5 Best Waterproofing Sprays for Blankets
Shield your blankets from rain and mildew. This guide reviews the 5 best waterproofing sprays that offer durable protection for a dry, fresh season.
There’s nothing worse than pulling out a horse blanket or a canvas tarp after the first autumn rain, only to find it damp, heavy, and smelling of mildew. A good waterproofing spray isn’t just a convenience; it’s a critical tool for protecting your gear and your animals. Choosing the right one saves you money on replacements and prevents the headache of dealing with moldy, useless fabric.
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Protecting Blankets from Rain and Mildew
When a blanket gets soaked, the problem isn’t just the water. The real enemy is the dampness that lingers, creating a perfect breeding ground for mildew and mold. This not only ruins the fabric over time but can also pose health risks, especially with animal blankets that sit against the skin.
A quality waterproofing spray does two jobs at once. First, it creates a hydrophobic barrier that causes water to bead up and roll off instead of soaking in. Second, many formulations contain agents that actively inhibit the growth of mildew. This dual action is what turns a simple cover into a reliable piece of protective gear that lasts through the wet season.
Think of it as an investment. A $15 can of spray can extend the life of a $150 turnout blanket by several seasons. It keeps your animals more comfortable, your stored hay drier, and your equipment covers from rotting away in the damp winter air.
What to Look For in a Blanket Waterproofer
Not all waterproofing sprays are created equal, and the right choice depends entirely on what you’re spraying. A heavy silicone spray that’s perfect for a woodpile tarp would be a disaster on a horse’s turnout blanket. You need to match the product to the job.
Here are the key factors to consider:
- Breathability: This is non-negotiable for animal blankets. A non-breathable coating will trap sweat and moisture against the animal’s skin, leading to chills and skin problems. Look for formulas that maintain the fabric’s ability to breathe.
- Material Compatibility: Check if the spray is designed for natural fibers like canvas, synthetic materials like nylon and polyester, or both. Using the wrong type can be ineffective or even damage the fabric.
- Durability and Base: Silicone-based sprays often offer heavy-duty, long-lasting protection but can reduce breathability. Water-based, fluoropolymer formulas (like those from Nikwax) are often more breathable and environmentally gentle but may require more frequent application.
- Added Protections: Some sprays offer more than just water repellency. Look for features like UV protection to prevent sun damage and fading, or stain resistance to make cleaning easier.
Nikwax Rug Proof: Top Choice for Breathability
When it comes to animal blankets, breathability is king. Nikwax Rug Proof is the go-to choice for any fabric that needs to repel water while letting internal moisture escape. It’s specifically designed for horse blankets and other animal coats, ensuring your animals stay dry from the rain without getting clammy from their own sweat.
The formula is water-based and doesn’t rely on harsh solvents or PFCs, which is a significant plus. It works by coating the individual fibers of the fabric rather than sealing the surface with a film. This is what preserves the material’s natural breathability. You can get it as a spray-on or a wash-in, with the wash-in providing incredibly even and thorough coverage.
The tradeoff for this excellent performance is that it may not last as long as a heavy-duty silicone sealant. You’ll likely need to reapply it at the start of every rainy season, or more often if the blanket sees heavy use and frequent washing. But for the health and comfort of your animals, it’s a tradeoff worth making.
Kiwi Camp Dry for Heavy-Duty Protection
For anything that isn’t worn by a living creature, Kiwi Camp Dry is a classic workhorse. This is the stuff you use on old canvas tarps, equipment covers, tents, and boots. Its silicone-based formula creates a tough, durable barrier that forces water to bead and run right off.
Kiwi Camp Dry is all about creating a seal. It soaks into the fabric and cures, forming a resilient waterproof layer. This makes it ideal for static items that just need to stay dry, no matter what. If you have a leaky cover for your tractor or need to re-waterproof a canvas shelter for your goats, this is an excellent, cost-effective option.
The downside is that this heavy barrier significantly reduces breathability. Do not use this on your horse or dog blankets. Trapped sweat and moisture can cause serious skin irritation and make an animal dangerously cold. But for inanimate objects that need maximum water repellency, Kiwi Camp Dry is tough to beat for its effectiveness and wide availability.
Atsko Silicone Water-Guard for Durability
If you need a waterproof coating that can stand up to some serious wear and tear, Atsko Silicone Water-Guard is a top contender. It’s designed for heavy use, curing in the fabric to create a finish that resists abrasion. This makes it perfect for items that get dragged around or are exposed to the elements for long periods.
Think of Atsko for high-friction applications. It’s a great choice for re-treating the floor of a utility tent, the cover on your ATV, or a heavy-duty blanket you use to haul firewood. The silicone formula bonds deeply with the fibers, so the protection doesn’t just wear off after a few scrapes. It’s a treatment you apply when you want long-lasting, set-it-and-forget-it protection.
Like other silicone products, it’s not the best choice for breathable fabrics needed for animal wear. Its strength lies in its toughness. When you need a waterproof barrier that won’t fail halfway through the season on a piece of gear that gets abused, Atsko is a reliable and durable solution.
Scotchgard Water Shield: A Versatile Option
Scotchgard is a name most people recognize, and for good reason. Its Water Shield product is a fantastic all-around option for a wide variety of materials, from patio furniture cushions to light-duty covers and even jackets. It’s a versatile tool to have in the workshop for quick waterproofing jobs.
The main advantage of Scotchgard is its balance. It offers solid water repellency without creating the heavy, stiff coating of some silicone-based competitors. This makes it suitable for a broader range of fabrics, including many synthetics. It’s easy to apply and dries without a strong, lingering odor.
While it’s a great general-purpose waterproofer, it isn’t a specialist. It’s not as breathable as Nikwax for animal blankets, nor is it as rugged as Atsko for high-abrasion gear. But if you need to treat a variety of different items and want one can that can handle most of them reasonably well, Scotchgard is an excellent and convenient choice.
Star brite Spray for UV & Stain Resistance
Sometimes, water isn’t the only enemy. Sun and dirt can degrade and stain your blankets and covers just as quickly. Star brite Waterproofing Spray stands out because it tackles all three threats, making it a premium choice for protecting valuable gear.
Originally developed for the marine industry, this spray is formulated to withstand harsh conditions. Its primary feature beyond waterproofing is its powerful UV inhibitor, which helps prevent fabrics from fading and becoming brittle in the sun. This is a huge benefit for any blanket or tarp that lives outdoors 24/7. It also adds a layer of stain resistance, making mud and grime easier to clean off.
This is the product you choose to extend the life of expensive gear. Use it on high-quality turnout blankets, custom equipment covers, or outdoor awnings. While it might be overkill for a simple woodpile tarp, its multi-faceted protection makes it a smart investment for anything you want to keep looking and performing its best for years to come.
How to Apply Spray for Maximum Effectiveness
Even the best spray will fail if it’s not applied correctly. Cutting corners here is a surefire way to end up with a leaky blanket and wasted money. The goal is to give the product the best possible surface to bond with.
First and foremost, start with a perfectly clean and dry blanket. Dirt, mud, and residual oils from a previous treatment will prevent the new spray from adhering properly. Wash the item according to its care instructions, avoiding fabric softeners, which can leave a residue that repels waterproofing agents.
Once it’s completely dry, take it outside or to a well-ventilated barn. Lay it flat and spray in a steady, sweeping motion, holding the can the distance recommended by the manufacturer (usually 6-10 inches). Overlap your strokes to ensure even coverage. Pay special attention to the seams, as this is where water most often finds its way through.
Don’t saturate the fabric until it’s dripping, but don’t be timid either—you want a consistent, even coat. Let it cure completely according to the directions on the can. Some products require 24-48 hours to fully bond with the fabric. Rushing this final step is the most common mistake and the number one cause of a failed treatment.
Ultimately, keeping your gear dry and mildew-free is about choosing the right tool for the specific job. A breathable spray for your horse is just as important as a heavy-duty sealer for your tarp. Taking the time to select and apply the right product will keep your equipment in service longer and save you from the frustration of dealing with damp, musty gear when the rains arrive.
