Waterproof and water-resistant materials are not always reliable. If today they’re waterproof, they’re not going to always be like that, and for this reason, you need the best waterproofing spray on the market. To keep your socks and your gear dry, you need to take care of your equipment and garments and avoid the inevitable moment when your fabrics and textiles lose their moisture-repelling properties.
A water repellent spray is a must-have accessory when going camping, hunting, or even if you live in the rainy part of your country and don’t want to destroy your beautiful and comfy suede shoes. Since your fabrics’ life might depend on it, it might be a good idea to choose the best-rated waterproofing spray on the market because…well, better safe than sorry, right? Let’s see!
Table of Contents
Comparison of 7 Best Waterproofing Sprays in 2021
| IMAGE | NAME | FEATURES | PRICE |
|---|---|---|---|
 | Star brite Waterproofing Spray |
| Check Price |
 | Bickmore Gard-More Waterproofing Spray |
| Check Price |
 | Nikwax Tent and Gear Cleaning |
| Check Price |
 | Sof Sole Silicone Waterproofer Spray |
| Check Price |
 | Atsko Water-Guard Repellent Aerosol |
| Check Price |
 | Cadillac Water & Stain Protector |
| Check Price |
 | Scotchgard Outdoor Water Shield |
| Check Price |
Top 7 Best Waterproofing Spray Reviews in 2021
Before diving in the best waterproofing spray reviews, we would like to warn you that the waterproofing spray is not a panacea and won’t completely replace the waterproofing properties of a fabric. Moreover, you should bear in mind that there are a couple of decisions that you’ll have to make regarding your needs and daily outdoor activities since all these products below have their pros and cons, which you should carefully consider. Don’t worry! We’ll help! Let’s see!
1. Star brite Waterproofing Spray
We’re starting with one of the best waterproofing spray solutions on the market at the moment. This Star brite product acts as a strong water repellant for any outdoor textiles.
On the plus side, it also protects against the damaging effect of the UV rays and adds to the stain resilience of the material. We know that frequent exposure to the sun will make any fabric dull in time, that is why you need a UV protector that will make any material keep its shine a little longer.
This Star brite waterproofing spray is ideal for the kind of rough tough outdoor clothes and materials that serve you in your daily activities and sports, such as backpacks, boat covers, sail covers, patio covers, even tents.
- Good protection against water, stains, and UV rays
- It can recover the fabric’s color vitality
- A single bottle can last a long time, due to its wide coverage
- It might be a little too harsh to use on delicate fabrics and natural fibers
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2. Bickmore Gard-More Waterproofing Spray
If what you’re looking for is the best cheap waterproofing spray on the market, then this product from Bickmore is a viable option. For one, the retro packaging looks really good.
It offers good protection against water, dirt, and other stains and it can be used on a broad array of materials without damaging them too much. Overall, this Bickmore waterproofing spray is a versatile product for outdoor items or almost any kind of garment.
- A good formula that protects against water, dirt, mud, and other types of stains
- It is very good for suede or nubuck
- It does not affect the breathability or color of the fabric
- You might run out of it pretty quickly
3. Nikwax Tent and Gear Cleaning
In the category of the best waterproofing spray for the money, you will find this Nikwax product which can restore your favorite garments to their former glory.
One of the best qualities of this waterproofing spray is its versatility. It won’t affect the fabric’s breathability or color and it can be applied both on the inside and outside of the cloth.
The manufacturer advertises a special formula that ensures that every single fiber of the material is treated with durable water repellency. Overall, the product is quite easy-to-apply and won’t be any nuisance to you.
- It is a water-based formula
- Made of biodegradable and environmentally-friendly ingredients, without any PFCs, VOCs, or added scent
- Recommended for a broad variety of fabrics, such as Ultrex, or Gore-Tex
- You might not like the smell of it after immediate application
4. Sof Sole Silicone Waterproofer Spray
Looking at the best waterproofing spray reviews, you won’t be able to miss this Sof Sole silicone-based waterproofer. Specifically produced for outdoor apparel, like hiking boots, tents, hunting, or camping gear, this 12% silicone-based formula ensures your equipment will last longer, looking good.
The manufacturer does not recommend you use it on any sort of breathable technical fibers, such as Gore-Tex or athletic shoes for it could discolor or diminish their functions.
- Perfect for camping and hunting gear
- 12% silicone-based formula
- Easy and quick application
- It cannot be used on technical fibers
Also Read: Best Waterproof Duffel Bags – You Need on Your Trip
5. Atsko Water-Guard Extreme Repellent Aerosol
Sometimes you have to check your budget before making a specific purchase, and that’s ok. This is why we’re also featuring here the best budget waterproofing spray you can find on the market at the moment.
Its versatility is amazing; it can be used on tents, booths, and other types of outdoor clothes, as well as on umbrellas, luggage, boat covers, and so on. It’s even safe to use on Gore-Tex and other already waterproof-breathable fabrics for more protection.
It helps prevent any water saturation and it is scent-free. Moreover, it allows leather and fabric to breathe. However, you should always let it dry for at least a day before using the sprayed article.
- Cost-effective; good value for money
- Can be used on a wide variety of materials with the same waterproofing effect
- Does not damage the structural integrity of the materials it is added to
- It can restore damaged objects to some of their previous glory
- After applying, it will take a lot for the material to dry
6. Cadillac Select Premium Waterproofing Spray
This is one premium water repellent spray and stain protector meant for suede shoes, sheepskin, or nubuck types of leather which are known to be more sensitive than others. It’s create a protective layer against stains from water, dirt, even oil.
It helps your socks stay dry even in heavy rain. It adds to the breathability of the fabric, and no one will notice you’ve got a water repellent solution applied. It’s safe to be used on a lot of materials, including polyester, nylon, canvas, and other synthetics.
- It works on sensitive leathers like suede or nubuck
- The spray adds to the breathability of the fabric
- It is invisible and discreet
- Might not have the same efficiency on combinations of materials
7. Scotchgard Outdoor Water Shield
The last waterproofing spray on our list is a 2-pack bundle from Scotchgard which helps repel moisture during use and while in storage. It is easy to apply and dries quickly. All you need is one coverage of the fabric to maintain the material’s breathability and offer it waterproofing properties.
It can be used on all synthetic outwear, including Gore-Tex and softshells. It is a water-based formula, and it takes care of the structural integrity of the fabric. After it has dried out, it will not have any odor whatsoever.
- Easy to apply
- Dries quickly
- It can be used on a wide variety of materials, including Gore-Tex and softshells
- It might need a lot of application and you might run out of the product quite quickly
Also Read: Best Waterproof Watches – Great for Outdoors
Best Waterproof Spray Criteria for Assessing Your Final Purchase Option
You’ve seen all those options. They’re a lot and you might feel a little more lost than at the beginning. This is why you should go through a quick buying guide to make sure you purchase the best waterproofing spray for you.
The Protection Type
As you could see, these waterproof sprays also offer protection against stains and all sorts of dirt, but there are some which can also shield your precious gear from the damaging UV rays of the sun. Now, if you buy a product that says it can do it all, it might fail pitifully at any one of these features.
So, try to buy a product that is more focused on your needs. If you know you’re going to hike in Patagonia for 2 weeks, then you need the best-rated waterproofing spray on the market that does exactly that: helps keep your socks dry and your gear protected from water and dirt.
If you’re not hiking or camping much, but you are walking in rainy weather all the time, then you should consider more of a leather waterproofing spray which is also delicate to the materials and offer your leather shoes decent water-repellent properties without damaging the materials. Do not go for the most heavy-duty, most waterproofing spray if you don’t need that kind of property, for it might also damage the fabrics in the long-term.
Check the Ingredients!
We want this to be a strong piece of advice for you that you should listen to. The ingredients of a waterproofing spray are important not only for the materials and fabrics you are going to apply them to but also for you and your skin. Let’s assume you want to add some water-repellent spray to your hat that you are going to wear on your head, all day long.
If the formula contains dangerous chemicals that you might be allergic to or smells horribly, then you will have a hard time wearing that hat, no matter how dry your hair will be. Some waterproofing sprays have a water-based formula and are made from non-chemical ingredients.
Now, there’s a fine line here, a fine balance you should consider, between strong materials with heavy-duty properties and “caring” materials that are easy on the fabric and your skin. The ingredients are really important. A good blend of silicones and chemical compounds can offer specific properties to the spray, like covering every tiny pore in the material.
The Application
If you are not looking for a best waterproofing spray for a specific heavy-duty hike or expedition, then chances are you want a little bit of everything. You want it to be your companion on camping trips, but also on daily rainy walks. For this, you need a waterproofing spray that offers a multipurpose application and offers a decent level of protection to anything from running shoes to leather boots, suede shoes, or tent covers.
Also Read: Best Waterproof Boots – Comfortable Boot Reviews
Frequently Asked Question (FAQ)
Q: When Do I Need UV Protection?
A: The UV rays emitted by the sun can cause severe skin damage to us humans, and they’re no less perilous to the fabric in our garments. Any object that is frequently exposed to sun rays will lose some of its properties. For example, any swimming pool cover, boat, or piece of furniture might become dull and frail after long exposure to the UV rays.
This is why it is not a bad idea to purchase a water repellent spray with UV protection for your outerwear garments, shoes, tent covers, and so on. It will keep them looking clean, neat, and more brightly colored over longer periods.
Q: Should I Wait for the Waterproofing Spray to Dry? For How Long?
A: Yes, you should wait and the period varies depending on the product properties and the environment. You will find this information on the product’s instructions referring to the application, but in general, it is good to apply the spray at least the day before the use. Now, if you soak the fabric in the waterproofing solution, it will take longer to dry than if you have applied a single layer of coating.
After applying, you might notice that after a few hours, the product is completely dry. However, this does not mean it is cured. For the product to be completely sealed from any dirt or stains or water, you will need to leave it aside for more than just a few hours it takes it to dry. There’s a difference between drying and being cured.
Q: How Long Does a Single Waterproofing Spray Coating Last?
A: This will depend on the product’s features and also the type of wear, the time that the specific garment has been exposed to rough weather.
Q: What Is Waterproofing Spray?
A: Durable water repellent, or waterproofing spray, is a factory coating applied to fabrics to make them water-resistant (hydrophobic). Fluor polymer is based on most factory-applied treatments; these applications are very thin and not consistently successful. If you want to make sure the fabric you’re using is breathable, you need two-fold measures. First, get yourself waterproof breathable fabrics. Gore-Tex is a good example.
The other thing you’re going to need is a waterproofing spray. Instead of waterproofing spray, it might be better to call them water repellent spray. These prevent water from soaking into the outer layer of clothing. This saturation, called ‘wetting out,’ will reduce the garment’s breathability (transporting moisture through the breathable membrane) and allow water to move through.
Re-treatment is advised if necessary as the spray wears off over time. In case you can’t get your hands on waterproof and breathable fabrics, you could just use spray-on and wash-in products. These will waterproof regular garments to some extent. Products like these could also be used on waterproof garments to renew their performance.
Q: Does Spray-on Waterproofing Work?
A: To avoid water from being absorbed, waterproof sprays use an ingredient that fills specific pores. They might contain silicone, polymers of flour, even Teflon. Some waxes or oils are often used, but they are less powerful and make the fabric more water-resistant than waterproof.
Q: What Household Items Can Be Used for Waterproofing Shoes?
A: You can use petroleum jelly to waterproof your leather shoes. Clean your boots, and then simply rub the substance into the leather. If there’s any left on the top, make sure to wipe it away. After this, blow-dry to make sure the petroleum jelly sets in properly. This is a temporary measure to waterproof your shoes.
You might be wondering if it would harm your boots, but it wouldn’t. In fact, petroleum jelly will make the leather soft and prevent cracking. You can use this method of waterproofing on leather as well as patent leather shoes. It’s also applicable for leather jackets, bags, and other items. However, I must insist that you do not try these on rawhide leather items.
The Best Waterproofing Spray Makes All the Difference Between Fun and Miserable
Yes. It is true. No one likes to get soaking wet while hiking or walking to work. Socks are best when they stay dry and tents are perfect when they can keep water away. So, to make sure you add an extra protection layer to all these fabrics, just buy the best waterproofing spray, because you’ll just not regret it.
