is tough, durable and acts as outstanding water resistance. Also, it seals the surface and forms an extra protection layer against water.
Also, vinyl provides wear and tear resistance for your polyester fabric. The vinyl used in Polyester fabric does not change the appearance.
Required Items
Procedure [Step by Step]
1. Clean and dry the polyester fabric
- Before you start waterproofing the polyester fabric, make sure to clean it thoroughly. If the fabric is heavily soiled or cannot be washed, you can use a mild fabric cleaner.
- Also, ensure the fabric is completely dry after cleaning since the waterproof sprays and sealers won’t stick on the wet fabric.
2. Prepare the vinyl
- Place the fabric on the flat surface to get the work done smoothly.
- Then cut the vinyl to fit your polyester fabric.
- You can see two sides of the vinyl, a sticky side and a smooth side.
3. Iron the fabric
- Peel the paper backing and place the vinyl over the polyester fabric.
- You can place some paper over the vinyl and run your iron over the paper on medium heat.
4. Final step
- Make sure you cover all the areas to get even waterproofing products.
- Remove the paper from the fabric, and you could see the glue got melted on the fabric.
Precautions
- Do not leave the iron on one spot for a long time and not use the steam option to achieve the perfect waterproofed result.
Time
The entire waterproofing process takes up to a minimum time of 30-45 minutes.
The total processing time is around 45 minutes.
Cost
Approximate cost for the required items:
- Vinyl paper – $15
- Iron – $50
The estimated total cost is around $65.
Final Words:
Among other fabrics, polyester and nylon fabrics are used in many water-resistant products such as raincoats, swimwear, tents, and shower curtains and so on.
So, treating them with necessary waterproofing methods is crucial to make them more durable.
Also, you can extend the life of the polyester fabric by performing waterproofing techniques.
When it comes to maintenance, ideal waterproofed polyester fabrics are easy to handle and clean. Follow any of the above waterproofing methods to enjoy the flawless waterproofed polyester fabric.
