303 high tech fabric guard

seabeagle · Posted: Fri Jul 22, 2011 3:26 pm Post subject: 303 high tech fabric guard

I know that Sunbrella recommends the 303 spray for protection. But, is there a cheaper alternative? Is Thompson's water sealer beyond the realm of stupidity? In the past I've used the silicone based camping tent spray but, it doesn't seen to last more than 2 weeks on a camperback.

Captains Cat · Posted: Fri Jul 22, 2011 4:03 pm Post subject:

I sure wouldn't put Thompson's on a fabric if you mean the kind you use to seal decks! Rolling Eyes

Charlie

Desolation Cruiser · Posted: Fri Jul 22, 2011 4:29 pm Post subject:

I think the 303 protectant is reccomended as a U.V. light protectant.(sun tan lotion for vinyl and fabrics) not a waterproofing treatment.

BrentB · Posted: Fri Jul 22, 2011 4:43 pm Post subject:

303 replaced Scotchguard

report
http://www.303products.com/powerboatlowres.pdf

303 web site
http://www.303products.com/

c-ness · Posted: Fri Jul 22, 2011 4:54 pm Post subject:

303 is expensive but it works and it lasts. I sprayed our camper back in March and it still beads the water with no problem.[/list]

BrentB · Posted: Fri Jul 22, 2011 5:07 pm Post subject:

303 web site has a special for $80 for a gallon, spray bottle and wipes

seabeagle · Posted: Fri Jul 22, 2011 5:32 pm Post subject:

I was reading the MSDS for it and found that 95% is odorless mineral spirits. Also Amazon has a gallon for $89.49 shipping included. The deal on the 303 website is the protectant only not the fabric guard.

BrentB · Posted: Fri Jul 22, 2011 7:47 pm Post subject:

thanks you are right Very Happy

Amzon looks like a deal

Wandering Sagebrush · Posted: Fri Jul 22, 2011 8:53 pm Post subject: Cleaning Sunbrella

I will tag on to this thread to answer a question that I posed a week or two back.

Cleaning Sunbrella

seabeagle · Posted: Sun Jul 24, 2011 9:03 am Post subject:

I read the cleaning sunbrella info and seen "Sunbrella fabrics are treated with a fluorocarbon finish, which enhances water repellency." I was also looking up info on Bass Pro Shop's Waterproofing with PTEF spray and found a Q&A stating that "It is a fluropolymer-based product." and it has the same odorless mineral spirits base. A gallon of the Bass Pro is $38.00 which is much less than the 303. Any thoughts? $52.00 savings = a nice day on the water if it works. I also spoke with a guy from 303 on Friday and he said that friction breaks down its effectiveness. Our camperback is always up and we regularly travel 70 mph on the highway with it which surely creates a LOT of friction.

thataway · Posted: Sun Jul 24, 2011 2:20 pm Post subject:

I have used the 303 Fabric protectant, since I was getting it wholesale. I suspect the Bass Pro material is similar. I do spray my canvas (Sunbrella every year or so, after washing it). The mineral spirits is just a vehicle for the active ingredient.

On the other hand, I don't drive long distances with the camper back up. Not just friction--but vibration, debris, road dust/diesel particulate, asphalt etc is bad for the fabric.

I agree with Capt Charlie--only use Thompson's or waxed canvas sealant as a last resort, if the Sunbrella is on its last legs.

Pandion · Posted: Fri Feb 01, 2019 5:04 pm Post subject:

starcrafttom · Posted: Fri Feb 01, 2019 6:22 pm Post subject:

I like neverwet

This is what I use on my duck hunting gear and its amazing. i sprayed a back pack two years ago and its stillwater proof. It was not a water proof pack to start. You do have to apply it when its warm and you want to be out side. Nasty off gassing.

thataway · Posted: Fri Feb 01, 2019 6:37 pm Post subject:

I put two coats of 303 on the canvas. One quart spray bottle should be plenty. I buy it in the gallon--considerably cheaper. I have seen it as low as $40--most places have it for $50 a gallon. The quarts can range from $13 to $35..! The Sunbrella still "breaths". Not sure if other waterproofing materials will allow that.

Pandion · Posted: Fri Feb 01, 2019 8:24 pm Post subject:

Thanks gents!