Water Proofing Fabric

[Tomterrific]

Well, it doesn't need to be water proof just water resistant. I will be making curtains to hang down from the hatch. Is there a way to take ordinary fabric and get it slightly resistant to rain?

Tom

[Treeview]

I've used a variety of Nik Wax products over the years.

https://www.nikwax.com/en-us/productselector/waterproofing.php

They've always performed up to their reputed uses.

Tom

[Tomterrific]

Thanks Tom, the Nikwax product seems like it will work well.

TomT

[kirkman]

Another way to make most tight nit fabric water proof is to take clear silicone calk dissolve it in paint thinner and use a small paint roller to drench the fabric. Let it dry over night.

[Tomterrific]

Wow! I never would have thought of that idea. Does the silicone disolve easily into the paint thinner? Thanks Kirkman.

Tomt

[WoodSmith]

You can also use Beeswax to wax the fabric. Either dissolve in a solvent (Mineral spirits) or simply heat the fabric enough to melt the wax into the fabric.

Bonus: everything smells like Beeswax.

Woodsmith

[kirkman]

Wow! I never would have thought of that idea. Does the silicone disolve easily into the paint thinner? Thanks Kirkman.

Tomt

You do have to stir it very well and vigorously but it does dissolve.

[lrrowe]

Here is another candidate to consider.
Never Wet...I did see this in a local hardware store.

http://youtu.be/8q2xZfrUwbc

[Tabitha]

Never Wet, it will waterproof the fabric great. If it's dark fabric it will leave a white film but not on light fabric.

[rebapuck]

There's spray-on waterproofing. I used it on a recovered umbrella. The brand I used is Aqua Armor.

[GPW]

What about the old “Oil cloth” ... anybody know how to make that ... ?

[rebapuck]

If it's to hang from the hatch, I'd go with a shower curtain. You could get plain white or any number of designs. Just make sure it's not fabric.

And for hanging... unless you want it to move, consider screw and snaps. Bostitch makes the ones available at Lowe's. Screw half into the hatch. The mating half goes on the curtain like a grommet. I haven't done this yet, but it is the method I'm going with.