The Best Waterproofing Sprays to Keep Those Beads of Water Bouncing Off Your Kit

It doesn’t matter if you’re in a boat or on the ground. There’s nothing worse than getting soaking wet while you’re fishing. In particular, you have to avoid your fishing kit getting drenched as this can ruin your equipment. It’s a mess you want to avoid altogether.

There is a way to avoid getting your absorbent gear and yourself from getting wet when out on the water –  use waterproofing spray to make your gear water resistant.

Water repellency keeps you dry, lasts a long time, and doesn’t stink. It shouldn’t leave any residue behind either so your suede or leather shoes or boots, clothes, and any other outdoor materials look just as good as they did before you made them water repellent.

Believe it or not, there are a lot of options for an effective water repellent spray on the market. So many that it’s hard to pick out the good from the mediocre. So, we did the work for you. We found the four best waterproofing sprays to keep those beads of water rolling off your kit.

Best Waterproofing Sprays

• Nikwax TX.Direct Spray-On Waterproofing
• Star Brite Waterproofing Marine Fabric Spray

Our Favorite Waterproofing Spray: Nikwax TX.Direct Spray-On Waterproofing

Nikwax’s spray-on waterproof formula brings back water-repellency on waterproof fabrics and the breathability they once had. The formula is water-based so it doesn’t stain or leave any residue on the fabric which is also how it’s able to maintain breathability.

Plus, it’s a non-toxic formula. There are no perfluorinated compounds (PFCs) or volatile organic compounds (VOCs). The formula is eco-friendly and biodegradable, too, perfect for any of your outdoor clothing or fishing fabric. It even works on Gore-Tex and any porous material.

Size: 16.9 fluid ounces

Material: Gore-Tex, porous materials, synthetic material, technical clothing

Pros:

• Doesn’t stain
• Doesn’t leave residue
• No odor
• Doesn’t clog the pores of the fabric
• Non-toxic formula
• Biodegradable formula

Runner-Up: Star Brite Waterproofing Marine Fabric Spray

Star Brite is an underrated brand. This marine fabric waterproofing spray is one of our favorites. Star Brite is one of those brands you don’t see advertising everywhere but that blows you away once you find out about it.

The formula has a protective polymer barrier coating (PTEF). The PTEF helps restore water-repellency for all marine fabrics and extends the life of any new marine fabric you have too. It repels stains and creates a barrier between your fabric and the sun to protect it from UV rays. So, your fabric will keep its color and won’t yellow.

Using this spray won’t change the color or the feel of your fabric and it doesn’t affect the breathability.

Size: 22 fluid ounces

Material: It works well with all marine fabrics, including heavy fabrics.

Pros:

• Protects the fabric from UV rays to prevent fading or yellowing
• Repels stains
• Extends life of the new fabric
• Doesn’t affect color or feel of the fabric
• Doesn’t affect breathability

The Proper Way to Waterproof Your Gear

There is a proper way to apply waterproofing products to your gear and you have to take particular care when applying waterproofing or water repellent spray to your tackle bag, leather shoes, boots, or clothes. After years of use, those nifty windbreakers and tackle bags lose their water repellency. So, you can use this spray for fabric that’s lost its touch.

If it’s done the right way, waterproofing can lengthen the life of your leather or fabric outdoor gear. And the quality will never waver.

Before we start, remember to follow the directions on the water repellent spray you bought. If they differ from the directions here, follow those instructions as every product is a little different.

1. Wash your fabric. Most tackle bags can be washed with soap by hand while clothing can be washed in a machine. You have to start with a clean fabric.

2. Test the fabric to see where water is leaking through. Sometimes there are only a few spots that are losing their waterproof quality instead of the whole thing.

Source: canva.com

3. If it’s only a few spots, spray the waterproof treatment on those specific spots. It’ll save you time, formula, and work. Sometimes, it’s nice to avoid extra work that doesn’t need to be done.

4. It’s easiest to spray waterproof treatment outside. Some of the formulas have strong fumes. Lay down a tarp or large sheet of material on the ground. Place the fabric on the tarp and make sure it’s stretched out. The fewer wrinkles, the better.

5. If you’re waterproofing an item with zippers or buttons, make sure they’re fastened to prevent the treatment from getting on the inside of the fabric.

6. Hold the spray bottle five to six inches from the fabric. Spray the treatment, making sure you spray an even coat, and cover the entire outer layer. Pay special attention to the seams.

7. Let the fabric sit undisturbed for two minutes, give or take. You don’t want to hang it up right away because you run the chance of smearing the treatment.

8. Once a few minutes are up, you can hang the fabric up and let it dry.

Sometimes it helps to do two coats of protector spray for the most effective repellent. Once it dries, go ahead and repeat the process.

Waterproofing Sprays are a Must-Have for Fishermen

You want to protect your outdoor clothing at all costs. If you do, some fabric can last for years instead of months.

One way to protect these materials is with waterproofing sprays. Dry fabric lasts longer while wet fabric starts to wear away faster. Plus, these sprays protect against sun exposure and UV damage as well. The next time you’re at the store, grab a bottle of waterproofing spray. The brands on this list will protect you so you can fish worry-free.

You might also be interested in: The Best Spinning Rod on the Market – Buying Guide for 2021

Source of Featured Image: canva.com