Do you want to keep your camping tent in ship shape? Then it’s a good thing you’re looking for the best tent waterproofing spray. You see, with a waterproofer spray for tents you can protect your tent from water damage and condensation from moisture. Basically, it will waterproof your tent instantly, upgrading its waterproof rating for you.
After trying out several sprays, we bring you a comprehensive review of the best tent waterproofing products. And trust us, you need to waterproof your tent, especially if it isn’t already waterproof by the time you buy it.
Keep reading for the best tent waterproofing spray reviews you’ve ever found!
Table of Contents
Best Waterproofing Spray for Tents
When looking for the best tent waterproofing spray, you want to make sure that it’s able to keep your tent dry while maintaining its quality for many years to come.
The following options tick all the right boxes.
1. Star Brite Waterproofing Spray
Star Brite Waterproofing Spray is available in three different sizes, with the largest one coming with enough product to coat a 2-person tent thoroughly.
The smallest one is just enough to coat an 80 square foot surface so it can be used on rain flies and such. In addition to waterproofing your tent, Star Brite also has the ability to protect you from UV sun rays.
It dries clear without leaving behind any stain or odor and it’ll even get into the crevices and seams to protect from potential leaks. It’s important to note that this is a silicone-based spray which means that you can use them on different tent materials, including canvas, cotton, nylon, and the most popular, polyester.
The best part about this spray is that you may also dilute it if you like, especially if you like it too strong for your fabric and that way, you can get more value for money.
2. KIWI Camp Dry Heavy Duty Water Repellent
The Kiwi Camp Water Repellent is the best waterproofing spray for tents, backpacks, shoes, coats, and even tarps.
You can pretty much waterproof everything with this sprat and the package comes with two cans which are enough to keep whatever you spray waterproof for up to a year.
Using it’s really easy, seeing as it comes with a mist applicator and the great thing about it is that it actually works by causing water to wick off the surface of the tent so that it rolls off instead of soaking through.
So, you’ll want to keep this water repellent handy whenever you’re camping so that you can enjoy a dry and comfortable shelter.
3. Scotchgard Heavy Duty Water Shield
Next in our search for the best tent waterproofing spray, we found the Scotchgard Heavy Duty Water Shield which is available in 13oz to 64oz sizes.
We recommend the largest spray if you want to completely cover your tent in a waterproofing solution. Each can covers a distance of 10 to 20 square feet.
To use it, simply press down the nozzle, while making sure that it’s directed at the surface of the tent so that it applies evenly and perfectly. It’s suitable for different materials as well, including cotton, nylon, and polyester.
Once you’ve applied it, the Scotchgard Water Shield can protect you from rainfall and scorching sun.
4. Rust-Oleum 278146 Outdoor Fabric Spray
Here we have the NeverWet Outdoor Fabric Spray which is very effective at waterproofing fabrics like canvas, cotton, and polyester.
Each bottle can cover 20 square feet worth of material so you’ll need to get quite a few of these in order to totally coat your tent.
Application is easy since it’s a trigger spray nozzle and we found it simpler to navigate than an aerosol and yet it coats your tent all the same.
If there’s one thing we can say about this outdoor fabric spray it’s that it’ll keep you dry on the fly.
5. Sof Sole Silicone Waterproofer Spray
The Sof Sole is a unique waterproof spray that’s made from a 12% silicone formula. It works great on already waterproofed tents and canopies but it’s made for materials like nylon and polyester.
Because it comes in the form of an aerosol spray, the application is a breeze and it actually goes on evenly.
Unfortunately, you can’t use it on many different fabrics because it can leave a stain or discoloration when used on the wrong material.
However, it’s really effective at preventing leaking from a tent and it will definitely keep the water out if you apply it properly which will take multiple bottles.
6. Atsko Silicone Water-Guard
This waterproofing spray from Atsko Water-Guard is made from silicone and it’s designed to protect your tent from both water and sun exposure.
Because it’s water-based, it’s eco-friendly and doesn’t leave behind a strong odor. It also has the capacity to leave your tent fairly breathable as well so you can actually use your tent pretty soon after you’ve applied it.
The only issue is that applying it is no walk in the park as we struggled with the spray function a bit. But, if you’re patient then you’ll love the result afterward and you’ll need to keep your hand steady while you’re doing it so that you coat the entire surface of the tent.
It should also be noted that this product can leave behind an unpleasant smell afterward but it doesn’t last thankfully and it will dissipate soon after. For best results, be sure to apply it in a wide-open area for maximum breathability.
7. Granger’s Tent + Gear Repel
The Grangers Tent Gear Repel is a great, affordable waterproofing spray that’s designed to not only prevent water from getting into your tent but also keep stains off.
This means that once your tent is coated with this repellent, it won’t get scuffed or damaged by exposure to the elements and you can use it on both synthetic and natural fabrics.
The only downside to using this product is that it has a distinct and rather strong smell that can be an acquired taste for most. However, you can reduce its potency by allowing it to air a bit before you apply it, instead of applying it directly onto the fabric.
Also, you should probably leave your tent out to dry for at least two hours before you pack it up, in order to reduce some of the odor.
8. Nikwax TX Direct Spray-On Waterproofing
Nikwax is definitely one of the best tent waterproofing sprays around. Not only will it protect your tent from the rain but it will also keep it protected from harsh sunlight and UV rays.
This will help to keep your tent in ship shape for much longer, ensuring that it doesn’t fade or get damaged before time.
It will definitely help you to maintain your tent while extending its lifespan and we like the fact that you can apply this spray on both wet and dry fabrics.
In fact, you could whip this out to waterproof your tent during a rainstorm and it actually works. However, it’s probably a good idea to apply it beforehand.
How to Choose the Best Tent Waterproofing Spray
Now that we’ve covered the best tent waterproof sprays, it’s time to go into the criterion that you should keep in mind when looking for this product.
Material
There’s a huge difference between sealing the seams of your tent in order to prevent water from leaking in through the corners and actually waterproofing the entire fabric of the tent.
It’s important to keep in mind that rips are usually the main cause of leaks but it’s still nice to waterproof your tent fabric in order to keep water from coming in.
Most people like to focus on waterproofing or sealing the seams because that’s the one spot that’s most likely to leak because tiny holes tend to form here causing leaks.
That’s why you want a good waterproofing product to keep the seams sealed while spraying the walls to protect them from water. The spray also works by keeping water away from the seams so that they don’t get pressured into bursting.
For best results, it’s definitely a great idea to protect both the seam and the tent material to keep your tent dry. For even more added protection, it’s even better to put a rainfly on top.
Aerosol vs Spray
It’s important to ensure that you pick a spray that offers the best tent waterproofing methods. Waterproofing application methods vary between a hand-sprayed spritzer bottle and a pressurized aerosol bottle.
The latter typically comes in the form of pressurized metal cans that are filled with gas. A lot of companies used to use harsh chemicals but they are doing better.
However, if you’re a nature lover and outdoor enthusiast then you won’t want to spray a lot of harsh or damaging chemicals into the environment so you will want to do something that’s as harmless as possible.
On the other hand, you have a normal spray bottle that is designed with a regular spray lever. To use it, simply pull the lever and the bottle will release the waterproofing spray liquid.
The main difference between these two is that aerosol sprays actually release a much finer mist which makes it easier for you to spray and coat the entire surface of the fabric that you’re applying to.
Ease of Use
As with anything, you want a product that’s easy to use. The good news is that using a waterproofing spray is a no-brainer in most cases. All you need to do is simply spray and allow it to dry and breathe.
Of course, there are a few complicated waterproofing sprays that can be difficult to use, especially if the instructions are difficult to understand so you’ll want to check that to make sure that you don’t end up with a headache-inducing spray.
Durability
Waterproofing is a pretty rewarding experience and it can last for a long time when done right. In fact, it can last for up to a year if you’ve got the right spray and apply it properly.
You’ll be glad to know that most of the products on our list of the best tent waterproofing sprays are actually made to last for a long time.
However, some of the cheaper ones will require multiple applications. At the end of the day, it’s up to you and what you need.
Effect
You want an effective waterproofing spray that actually works as advertised. They work in varying degrees with some only repelling water while others work so well that they will literally cause the water to roll off.
It’s important to know how waterproofing works as well. Basically, waterproofing spray of any kind works by coating the fabric in a layer of protection to prevent water from leaking into the fabric.
This means that when water comes into contact with the tent fabric, it simply rolls off effortlessly and doesn’t even get close to soaking through. You’ll know that your tent is properly waterproofed when the water simply forms small beads on its surface and roll-off instead of seeping in.
A poorly waterproofed tent, on the other hand, will still allow the water to seep through. The effectiveness really depends on the amount and quality of chemicals that are used and it also helps to check previous customer reviews to determine how well the product works.
Fabrics
You also want to consider how the spray will affect your tent fabric. Luckily, most modern waterproofing sprays have come a long way and no longer cause any damage to fabrics.
But there are some that are made with harsh chemicals and can actually damage the fabric when it’s exposed to direct sunlight.
But, as we said, a lot of the waterproofing sprays available right now are pretty safe and harmless. With that said, you should still double-check and make sure that the spray you pick is actually safe.
How to Use Waterproofing Tent Spray
For best results, make sure to follow these steps when applying your waterproof tent spray:
- Start by assembling your tent outside so that you can leave it out to dry in the sun when you’re done.
- Once the tent is dry, you will want to bring it indoors into your garage or similar safe space so that it’s not exposed to the sun for too long because the spray chemicals can be affected.
- Use generous strokes when spraying, making sure to overlap each pass by an inch.
- Avoid over spraying because the last thing you need is to see chemical solutions running or dripping from the side of your tent. If you notice this starting to happen while spraying, then be sure to back up or spray faster.
- Leave the spray on overnight so that it dries appropriately before you pack your tent away.
You’ll be glad to know that you can put on multiple layers of waterproof spray, especially if you think that one layer doesn’t cut it for your tent’s material.
Final Thoughts
If we were to pick just one option when it comes to the best waterproofing spray, it would be the Star Brite Waterproofing Spray. What makes it unique?
Well, this spray stands out for its ability to protect from rainwater and UV sun rays. Each bottle can coat 80 square feet of fabric and you can dilute it with mineral spirits in order to get more bang for your buck.
Not only that, but Star Brite waterproofing spray is also available in 3 different sizes and it’s guaranteed to not leave behind any odors or stains which as mentioned before is an important feature to have.