Roof proofing

[zumbruk]

I'm proofing my roof at the moment with Thompsons Water Seal, which seems to work OK. After three coats, water beads up rather than soaking in and the roof looks a lot better. A couple more coats & it should be done.

But, having to do multiple coats of it is a pain, especially given that it's stinkey and I have an integral garage; the whole house smells of white spirit! I suspect there isn't much wax dissolved in it, hence needing multiple coats.

Has anyone tried using Nikwax? It's designed for waterproofing outdoor clothing, boots and motorcycle gear. I've used it on Barbour jackets & so on quite successfully so I suspect it would work OK.

[Roberto Rica]

You may be using the wrong type of Thompsons Water Seal.

Fabsil is very good - if you haven't proofed your hood for some time it may take several coats to seal it but if you redo it every six months one coat should reseal it.

Fabsil is sold in camping shops.

Rob

[Wildfire]

Are you using just the normal Thompson's? You should be. It should be clear. One coat was fine for my car. 2 coats kept my Outside stored S3 for a year at least.

[zumbruk]

Roberto Rica said:

You may be using the wrong type of Thompsons Water Seal.

There's more than one kind?

[Roberto Rica]

Yes.

[Zigs]

I don't think nikwax would work, the spray on needs heat to activate (I don't know how you would go fitting the soft top into the dryer, or ironing the softy could be a laugh) and the wash in needs to be washed in...

Also, if it lives outside, it would need frequent reproofing. Why does the soft top need to be breathable? can't you use a silicone coating of some kind like they use on tarps?

Zigs

[tvrbob]

Roberto Rica said:

Fabsil is very good -

Completely agree. Fabsil is formulated to waterproof fabrics so the level and type of solvent used to transport the silicon is good for getting the 'stuff' to the right depth. Thompsons is a brickwork sealer and so the solvent is formulated for penetration of hard porous surfaces. I know most people here use Thompsons but in my mind it's better to use something that has been made for the purpose. Once the solvents have evapourated there is no difference between Thompsons and Fabsil, it's all about how the sealer is absorbed and how deep it penetrates.

Did you clean first and make sure absolutely all soap was removed first? If not then the seal will have limited life. I find Fabsil applied properly will be totally leak free for five years provided you do a good job where there is stitching.

My method pdf file

[V8 Animal]

Did mine last week with fabsil.
The cars on the drive at the moment and it's stopped raining now got a lovely pattern of bubbles on the roof and never had that before.
So you must assume it's doing it's job and not sinking in.
I never noticed a smell with liquid either.
V8 Animal

[V8 Animal]

Fabsilled my roof last week.
Cars on the drive at the moment and it's just stopped raining now got a lovely pattern of bubbles all over the roof.
So you have to assume this product is working ie rain not soaking in.
Did'nt notice a smell when i used it.
V8 Animal

[Roberto Rica]

The fumes can make you see double though.