With the best tent waterproofing spray, the surface of your tent becomes water-repellent and dirt-resistant.
In our test, we recommend the best tent waterproofing sprays that offer excellent protection. These are easy to use and particularly kind to the environment.
You will also find here important application instructions and background information on waterproofing sprays. If you know them, you can easily renew the protective shield of your tent.
Best Tent Waterproofing Spray (Top 5 Picks)
Ranking of the best tent waterproofing sprays of 2023…
- Nikwax Tent and Gear Waterproofing
- Scotchgard Outdoor Water Repellent Spray for Tent
- Atsko 1336 Silicone Water-Guard for Tents
- KIWI Camp Dry Heavy Duty Water Repellant
- GEAR AID Seam Grip TF Fabric Sealer
Let’s see in detail of the best tent waterproofing sprays currently available on the market…
1. Nikwax Tent Waterproofing Spray & UV Protection
Tech Specs:
- Size & Capacity: 16.9 fl. oz.
- UV Protection: Yes
- Increases Fabric Strength: Yes
- Item Weight: 1 Pound
Nikwax Tent & Gear Solar Proof is a 17oz waterproofing and UV-blocking spray, ideal for all outdoor waterproof synthetic fabrics. This model is ideal for re-waterproofing your 2 or 3-person hiking tent completely.
It adds Durable Water Repellent Treatment, increases fabric strength, and protects the tent against UV deterioration. No propellants, no fluorocarbons, and most importantly, Nikwax is safe for the environment. One application can double the effective life of your tent.
Without a doubt, the Nikwax Tent & Gear Solar Proof is the best way to maintain the waterproofness of your hiking or camping tent. It can also be used on awnings, canopies, backpacks, bicycle baskets, and synthetic camera cases.
You can apply it on dry or wet synthetic fabrics. For best results, always wash the item first as the surface should be clean and degreased. It is not necessary to dry the tent before waterproofing.
Pros
- Good value
- Extends life of tents
- Non-persistent
- Easy to use
Cons
- Small capacity
2. Scotchgard 5020-13 Tent Water Repellent Spray
Tech Specs:
- Size & Capacity: 13 oz.
- UV Protection: No
- Increases Fabric Strength: Yes
- Item Weight: 13 ounces
Here we have another universal waterproofing spray in front of us, which is suitable for treating all types of tents. It protects against liquid penetration and also prevents the adhesion of stains. So you can feel just as comfortable in snow and rain as when working with dirty substances.
This model is available in a practical 13oz can. Scotchgard 5020-13 waterproofing spray is also suitable for use on shoes, jackets, and many other items of clothing.
The product preserves the breathability of the surface materials and ensures pleasant climate control. Dirt also has a much harder time clinging to it. However, it is not designed for UV protection. Instead, we would recommend Scotchgard Water and Sun Shield.
You can use this spray on polyester, nylon, polypropylene, cotton, leather, suede, and more. The agent is optically transparent and only causes a temporary darkening when wet.
Pros
- Breathable and odorless
- Safe for most fabrics
- Suitable for leather
- Good against pollution
Cons
- It’s a little spotty
- It isn’t scentless until it dries
- Not pollution-free
3. Atsko 1336 Silicone Water Guard for Tents
Tech Specs:
- Size & Capacity: 10.5oz.
- UV Protection: No
- Increases Fabric Strength: Yes
- Item Weight: 16 ounces
Atsko tent waterproofing spray can be used for all fabrics. It prevents staining and repels a wide variety of liquids. The branded product is suitable for all tents. Application is also easy.
Atsko tent waterproofing spray has a 10.5oz capacity and promises a long-lasting effect. The fiber functions do not change when sprayed. It absorbs quickly, but you should give it at least 12 hours of drying time before exposure to water.
Atsko waterproofing spray is also very popular with outdoor enthusiasts. Because breathability is permanently maintained if you treat your clothing with this waterproofing spray. This is important for everyone who moves vigorously outdoors and breaks a sweat again and again.
Please note that asthmatics should exercise caution when using this waterproof spray. It should only be used outdoors and with good ventilation.
Pros
- Heavy duty water guard
- Great for any type of material
- Reasonable price
- Easy to apply
Cons
- Takes time to dry
- A little too strong smell
4. KIWI Camp Dry Water Repellant (Pack of 2)
Tech Specs:
- Size & Capacity: 10.5oz.
- UV Protection: No
- Increases Fabric Strength: Yes
- Item Weight: 290 grams
KIWI Camp waterproofing spray is ideal for tents, tarps, boots, hunting apparel, outdoor gear, boat covers, and more. It is known for its effectiveness in repelling water and keeping outdoor gear dry. It protects the material from moisture and prevents it from fading.
In addition, the spray should ensure that the material does not become saturated with water. In this way, it offers protection against evaporative cooling.
KIWI tent waterproofing spray has a dirt-repellent, oil-repellent and water-repellent effect. It is effective for a very long time and can be used to waterproof leather and textiles. It will keep water out while still allowing the gear to breathe.
The waterproofing spray from KIWI is also suitable for membrane clothing. It is easy to apply but it can take 2 cans to put two coats on a 4-person camping tent. However, it will provide long-lasting protection even after multiple uses or exposure to harsh weather conditions.
Pros
- Strong protection against water
- Even application thanks to fine mist
- Long-lasting and breathable
- Dry very quickly
Cons
- For large tents, you have to press the button for a long time
5. GEAR AID Seam Grip TF Fabric Sealer for Tent
Tech Specs:
- Size & Capacity: 4 Fl Oz
- UV Protection: No
- Increases Fabric Strength: Yes
- Item Weight: 0.22 pounds
GEAR AID Seam Grip TF is a water-based waterproofing spray. The waterproofing spray comes without propellant. It is designed to create a durable barrier that prevents water from penetrating the treated surfaces, making it suitable for various surfaces such as sun sails, awnings, tents or hoods.
The spray protects the tent well against water. In the water drop test, the fabric stays dry for a long time. It also prevents the formation of mold and mold stains. However, due to the pump mechanism, the spray is distributed somewhat unevenly on the surface. A sponge or soft brush improves the result.
You can treat any absorbent fabric made of natural or synthetic fibers. You can choose it for tents, tarps, outdoor furniture and functional clothing.
The 2-pack model is available. You can use the extra sealant to do the tent floor to prevent a slipping sleep pad. It’ll covers an incredible amount of surface area.
Pros
- Safe to use
- Eco-friendly water base
- No heat activation required
- Flexible and easy to use
Cons
- Small capacity
Understand the Tent Fabrics
Tent fabrics and their coatings determine how waterproof and robust the tent is.
Cotton
The natural fiber offers a number of advantages: Cotton is breathable, which ensures a pleasant tent climate. Well-waterproof cotton is almost waterproof and very UV-resistant. However, cotton is very heavy and will rot if stored damp.
Polyester
Polyester tents are comparatively light and are very tear and abrasion resistant. Polyester does not rot, is reasonably resistant to UV radiation, and does not stretch when wet.
Nylon
Nylon is even lighter than polyester and doesn’t rot either. It is tear and abrasion resistant. However, it is less resistant to UV rays and stretches when wet. That is why nylon tent has to be tightened from time to time when it rains.
PU coatings
A polyurethane coating is absolutely waterproof and offers a high water column. However, it becomes brittle over time due to UV radiation, so the water protection decreases if the tent is often left in the sun.
A PU coating is found on most polyester tents.
SI coatings
Silicone coatings are lighter than PU coatings. In addition significantly more resistant to UV radiation. The water column is not that high with SI-coated tents but is usually absolutely sufficient.
Nylon tents are often coated with silicone.
- Find out more: The water column means a tent.
FAQs
Which tents can I waterproof?
Tents are usually made of polyester, nylon or cotton. All three materials are absorbent textile fabrics. This means they absorb water when it rains. And at the same time offer the waterproofing agent enough hold on their surface. That is why every tent benefits from a waterproofing spray.
How environmentally friendly is tent waterproofing spray?
Today, waterproofing sprays are more environmentally friendly. They are CFC-free. Many manufacturers also do without the use of PFOA and PFOS.
Nevertheless, there are sprays that contain solvents or substances that can accumulate in the human body. That’s why you should only use tent waterproofing sprays outdoors or in well-ventilated rooms and follow the instructions on the packaging.
Does waterproofing spray affect the breathability of my tent?
No, not at all! A breathable fabric loses this property when it gets wet. The water closes the small holes in the fabric. Waterproofing spray makes the fabric water-repellent, and the fabric stays dry. So breathability can even be improved.
How often do you have to waterproof a tent?
If you use your tent frequently and set it up several times a year, you should re-waterproof the tent about every 2 years. If it is rarely used, waterproofing every 3 years is sufficient.
Conclusion
When selecting a tent waterproofing spray, it is essential to consider factors such as ease of application, coverage, durability, and compatibility with your specific tent material. Remember to follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer when applying any waterproofing spray to ensure optimal results.
Thank you for your interest in our test. We wish you nice camping!
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