How To Waterproof a Fabric Convertible Top on Your Car?
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Even though soft convertible canvas (cloth) tops on cars are waterproof, their hydrophobic properties may weaken with exposure to all the weather elements (UV rays, rain, snow, dust, dirt). Since convertible tops need to stay waterproof all the time, I decided to show you a quick and easy way to waterproof them on your car.
Key Takeaways:
- Convertible canvas tops are waterproof but lose hydrophobic properties over time.
- Regular protection and waterproofing extend the top’s life and prevent leaks.
- RaggTopp Fabric Protectant is highly recommended for its effectiveness.
1. Thoroughly Clean Convertible Top Fabric
Before anything else, you need to make sure that a convertible top is clean from any dirt and dust. So, you should wash and clean it as thoroughly as possible.
Quick steps for cleaning fabric convertible top:
- Spray it with water (garden hose or pressure washer). However, if you use a pressure washer, make sure to keep the wand far away from the fabric. That way, you’ll avoid any damage to it.
- Spray APC on the fabric and let it sit for 3-4 minutes.
- Use a soft brush and agitate the area in circular motions. Be thorough, and don’t skip any areas.
- When you have brushed everything, rinse the top. Again, be careful if you’re using a pressure washer.
There are tons of products marketed as “convertible top cleaners,” and they work. But there’s no need for you to spend additional money on that. Any high-quality APC (all-purpose cleaner) will do the work fantastically.
If you don’t know which brush to use, check my recommended brushes for leather cleaning; they’ll also be great for clean convertible tops. If you use a too harsh brush, you will speed up the wearing of the convertible top and maybe even damage it immediately.
2. Dry The Convertible Top
You can’t apply convertible top protectant to wet fabric. For protectants to work, the area should be completely dry. Otherwise, it won’t work.
There are two main ways of drying soft convertible tops:
- Leave it overnight. It should dry if the area isn’t highly humid.
- Use a drying microfiber towel and soak it to the convertible top. That way, it’ll collect most of the water from there. After that, leave the convertible top for another hour or two to dry completely.
When I’m waterproofing convertible tops, I like to leave them overnight, and it’s the best scenario, in my opinion. That way, I’m 100% sure that the fabric is dry enough to apply a waterproof protectant.
3. Apply Protectant On Fabric Convertible Top
Now that everything is cleaned and dried, it’s time to apply a product that’ll give your convertible top fabric hydrophobic properties – make it waterproof but also protect it from other external elements such as the Sun’s UV rays.
Protectants also extend the lifetime of fabric convertible tops. So, instead of only waterproofing them, you’ll also give them more protection and more longevity, which, in the end, saves you a bunch of money.
From my experience, the best fabric protectant and water repellent for convertible tops is RaggTopp Fabric Protectant.
There are tons of products on the market, but this one worked best for me and thousands of other people. Just check the reviews, and everything will be self-explanatory.
Do these steps to apply convertible top protectant properly:
- Tape some newspapers around the convertible top so you don’t spray the product on unwanted areas. If you don’t do it, don’t worry. Just clean any overspray with a clean microfiber towel as soon as possible.
- Spray the 1st coat of product on the fabric. Pay attention to the seams. Apply more product over there since those are the most vulnerable areas of the convertible tops.
- Work the product into the convertible top by massaging it with your hands. That way, the product will go into all pores and offer even better protection. (Don’t forget to wear safety gloves).
- Let it dry for 30 minutes.
- Apply 2nd coat the same way you applied the 1st one.
- Let it dry for 1 hour.
And that’s it. Your soft convertible top is now waterproofed and protected. If you want, you can also apply the 3rd coat, but in my opinion, there’s no need if you’re using the RaggTopp Protectant.
Furthermore, don’t be afraid that you’ll put too much protection on the fabric. I usually spend the entire bottle on one car. That way, I’m 100% sure that it’s well waterproofed and protected, and that way, it’ll last longer.
If you need video advice on using RaggTopp, check the video below.
FAQ
The easiest way is to spray some water on it. If there’s no water beading on the convertible top, it’s not waterproofed. And you should apply convertible top protectant as soon as possible.
If you’re using high-quality protectants like RaggTopp, you can re-apply it every 6 months.
Yes, of course. Air blowers will significantly speed up the drying time. That way, you’ll finish the task sooner.
Final Words
Those were all the steps to protect the convertible top on your vehicle. Remember, maintaining the convertible soft tops is the key to their longevity.
It’s ca. two hours of work, but it’s totally worth it, especially if you don’t have a garage for your convertible car. Having those cars is fantastic, but what’s the point if the canvas is leaking water? So, follow my advice, and you’ll be a happy convertible top owner.
