How To Waterproof Burlap? [Step By Step Procedure and Cost]
Burlap is an open-weave fabric made of jute, used as an environmentally friendly product. Burlap can be used as curtains for outdoor spaces and packaging bags in shipping goods.
Burlap can be resistant to condensation and not easily absorb moisture. However, the burlap needs to be treated with waterproofing techniques to act as an excellent durable product for outdoor and transporting goods.
Burlap is also a breathable fabric; therefore, it is essential to choose the waterproofing method that helps to maintain breathability.
Therefore, do not be concerned since I have listed out the best waterproofing methods for the burlap fabric.
How To Waterproof Burlap?
Below listed are the top 3 effective methods to waterproof burlap:
- Waterproofing Spray on method
- Fabric wax method
- Silicone sealant method
1. Waterproofing Spray on Method to Make Burlap Waterproof
Waterproofing spray protects your burlap from damage by blocking the moisture from outside. Moreover, these waterproofing sprays can protect your burlap from mold formation.
The burlap sprayed with any waterproofing spray can help extend the burlap life and makes the burlap suitable for any outdoor usage. The water-repelling nature of the spray creates a barrier on the burlap fabric surface to prevent moisture absorption.
Also, the waterproofing spray has less drying time which results in a perfectly waterproofed burlap. And this spray also provides UV protection for your burlap.
Moreover, this waterproofing method resists color fading and protects the fabric against moisture damage. With the help of this waterproofing spray, you do not want to worry about spills and stains on your burlap.
Additionally, you can choose a waterproofing spray that turns colorless after drying to achieve the impeccable waterproofed burlap.
Required Items
Procedure [Step by Step]
1. Prepare the workspace
Place sheets on the ground to prepare the workspace. Wear masks and eyeglasses since the Rust-oleum water-repelling spray has a pungent odor.
2. Clean and dry the fabric
Before you begin waterproofing your burlap, make sure it is completely cleaned.
Also, ensure that the burlap is dry after cleaning, as waterproof sprays and sealers will not adhere to the wet burlap.
3. Apply Rust-oleum water-repelling spray
Coat the burlap surface with the Rust-oleum water-repelling spray. Do not overcoat the burlap using a waterproofing spray.
(Alternatively, you can also opt for a Thompson water sealant to waterproof your burlap, but it needs two coatings and takes 20 minutes to get dry for each application.)
You can also apply the spray on the downward side of the burlap to make it extra waterproof.
Let the burlap get dry for 15-20 minutes and then give a second coating of water-repelling spray on the burlap.
4. Dry it
Let the burlap gets dry for 1-2 hours.
Once it is completely dry, the spray turns out odorless, and your burlap will be ready for your outdoor use.
Precautions
Always prefer outdoor space to perform waterproofing method using the Rust-oleum spray since it has a strong odor.
Take adequate measures by wearing masks while doing the waterproofing method.
Also, do not wash the burlap in your washing machine since its fibers get damaged easily inside a washing machine.
Rather you can gently rinse your burlap with a mild fabric cleaner and dry it by hanging out in a dry area.
Time
While the application process takes a minimum time of 10-15 minutes, the overall time taken to dry the burlap will be 2-3 hours.
The total processing time is around 2-3 hours.
Cost
Approximate cost of required items:
- Rust-oleum water repellant spray – $36
Or
- Thompson fabric sealant – $ 23
The total estimated cost: $23 – 36.
2. How to Waterproof Burlap Using Fabric Wax?
If you are looking for a quick and easy method to waterproof your burlap, the fabric wax method is for you.
Otter wax is made of high-quality beeswax completely based on plant-based wax and oils. Thus, this fabric wax method is a better option for people who are looking for chemical-free ingredients to waterproof the burlap.
You can get the wax that comes in the bar, and also can choose the bar size according to the surface area of the waterproofing product. This fabric wax can be used to waterproof any untreated burlap to make them resistant to moisture.
Otter wax can penetrate the burlap easily and seal the surface by forming a protective layer. Also, the otter wax blends easily with natural fibers since it is made of natural ingredients.
Required Items
- Otter wax
- Blow dryer
- Sheets
Procedure [Step by Step]
1. Prepare the workspace
Place the burlap on the floor or the bench lined with sheets.
Make sure the burlap is free from dirt and dust. If it needs some cleaning, you can clean and dry the burlap before starting the waterproofing process.
2. Rub fabric wax on the burlap
Rub the otter wax on the burlap surface thoroughly without leaving any gaps.
Blow hot air on your burlap using a hairdryer so that the otter wax can blend into the burlap surface.
You can also apply the otter wax on the downward side of the burlap to make it extra waterproof.
3. Dry it
Once you are done with the rubbing, set the burlap to dry for 1-2 days. The waterproofed burlap will be ready for use.
Precautions
Follow this fabric wax method in outdoor space to avoid the waxy smell indoors. Also, you can allow the burlap to dry in your garage to get rid of a strong odor.
Also, do not try to twist the burlap since it can totally damage the fabric by losing its water-resistance properties.
Time
The preparation and application process can take up to 1 hour, and it also depends on the size of the burlap. And the burlap takes 24-72 hours to dry before use.
Total processing time: 3 days
Cost
Approximate cost of required items:
- Otter wax – $19
- Blow dryer – $27
The total estimated cost: $46.
3. How to Waterproof Burlap Using Silicone Sealant?
You can also use a silicone sealant to waterproof your burlap for a flawless waterproofed product.
The silicone has a strong adhesive bond and provides more durability hence you can make your burlap fabric absolutely waterproof by treating it with silicone-based sealant.
Also, silicone has water-resistant properties to protect your burlap from various weather conditions. You do not worry about the chemical ingredients used to waterproof your burlap since it has a low toxicity ratio.
The silicone acts as an excellent sealant by sealing the entire burlap fabric area from water leaks, and it helps maintain the burlap fabric quality.
Required Items
- Silicone sealant
- Paintbrush
- Small container
Procedure [Step by Step]
1. Clean and dry the fabric
Before you begin waterproofing your burlap, make sure it is completely cleaned.
Also, ensure that the burlap is dry after cleaning, as waterproof sprays and sealers will not adhere to the wet burlap.
2. Apply the silicone mixture
Take a container and add the silicone sealant to it. Coat the burlap with the silicone sealant using the paintbrush.
Do not forget to apply the sealant covering all areas of the burlap fabric on both sides.
3. Dry it
Then, allow the burlap to dry for 1 to 2 hours.
Precautions
Always take necessary protection such as safety goggles and gloves while waterproofing.
Do not wash the burlap in your washing machine since its fibers get damaged easily inside a washing machine.
Rather gently rinse your burlap with a mild fabric cleaner and dry it by hanging out in a dry area.
Moreover, do not try to twist the burlap since it can totally damage the fabric by losing its water-resistance properties.
Time
The application process takes a minimum time of 30-60 minutes, and it also depends on the burlap size. And the overall time to dry the burlap will be around 1-2 hours.
The total processing time is around 3 hours.
Cost
Approximate cost of required items:
- Paintbrush – $7
- Silicone sealant – $8
The total estimated cost: $15.
Final Words:
Though burlap has some water-resistant properties, subjecting the burlap to rain can make the fabric easily absorb the water, causing damage. Perhaps it leads to the formation of mildew on the burlap fabric.
Likewise, it is essential to waterproof your burlap to maintain its quality and serve its purpose. Also, burlap is preferred because of its safe to use in nature (made of natural ingredients) and its breathable qualities.
While choosing the waterproofing methods for the burlap, make sure you pick the right product to maintain its breathability.
