10 Best Waterproofing Sprays

Our top pick is Star Brite Waterproofing Spray. We chose it as our top product because of its unique blend of value and functionality. This product was specifically built with boat tops in mind, and it shows!

It has a unique formula which utilizes petroleum distillates to clog the fabric’s pores and repel any water. Star Brite claims that this formula does not affect the fabric’s color or breathability. This is a bit of a bold claim, but it does seem to affect the look and feel quite minimally.

Best of all, it just works. It’s very easy to apply, with no dilution required, and you can watch as the water pools and drains instead of seeping through your canvas. It can be used on nylon, canvas, polyester, or acrylic.

This package also has great value. This 1-gallon bottle covers 465 square feet of fabric! It’s definitely enough for your boat cover, and might last you multiple years. It’s multi-purpose, and can be used on various outdoor furniture, tents, tarps, and more.

Overall, it was an easy choice as our top pick. When it comes to a waterproof spray, the most important part is that it simply works, and this one does.

Model and Specs:

• • Bottle volume: 1 gallon
  • Surfaces: Nylon, canvas, polyester, or acrylic
  • Drying time: Roughly 6 hours.

Here’s another boat waterproofing spray we really like. Better Boat advertises their formula as water-based, and claims that it won’t damage boat covers like other sprays. While we don’t think that most quality sprays will damage a boat cover, it is good to know that Better Boat has focused on a safe and effective formula.

This formula is effective for use on various fabrics including polyester, nylon, canvas, and more. This means that it can be used on various outdoor equipment, furniture, and of course, boat covers.

Best of all, it’s an effective spray. It’s super easy to apply, and you can watch the water bead up instead of seep through. It’s quite a satisfying experience to use a quality spray.

The one downside is that it definitely emphasizes safety over longevity. It probably won’t last as long as solvent-based formulas, but it will leave your fabrics looking fresher. This is a trade-off you will have to consider.

Model and Specs:

• • Bottle volume: 24 fl. Oz.
  • Surfaces: Nylon, polyester, canvas.
  • Drying time: Overnight

Here’s another product from Star Brite – one of our favorite brands. We picked this as our best premium option because it’s among the most effective sprays on our list (if not the most effective). The price tag is high, but the quality more than justifies it.

This spray contains PTEF (commonly known as Teflon). You know it for repelling moisture in your non-stick pots and pans, which makes it highly effective as a waterproofing spray as well.

If you’re looking for a formula that works best, you’re looking for a formula like this. We can’t say enough about how well this waterproofs.

It’s very easy to apply, simply spray and wait to dry (about 6 hours depending on the moisture in the air). The product even acts as an additional guard against UV rays!

The one downside is that it does contain potentially hazardous materials, so you do want to spray in an open area (which shouldn’t be a problem with boat covers). It does give the cover a bit of a harder feel, but any effective spray will change the composition of the fabric somewhat.

Model and Specs:

• • Bottle volume: 22 fl. Oz.
  • Surfaces: Nylon, polyester, canvas, acrylic.
  • Drying time: Roughly 6 hours.

Moving on, we have this great spray from 303 products. This is a versatile spray which was designed as a moisture and stain repellant, and was designed for use on all fabrics.

It’s an effective formula that protects against water and oil-based stains. Depending on how much rainfall you get, you should be good with a once-a-year application of this fabric guard to your boat cover.

We also like that the squeeze bottle is quite a bit bigger than most other bottles on our list (an extra 10 fl. Oz.), which makes it a high-value pick. You’ll get a lot of use out of this bottle.

The one downside is that this was designed primarily for outdoor furniture. While it is still effective for use on boat covers, you might be more comfortable with a spray that was specifically designed for that purpose. We don’t think it makes a big difference, but it’s always nice to support a specialized product.

Model and Specs:

• • Bottle volume: 32 fl. Oz.
  • Surfaces: All fabrics, including synthetic and natural fabrics.
  • Drying time: Overnight

Atsko silicone water-guard is our best budget choice, and the choice was easy. This is a classic product, made with a silicone formula. It simply works. The silicone is extremely effective in clogging the fabric’s pores, and this one lasts even longer than many of the spray son our list.

Atsko is a classic brand, and this product is extremely versatile. It’s suitable for everything from outdoor fabrics, to leather, to shoes, to clothing! It’s a true jack-of-all-trades, and thousands of satisfied customers attest to its effectiveness.

The one downside of such an extensive silicone solution is that it takes quite a bit longer to dry than most other sprays (about 24 hours). Additionally, it does noticeably change the texture and feel or your fabrics. It’s not too drastic, but it is noticeable.

Overall, if you want an affordable waterproofing spray that puts functionality above all else, then you want Atsko Water Guard.

Model and Specs:

• • Bottle volume: 10 fl. Oz.
  • Surfaces: All fabrics, leather, clothing, shoes, etc.
  • Drying time: 24 hours.

Here’s another spray that emphasizes effectiveness. It’s a heavy-duty silicone spray that has been proven to work on a variety of outdoor product. Kiwi actually has several waterproofing sprays, but this one is the best for boats.

It’s easy to apply, simply spray on from about 7-10” away. Silicone is one of the most effective waterproofing materials. It effectively clogs pores, while still allowing some space for the fabric to breathe. It’s also an odorless formula, which is a big plus.

As is the case with silicone sprays, it has a longer drying time than most. It takes about 24-48 hours depending on the material you apply it to. Be sure you apply in an open space, as the contents of the aerosol can are flammable.

Model and Specs:

• • Bottle volume: 10 fl. Oz.
  • Surfaces: All materials & colors.
  • Drying time: 24-48 hours.

NikWax is a wax waterproofing formula that works great. It is designed for use on any waterproof fabrics, including different clothing and materials.

As you can probably imagine, wax makes for an effective sealant against moisture. The spray-on solution goes on easily, and dries quickly (about 6 hours). It’s also significantly lighter in harsh chemicals than many options on our list. This means that it is easier on most fabrics, and doesn’t contain that harsh smell.

It’s not quite as effective as some other sprays (such as silicone), but it’s a good trade-off to make for a more “natural” formula. It works great still, you just might have to apply it more often.

It’s a little on the expensive side, but we think the price is fair.

Model and Specs:

• • Bottle volume: 500 mL
  • Surfaces: All waterproof fabrics.
  • Drying time: About 6 hours.

Here’s another high-value choice from MaryKate. It’s a full gallon of heavy-duty waterproofing solution, and the solution was specially designed for boat covers.

You get a lot of bang for your buck here. The 1-gallon product is intended to cover 600-800 square feet of material. And it’s not just for boat covers either. It can be used on basically all types of outdoor fabric – including biminis, umbrellas, car covers. It even works on clothing and shoes.

The one thing to note about this product is that it is quite a bit more complicated to apply than spray-on waterproofing solutions. You need to be sure to apply exactly as the instructions state, or it won’t meet its designed effectiveness. It takes quite a bit longer to dry as well. You’ll have to balance this inconvenience against the cost savings.

Model and Specs:

• • Bottle volume: 1-gallon.
  • Surfaces: All fabrics.
  • Drying time: 24-48 hours