DIY Waterproofing Rugs

ashlingm

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Just wondering what you all use to waterproof rugs?

I normally send off mine to the rug man but I've one or two that could use a 'top up'. I don't really have the time to wait for it to be sent off to be done professionally - these are for rugs that were cheap and used as an outer layer for horses living out (ie. takes a battering but saves my good rugs underneath!).

A few stated that the nikwax waterproofing can damage and rot materials over time - not sure how true this is! I also don't know how evenally it will cover a rug if done in the washing machine - will it come out patchy?

A good few people(!) said they use the Thompsons Water Seal. They said that it used to be suitable for fabrics and it was a yellowy colour. They have since changed the formula and its now a milky white colour - does anyone still use it? Is it still suitable?

Does anyone else have any tips or recommended products?
 
I use the Nikwax rug proof and haven't noticed any rotting. If I'm organised I do it on a hot summer's day in a small trough, leaving the rug to soak for a couple of hours after agitating, before rinsing. Last two years not so organised and used 30 degree machine cycle. Last year had to repeat reproof step on 2 rugs, but in hindsight I used laundry detergent which is a big no no. This year used minimal detergent, added an extra rinse cycle and then reproofed. All good!

P.s. you say top up, but you'll still need to wash as any dirt will stop the reproofer from binding.
 
I use the Nikwax rug proof
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Where do you bought it?
 
I use Fabsil too, it's great.
I bought a 5L tin and have done 5 big turnouts with necks.

I put plenty on the body of the rug with a brush, only bit I didn't do was the very bottom skirt on each edge.
 
I use Fabsil too, it's great.
I bought a 5L tin and have done 5 big turnouts with necks.

I put plenty on the body of the rug with a brush, only bit I didn't do was the very bottom skirt on each edge.

Do you do one layer or multiple layers? Would it be a thick or thin layer?
 
I just do 1 layer.
As you paint it on it sinks in so I make sure the whole thing looks wet, but it dries really quickly. By the time I've finished the first bit is almost dry, so I just make it look wet when i'm on that bit.
 
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