How to Waterproof Your Awning
The rain has already begun to come down in certain areas of the country and the remaining geographic locations are sure to see some amount of rainfall in the coming months. If you have an awning covering your backyard, it's a wise idea to waterproof your awning to allow yourself to enjoy your patio space during the rainy season.
Waterproofing your awning canvas is a very simple process and can help you save the day when a rain shower comes unannounced. As the song goes, “You can plan a pretty picnic but you can't predict the weather.” (Outkast). All you will need is some basic cleaning supplies, bleach, an empty spray bottle, and a can of waterproofing liquid. Read through the full instructions before you get started to make sure that you don't encounter any unexpected twists.
Frequently Asked Questions: Waterproofing Your Awning
It keeps your patio usable during surprise showers. A waterproofed canvas sheds rain instead of absorbing it, helping prevent stains and seepage so you can enjoy your covered space even when weather flips suddenly. The process is quick and saves you headaches when storms roll in.
Basic cleaners, bleach, spray bottle, and waterproofing liquid. Gather soapy water, a soft brush, optional bleach for stubborn spots, an empty spray bottle, and a petroleum-based waterproofing liquid compatible with your fabric. Read the instructions first so your workflow is smooth and there are no surprises.
Scrub gently with suds, then rinse well. Use laundry or dish soap to make suds. With a soft brush, scrub in circular motions to lift dirt and stains without damaging fabric. Rinse thoroughly with a garden hose so you don’t trap grime under the waterproofing coat.
Cover nearby surfaces with painter’s plastic. Protect exterior walls, windows, and walkways using thin plastic sheeting before you spray. A tidy setup prevents accidental stains from the waterproofing liquid and makes cleanup fast when you’re done.
Use petroleum-based sealers compatible with your fabric. Pour the liquid into a spray bottle for even coverage and easier cleanup. Spray a generous first coat without heavy runs. You’ll add a second pass, so focus on smooth, even coverage instead of flooding the surface.
Yes—fill gaps, then dry about 4 hours. After the first coat, touch up holes and edges, then apply a second layer to ensure a watertight seal. Allow roughly four hours to dry. Test your work by running water over the canvas with a garden hose.
Mind the lever arms and moving parts. Retractable models need careful attention around arms and joints as you clean and spray. Work methodically so you don’t gum up mechanisms, and wipe any accidental overspray from metal components right away.
Cleaning Your Awning
Cleaning your awning before you apply the waterproofing element will ensure that you don't permanently trap any stains in your awning’s finish. First, grab a bucket of soapy water. You can use laundry detergent or dish soap to get some nice suds going. Using a soft brush that won't damage or tear your awning fabric, scrub your awning in a circular motion removing any dirt, stains, or filth that has accumulated over the years. When complete, wash away with a garden hose.
Prepare Your Work Area
As with any project, maintaining a clean and tidy work environment is the key to achieving a result that is worth showing off to your friends. You will want to protect the surrounding area to prevent any staining caused by the waterproofing liquids. To do so, cover any exterior walls, windows, and walkways using a thin sheet of painter’s plastic. Once you have prepped your work area, you can begin the waterproofing process.
Prepare your awning work area (image via)
Applying a Waterproofing Coat to Your Awning
Waterproofing is fairly simple and straightforward but it is important that you are mindful of the small details. We recommend using a petroleum-based waterproofing liquid. There are a variety of brands out there that you can choose from so there is room to play around. Make sure that you do your homework to confirm that the liquid you choose is applicable to the fabric that your awning uses.
Window cleaning products are located on the windowsill - spray guns, rubber gloves, a sponge and rags
Place the liquid in a spray bottle to reduce cleanup time. Begin by spraying an initial coat of your waterproofing liquid on your awning. Spray generously but avoid overspray which will cause the liquid to run. Remember, you will be going over this initial coat with a second layer to ensure a watertight seal.
Retractable awnings require care on the lever arms. Image via Family Handyman
Finally, go over your initial work to fill in any small holes or gaps. It's important that you cover any spots that could potentially allow water to seep through. If you fail to do so, your “waterproof” awning will have some holes in its armor. Allow the final coat to dry for 4 hours. Afterwards you can use your garden hose to run water across the canvas to make sure that you have created a nice seal. Finally, wait for the rain to come with a proud grin on your face.
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