Re-Waterproofing a Turnout Rain Sheet

[RA12]

I bought a rain sheet last year for my guy and it worked beautifully then… well, we’ve had 50 degree weather and rain rain rain the past two days and he is soaked all the way through! UGH!

I thought about using Camp Dry to re waterproof the sheet, but does anyone else have any other ideas, besides taking it somewhere and having it done?

Thank you!!

[McVillesMom]

I think it depends on the sheet. I had 2 older ones that I tried to re-waterproof this year (used the Scotchgard tent spray) and it failed miserably. It’s possible that I just didn’t use enough or something, but upon examination of said sheets it looked as though the waterproof membrane that was laminated to the back side of the outer shell had torn and come loose in several places. So if that’s your issue, I don’t think any kind of topically applied product will fix it…but as I said, these were quite a few years old and it seems unlikely that yours would have done that in a year.

[sublimequine]

I’ve always had good luck with the waterproofing aerosol from Walmart in the blaze orange cap. It’s in the camping section.

[RA12]

Thanks Nancy. Yeah, I’m pretty disappointed that he was soaked everywhere! I haven’t even washed the blanket yet, so I figures the waterproofing would still be intact. :no:

[kerlin]

Here’s a guide I wrote up after re-doing mine this year: http://beljoeor.blogspot.com/2014/09/how-to-re-waterproof-turnout-blanket.html

Factors that can affect the waterproofing:

• Really really soaking the waterproofing liquid on the surface and then letting it dry appropriately. You can’t take shortcuts in this step. I use a whole can on one blanket.
• Making sure the blanket is clean and dry before starting the process. Otherwise the waterproofing will stick to the specks of dirt and not the fabric.
• Whether there are any tears/repairs in the blanket. I always spend extra time going over seams and repairs, and they’re still potential points of entry.
• As mentioned above, whether they have that plasticky liner. Not all blankets are created equal; higher denier material will be more inherently waterproof. Lower quality blankets will swap out fabric quality for the plasticky lining, which works great for a little while but can dry out, crack, etc.

It’s not perfect, but it’s less expensive than buying new blankets, for sure.

[RA12]

Wow, Kerlin! Thank you!

[Pennylane]

I have used the camp dry, but I prefer the aerosol Thompsons Water Sealer! I re-waterproofed two turnouts this year. Each took about 1.5 cans. They are 1200 denier and 1000 denier, so I know they will hold their water proofing longer, but they were gross and were washed 3-4 times each before finally coming clean! So, I thought it would be best to re apply a water proofer.

[HunterRider84]

I use deck waterproofer that is for multi surface and isn’t tinted. I just buy a gallon and put it in a spray bottle. It’s quick and easy.

[CHT]

A boarder re-waterproofed her blanket with a shoe waterproofer…it was a bad idea as the blanket STANK and was no longer breathable. I would just stick to horse products.

(edited because I meant to say the blanket was no longer breathable, not no longer waterproof!)

[RA12]

Wow… These are all great tips. Thanks Everyone!

[Simbalism]

I’m doing an experiment this year to see which works better the camp dry from walmart with the orange cap or the Thompsons water seal. I just bought a large can of the Thompsons as I knew I was going to do several blankets. I have painted two turnout blankets so far and still have about 1/2 a can. I used the camp dry on my horse’s turnout sheets( one can per sheet) , and then used the Thompsons on their turnout blankets. So far we have not had enough rain to tell, but will update if I have any significant results.

[LIEN]

[QUOTE=sublimequine;7841735]
I’ve always had good luck with the waterproofing aerosol from Walmart in the blaze orange cap. It’s in the camping section.[/QUOTE]

Dito!!! I use this stuff every year. Can’t remember the name of it as I just reach for that orange cap. I tried scotch guard as well with no luck. I use this every spring before I pack up my clean blankets for the year. Great stuff. Use liberally though I use 1 can for small blankets and 2 for heavy use larger blankets. Just a note be careful when washing your blankets. Most waterproof blankets have a rubber type coating on the back side of the cloth (that you cant see as it is inside the blanket). This is what keeps the cloth repelling water. If you wash (or dry ahhhh!) your blanket in water that is too hot it will melt this backing and destroy its waterproofness. Spraying will help but it will never be the same. I have found that even with the best care this backing wares out over time, I have some Whetherbetas that are 15 years old and starting to leek :(.

[RA12]

[QUOTE=Simbalism;7843482]
I’m doing an experiment this year to see which works better the camp dry from walmart with the orange cap or the Thompsons water seal. I just bought a large can of the Thompsons as I knew I was going to do several blankets. I have painted two turnout blankets so far and still have about 1/2 a can. I used the camp dry on my horse’s turnout sheets( one can per sheet) , and then used the Thompsons on their turnout blankets. So far we have not had enough rain to tell, but will update if I have any significant results.[/QUOTE]

Hi Simbalism,

Please let me know what you find out! I am very curious! I have used the Camp Dry in the past and it worked well (I think). My blankets were still a little bit waterproof when I used Camp Dry, so I’m not 100% sure that it worked great! I still want to try again, but now also want to try the Thompsons! PM me if you want, or just post here. I will let you know how my experiment goes too. I’ll be tackling the blankets/sheets this weekend. :eek:

[VA_Hunter_Aside]

A third for the Walmart stuff with the orange cap. I’ve used that several times and the Scotch Guard. I always use 2 cans per blanket and find it has to be repeated every year. I agree with kerlin’s tips also.

[awa]

Are the blankets still breathable after using CampDry or other stuff mentioned?

[Guilherme]

I just used a product called Rustoleum NeverWet. It’s a two step process. I used it on a Schaffer’s nylon slicker I’ve had since forever. It seems to work pretty well. It’s advertised to work on suede, leather, cloth, etc. I can’t comment on other cloth uses.

It does leave a slight “residue” in that it gives the item a sort of very pale whitish/grayish tinge. It certainly does not change the color and unless you’re looking for it you likely won’t even see it. But it is there. For a rain sheet, slicker, work boots, etc. I’d not think that was a big issue. I’d not use it on nicer clothes without more experimentation.

I’ve had poor luck with Scotchguard.

In reality, if you want “waterproof” you’ll have to have something that won’t breath real well or drop some really big bucks on Goretex or the like. For most uses the best you’ll get is “water resistant.”

G.

[spacytracy]

What’s the Orange cap stuff called?

[LadyBug]

[QUOTE=spacytracy;7844122]
What’s the Orange cap stuff called?[/QUOTE]

Here’s a link to the stuff with the orange cap. That’s what I use as well.

http://www.walmart.com/ip/29873159

[Huntertwo]

[QUOTE=RA12;7841672]
I bought a rain sheet last year for my guy and it worked beautifully then… well, we’ve had 50 degree weather and rain rain rain the past two days and he is soaked all the way through! UGH!

I thought about using Camp Dry to re waterproof the sheet, but does anyone else have any other ideas, besides taking it somewhere and having it done?

Thank you!![/QUOTE]

I use “Camp Dry” on all my blankets and sheets. You can find it the cheapest at Walmart. I wash them first and hang dry.

Lay out flat in the garage (with doors open) and spray away, especially careful to spray the seams. Then spray on a second coat the following day.

Never had a problem with water getting through.

[Showbizz]

I’ve had good luck with Nikwax rug proof.