Re-Applying 303 Fabric Guard 2nd Season

[tyjy]

Starting our second season owning a pontoon and parking at the marina (uncovered). Haven't received my shipment of 303 Fabric Guard yet and, alas, after some rain this week, the mooring cover isn't as waterproof as it was end of last season (thought it'd last a little longer). Glad my 303 order is coming this week so we can re-apply asap! 

Q: Can someone tell me if it's important to wash the cover first? Would just  a strong spray of water from a hose be sufficient (vs. w/soap) and then drying before the new 303 application? 

Thanks : )

 

[ErinnDan]

303 Fabric Guard. Is this the same as the 303 protectant I use on my upholstery?

And does it water proof the cover a bit better?

 

[kaydano]

Fabric and vinyl have different products.

 

[tyjy]

303 Fabric Guard. Is this the same as the 303 protectant I use on my upholstery?

And does it water proof the cover a bit better?

Trust me, it IS confusing to keep all the different applications straight!

For us what works:

We use the 303 Fabric Guard #30674 (gallon) or thanks to a tip from JackM it's currently cheaper overall w/the 8/32 oz #30650 for the: bimini, bimini cover and mooring cover. Rainwater literally beads off and does not soak into the fabric at all which deters potential mold/mildew and no dew or dampness on seating, etc. (Last year it was called "303 High Tech Fabric Guard with Water Repellant" which made it easier to pick out. Here's a link to the 2015 product (Make sure it says "water repellancy technology":

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00CMP94UI/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

(Edited to add: using a larger sprayer like a Solo is much easier than hand spraying!)

We use the 303 Fabric/Vinyl Cleaner #30552 to clean upholstery from smudges, dirt, etc but ALSO regularly apply the 303 Aerospace Protectant #30350 to ward off UV rays and keep the seats soft and like brand new! (bought from pontoonstuff.com not Amazon so don't have the exact link handy).

We use Mother's Marine Spray Wax #91824 for the fencing and motor cowling.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001F0MOUS/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o04_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

 

[ErinnDan]

Thanks. I currently use the 303 Cleaner and Protectant.

How much Fabric Gaurd do you think I need to treat just my mooring cover for my 20 SLX. I would apply 2 thin coats as directed.

 

[Jack M]

I used about a gallon on the cover .

 

[ErinnDan]

Thanks guys. I ordered a gallon of the Fabric Gaurd with the sprayer.

What is the best way to apply it?

I'm guessing, while the cover is on the boat. Do I need to worry about overspray getting on anything like panels or the deck?

Obviously I will try to avoid overspray the best I can.

 

[tyjy]

I don't think folks recommend doing it while on the boat because you can't help but overspray when getting near the edges.

Last year we did it hanging over our wood deck and afterwards noticed water beading up on our deck! Luckily we were due to scrub and restain our deck anyways. This year we'll try and find another spot to do it.

 

[Jack M]

I brought mine home last year .Going to bring it home again this year.







year 

 

[tyjy]

I have a habit of answering my own questions so future readers don't have to search high and low on this forum!...my original Q was if I have to clean the cover before re-applying the fabric guard. If I'd have looked harder I'd have found this myself, but thanks to TomS on another thread his links provided the answer to my question too...

... so for future inquiring minds:

"Bennington provides nice guidelines on the forum for interiors and covers HERE and HERE "