Thompson’s Water Seal Fabric Seal
Protecting your outside furniture from the elements can protect your investment and keep it looking beautiful. I recently found Thompson’s Water Seal Fabric Seal and used it to keep my new patio set protected from water and sun damage.
I recently purchased this patio set off of Craigslist. I promptly spray painted it navy blue and recovered the seat cushions. There’s nothing like a little bit of Rust-Oleum’s Navy Blue Gloss paint and fabric from JoAnn’s to make something feel/look completely new. If you want to check out the makeover, click here.
Since I was putting it on the patio, I wasn’t too worried about sun damage or fading. That is, until I happened to be cleaning the patio and was wiping down a cushion that I had made for the top of a bench seat a few years back.
The top of the cushion looked okay, but when you flipped it over you could see how faded it had become. The picture above shows the sun bleached side on the right, and the underneath, un-sunbleached side of the cushion on the left. Even though it had been protected from the sun by being on the patio, there was still significant sun fading.
Thompson’s Water Seal recently sent me a few of their items to try out, and this looked like a perfect time to try out their Fabric Seal. It says it prevents water damage, resists color fading, and repels spills and stains. Since the Florida sun is brutal, and we have plenty of outside furniture, I knew this would come in handy.
The first thing that the directions say is to do a splash test, to see if the item is absorbing water, and therefore needs the Thompson’s Water Seal Fabric Seal to be applied. This is what happened when I tried it out on my chair cushion.
The fabric just sucked up the water – it definitely needed some protection.
I moved all the chairs out of the patio, and away from the bird cages. After wiping down all the chair cushions with a damp cloth to remove any dust or dirt and then letting them completely dry out, I sprayed them all with the first coat, and let them dry for four hours. I also sprayed the older seat cushion – might as well, right?
I liked that it didn’t cause the fabric to get darker when I sprayed it. When I went back after four hours, it didn’t feel rough, or sticky. It just felt like it did before I treated them. I put on a second coat, and waited another four hours. Even after two coats on all six chairs and the seat cushion, I still have more than half the can left.
After everything was dry, I brought them back on the patio. You are supposed to wait 24 hours before getting them wet, but I couldn’t wait to do another splash test to see if it would repel the water.
The water drop ran right off the seat! I’d say that was exactly what I was hoping for. Then I tried it on the other seat cushion too…
When I picked up the cushion, the water just rolled right off. My son got a kick out of playing with the water drop, rolling it around and trying to keep it from falling off. Ahh… the little things that amuse us 🙂
I’m pretty stoked about this product. After all, we have four slobbery dogs, and a bazillion nieces and nephews with wet swimsuits and juice boxes that seem to always spill on anything absorbent. Did you ever notice that? It’s never on the tile or the concrete – you know, where it would be easy to wipe it up, or rinse it off with the hose.
I think it will help to keep everything cleaner and brighter on the patio. As far as the UV protection, only time will tell if it is just as effective. Tomorrow, I’m going to treat the cushions on the lounge chairs around the pool, which we’ve only had for a few months, but already are showing signs of sun damage. Between the rain and the sun here in Florida, I need all the help I can get to keep our outdoor furniture looking it’s best. What’s great about this stuff is that you can use it on everything from cushions to pillows to umbrellas – all the outdoor stuff that could use a little protecting from the elements!
Have you tried this product yet? Do you love it like I do? Tell me what your secret is to keeping outdoor furniture clean.
Thanks for stopping by!
Eliesa
scottiev says
I didn’t even know such a product existed-Hooray and thanks for the introduction! I am working on a re-do of our front porch furniture so this will be very handy.
A Pinterest Addict says
I am thinking of doing all my chairs in the house too, especially the dining and kitchen chairs. Let me know if you try it!
Theresa says
This is great! Now I can move on to other projects each spring instead of updating
My weather worn cushions! Thanks:)
Vanessa says
I was looking for something like this, as I’m about to upholster my dining chairs. I don’t want to put a plastic cover on the chairs. Does this product make the cushions crunchy feeling?
A Pinterest Addict says
It didn’t make any of the items I used it on crunchy. It doesn’t feel like there is anything on it.
Vanessa says
Awesome! I recently had the thought to use it on an indoor rug. One I’ll put under my dining table. It won’t be shag or carpet like – think it’ll work?
A Pinterest Addict says
Not sure – but I would try it 🙂 (unless it’s an expensive rug – then I would buy something specifically made for rugs)
Nancy K. says
Is there any reason why you couldn’t use this on indoor furniture as well? It seems like it would be similar to ‘Scotch Guard”. I’ve got a red sofa that sits in front of a living room window and is already showing signs of sun fading.
A Pinterest Addict says
I asked the rep from Thompson’s and they said it can be used for indoor furniture too! I would take it outside to spray it though 🙂
Freida says
WOW…you hit the jackpot with your Craig’s List find! This set is fabulous, especially after your magic touches! The fabric you chose really compliments the lines of the furniture…and ohhh that shade of blue…what an eye-grabber!
I’m so glad to hear about this product, as well. Living in MS, I can definitely relate to the sun’s brutal effect on anything left outdoors! Now, if we only could do something about this humidity!
A Pinterest Addict says
Thanks 🙂 I hear you on the humidity – It is honestly so humid here that I feel like I’m swimming in hot water when I step outside!
Jill says
What is this adorable fabric? I love the colors and print!
A Pinterest Addict says
I bought it at JoAnn’s. Isn’t it fun?! Thanks 🙂
maria laura says
parece un producto fantástico, espero encontrarlo en mi paÃs, igual gracias por la idea!!!
Christy says
Absolutely awesome idea/product!
Melodie says
This is such a helpful post! I’m making bench cushions for my gazebo this summer and they’ll definitely get a coat of this seal!
Dianne Boehm McBride says
Did you use “outdoor” fabric or just regular? We were recently given a nice outdoor set that I’m planning to spray paint and recover the cushions. I’ve been put off by the price of outdoor fabric, though. It would be nice if I could just get regular fabric and spray it with this stuff…
A Pinterest Addict says
I used outdoor fabric, but you can use this spray on regular fabric too!
Susan says
Where can you purchase this product??
A Pinterest Addict says
Hi! I understand that Lowe’s will be carrying it in the next few weeks. I will let you know when I get a definite answer as to when they will have it. Thanks!
Meredith says
Do you think it would work with cushions that are left out in the rain? A down pour of rain is a lot different than a splash test. Thanks!
A Pinterest Addict says
To be honest, I haven’t tried that yet. But we will be replacing some cushions for the outside swing, and I’ll be trying this on them. I’ll let you know how it holds up after one of our South Florida thunderstorms.
Dawn says
No fabric can ever be made completely “waterproof.” Only rubber/vinyl/plastic can repel a steady downpour of rain. My husband learned that looking for waterproof hunting attire. We did a lot of research looking for camo rainsuits, and learned that “waterproof” really means “water resistant.”
Lenora says
Did the cushions fade? Or did this product help?
Athena says
I have the same fabric as my couch throw pillows LOL. I love the color you chose for the furniture itself. Can you tell me what product/color that is? Thanks!
A Pinterest Addict says
I used Rustoleum Navy Blue. It’s one of my very favorite colors 🙂 Check out the original post about the furniture update here… http://apinterestaddict.com/2012/05/09/patio-furniture-re-do/
Kimm says
Could I treat the fabric before I put it on my chairs?
A Pinterest Addict says
Yes, I don’t see why not. 🙂
Tiffany says
Do you think this can be used on fabric used to cover a picnic table? Trying to jazz up our picnic table and woul love to get some fun fabric to cover it with!
A Pinterest Addict says
Yes! I am going to be spraying every fabric for outside once our pool is finished.
Nancy says
FABULOUS outcome with all your handi-work, thanks for the tips and info!
Charlie says
pinned it under products I love! I need some of this!
Debbie Heuer says
Guessing it has been about a year since you posted this, how is the fabric holding up under the Florida sun? Have you reapplied the Thompsons?
A Pinterest Addict says
Hi Debbie! Yep, it’s been almost a year. I just recently had to clean up this set (all the pool construction left everything a dusty mess) and I am happy to report that the fabric was still repelling water – and they still look as good as the day I put the Fabric Seal on them.
njb says
It’s just what I need for some outdoor furniture. sure could use some
Eunice says
I discover this post on Pinterest. You do a fab job wiyh this set. The blue definitely adds new life.
Meagan says
So does it work as far as being able to use non-outdoor specific fabric outdoors or should u still use outdoor fabric
Gretchen says
I make pillows as baby gifts and print the birth stats on fabric for the center of the pillow (directly through my printer). Problem is – if the ink gets wet, it will bleed. Do you think this may work for protecting the ink? Will it be safe to put in a baby’s crib? Thanks!
A Pinterest Addict says
I wouldn’t know if it is safe for that use. You can probably email someone at Thompsons to find out. I know I have gotten quite a few answers to questions like this regarding use of their products around our birds.
Sorry I couldn’t be more helpful.
Kat says
Where did you get that fabric for chairs?
A Pinterest Addict says
I got it at JoAnn Fabrics. I saw some there the other day, so they might still carry it.
Kay says
Does The Spray Help Your Outdoor Cushions From Soaking Up The Water After A Hard Rain? I’ve Actually Debated Selling My Patio set Because Everytime It Rains I Have To Take My Cushions Off And PutThem Away Or They Still Wet For About 3 Days!
Susa says
Where can you purchase fabric water seal?
A Pinterest Addict says
I know Lowe’s is carrying it.
Nicki Ducote says
Do you think this would work for canvas shoes like TOMS?
A Pinterest Addict says
I’m not sure, sorry!
Amy Riddle says
http://www.joann.com/home-decor-print-fabric-waverly-solar-flair-lime-indigo/zprd_12222386a/
Hope S. says
Thinking about getting this to use on fabric tablecloths… but will this hold up to being laundered occasionally?
alaa says
does this work if you want to seal seams to prevent feathers from coming out of your jacket
Karen says
hi Alaa. I was just reading your post asking if you could use the Thomson seal spray on a jacket that is losingfeathers. I was wondering if you tried it or got an answer for your question. I am looking for some kind of sealant for my coat. It is just like new but it is starting to lose feathers.
A Pinterest Addict says
I don’t know why I didn’t see that original question… but I don’t know if it can be used on feathers. Sorry!
Tabitha says
I wonder if this would work on shoes too?
Stephen Masiello says
I’m planning on using the fabric spray for my cloth messenger bag and camera bag to protect electronics from bad weather while traveling.
deneete says
How’s it working now?? after two years? I live in Eastern Washington a lot of sun and dust…want to use on regular indoor upholstery fabric
A Pinterest Addict says
It has to be re-applied after a few months, but that was to be expected.
deneete says
But is it still not fading? even if i have to reply it every two months I don’t have a problem as long as the material will still look not faded.
A Pinterest Addict says
I didn’t use it on anything that received direct, all day sunlight. The waterproofing part of it definitely needed another application after a few months.
Holli says
Hi. This was a gorgeous makeover! My question is do you think this is better than ScotchGuard? I just ordered a new patio set and when picking up, I stopped by paint area for ScotchGuard. It was suggested by the paint guy as well as another couple who overheard my question, to use ScotchGuard Auto on patio cushions. Just wondering if there was a reason you went with this stuff over ScotchGuard. Thank you in advance!
A Pinterest Addict says
I haven’t used ScotchGuard on anything, so I couldn’t say why one would be better than the other. Well, other than one says it’s made for outdoor furniture. If you use the ScotchGuard outdoors, let me know how it holds up.
luiza says
i used this product and after a few days in the sun it was sunbleached bad !!!!!!!!!!
Navi says
I recently bought patio furniture with cushions too. I am thinking of protecting them with vinyl.. have you considered that option or any recommendations for using vinyl vs fabric sealer?
A Pinterest Addict says
I am not sure about vinyl – I’ve never used it outside. I guess it would depend on where it is going to be… direct sun? Exposed to rain and elements? On a covered patio…
Concerned parent says
Hi there! Cool product, is it Eco friendly? Do you have to wear a mask when applying it? I’ve read these products can be highly flammable, is that true?
A Pinterest Addict says
Hi! When I use it, I spray it outside, so I don’t wear a mask. I guess you could if you wanted to be extra safe, but I don’t. I’m not sure how eco-friendly it is, sorry. As far as it being highly flammable – do you mean straight out of the can, or after it has dried on the cushions?
scot says
You are extremely patient answering all those questions! Thanks for the tip, and great job on the patio furniture makeover
Richard says
Please tell me, will it do a sticky white film like the product “Never Wet” with time?
A Pinterest Addict says
I’ve never had it turn white. Ever. I’ve got it on all our outside cushions and no problems with that at all.
Sue Basill says
I am looking to recover some stools for my cabin. Not only is waterproofing desired but looking to make the seat more durable. Of course the fabric I want to use is just plain cotton so I am concerned about wear and tear. do you think the product helps with that at all???
A Pinterest Addict says
It doesn’t help with the wear and tear, just protects it some from UV rays and moisture. I’d try to find some fabric you like in an outdoor grade.
ray says
I was trying to recover my patio cusions except i bought scotch guard. When i tested the fabric the fabric bleed out. Would the Thompson water seal do the samething. The fabric is for the exterior.
A Pinterest Addict says
It has not bled out on anything I’ve tried it on… patio furniture and dining room seat cushions too.
Susannah A says
I have had a terrible time with squirrels eating my sunbrella outdoor cushions. Do you think this would repel them?
A Pinterest Addict says
I would say no.
yona says
did the sealant work for UV protection in the end?