Water Repellants vs. Fabric Protectors

What is the difference between silicone 'water repellent' fabric treatment products and 'fabric protectors'

Answer: Silicone water repellent fabric treatments are inexpensive products common in the RV & Marine industry where they are sold to "waterproof" fabric covers, bimini tops and boat enclosures.

1) While silicone water repellents have good though relatively short-lived water repellency, they have the following negative aspects: 1) Silicone treated fabrics soil more readily than untreated fabrics. 2) When soiled, silicone treated fabrics are much more difficult to clean than untreated fabrics. 3) Silicone treated fabrics have zero resistance to oil based staining agents such as skin oils, sun tan lotions, smoke and emissions from barbecues, jet engines, cars and boats. 4) Silicone water repellents cause oil based stains to bond almost indelibly to treated fabrics.

2) True fabric protectors also provide water repellency. But in contrast to silicone treatments, a true fabric protector will cause the treated fabric to resist soiling, will make the fabric easier to clean when it becomes soiled and will resist both water and oil based stains. Though even the lowest grade of fabric protector will typically out-perform any silicone water repellent, silicone products are extremely inexpensive, very common and extensively used by the uninformed.

3) Manufacturers Warranties: The use of silicone water repellents my void the manufacturer's warranty. Example: Sunbrella®, manufactured by Glen Raven Mills, is well known as the best quality fabric for most outdoor applications. Sunbrella® is used internationally in most commercial awnings, most of the world's fabric automotive convertible tops, and in a high percentage of marine covers, bimini tops and boat enclosures. Sunbrella® is extremely resistant to UV light, but after cleaning or a lengthy period of exposure may require treatment to replenish lost repellency. The use of silicone water repellents is specifically recommended AGAINST by Glen Raven Mills and can void the multi-year factory warranty. The product Glen Raven Mills recommends for treating Sunbrella® is 303 High Tech Fabric Guard, commonly available from most marine mail order catalogs and chain stores.