Fabric Water Proofing in the Sewing World

The season of winter has passed and a few months of spring, summer and fall will be coming soon! We get to come out of hibernation and spend time outdoors. This is also the season for the few sewing enthusiasts, to consider updating their outdoor furniture. Do you update your patio furniture covers?

One of the problems faced with being outdoors are the elements of weather. It can get humid, wet from rainfall and/or morning dew along with exposure to the sun and can quickly damage the fabrics on our outdoor decor. It's time to pull out some available products specific to handling the elements of weather especially water-proofing.

Water proofing products are in the realm of science and chemistry with the production of designing a product to withstand water (A great career to consider, if I may add!) Many artists understand the importance of including steps, to safeguard the longevity of their work and slow deterioration. Products that can help provide that shield of water-proofing can be found in marine, crafts, RV, furniture upholstery, and auto store sections. There may be other outlets, please leave a comment to let others know! Thank you :)

A point to keep in mind with adding any chemicals to our projects is the surface will change and these products will or can be, costly. Remember to take a scrap piece of fabric and test the product FIRST. Allow your scrap to thoroughly dry and again, check the results. It's best to find out early if we are going to like the final results or try another product. Maybe a good time to ask if there are 'sample' products in smaller ounce bottle?

The following are products that can be found and are available in a store near you or online. Checking reviews and researching product sites, new reapplications of spraying, appears to be necessary after some time has passed. So, we must pay attention to eventual 'wearing off' of first applications of water-repellants, to our outdoor projects but they are re-newed after new applications. Now, that's great news. How many of us are guilty of 'falling in love' with our fabric choices?

One product brand that's recognizable amongst us 'artists' is Mod Podge. They have a product called 'Plaid Fabric Mod Podge'. It is a glue and sealer in one. Apply a thin coat to fabric with a brush and it's washable in cold water, air dry or gentle cycle dryer after 72 hours of air drying. I rather like air drying since there's a distinct 'aroma' that's quite lovely but that could just be me, since I live in the forest?

A second product is 'Thompson's Water Seal Fabric Seal'. It's specifically designed for outdoor decor such as cushions, umbrella's and pillows. It will prevent color fading and mildew since it has 'UV inhibitors and sealant' to block moisture. It's not designed for 'high foot traffic' items nor certain 'synthetic' fabrics. It allows fabrics to 'breathe' so it doesn't cause discoloration, stiffness nor stickiness. I think they've sold me!

A third product is 'Aqua Armor' and is availabe at Amazon, for online shopping. It provides water-proofing protection for many types of fabrics. It has been used on clothing, awnings, fabric gazeboes and patio furniture. It won't cause discoloration, no stiffness, provides water-proofing, allows fabrics to breathe. Research into reviews shows that it may require several coats and the spray pump nozzle may clog. There are MANY other water-proofing products available.

Fabric sealants for water-proofing has found it's way for many home uses. In depth research finds those products made with silicone provide the best water repellant qualities. We know it's used in bathroom construction therefore must be a great product. There is also one more method!

A few may not want to be using chemicals for water-proofing their projects. Another method is the use of bee's wax. Use a double-broiler method to melt and mix approximately 1/4 c bee's wax and 3/4 c olive oil. Once melted, remove from heat, let cool and harden. Spread this mixture on your fabric or item to provide water-proofing protection. This is only one alternative and am sure there are many other 'recipes' to choose. A last note, there may be discoloration due to the oil, so again, do a TEST on scrap piece of fabric first! most of all, have FUN! :) 

Extra Reading

Waterproof Ratings and Breathability Guide

Waterproof vs Water-Resistant, explained

How to Sew Waterproof Fabric

Knowledge in Video

I hope you found this article informative. Please feel free to leave your comments, share your own observations, share with others who may be interested. Send a Email if you would like to place a Order today or to say, Hello! Visit the Galleries! I hope you visit again.

Article (C) 2014, all rights reserved. Gin G. creates and posts articles online about Crazy Quilts, business development, second income idea's. Gin G. Is a graduate in business development, Nursing, and passionate about arts and crafts.

Passions of Learning

I had mentioned earlier that I enjoy the art of crazy quilting because of the 'freedom' it involves in choosing colors, layout, from start to finish of the quilt. I noticed while reading up on history of this particular style of quilting - that mistakes were deliberately made and acceptable. Wow, what?

Mistakes were expected to come with any finished crazy quilt because it showed a sign of humility. After all, pride is not a admireable quality. Now, if you think about those times - least for America - their main provider for moral direction - is the church, well, doesn't practicing humility,  make sense?

Today, crazy quilts are not quite what they used to be and even become commercialized. Quilts are presented in near perfect craftmanship to rival one done by a machine.

I just have a problem with the idea of 'perfect'. It doesn't exist and believing in such a concept would be akin to the idea of raising ourselves to a level that is unequal to others. We are merely human beings. I don't think arrogance and pride are quality characteristics for anybody and should be avoided, just my thoughts.

The flip side though is finding acceptance of such a idea especially from paying customers. General and accepted purchasing practices has been - lower prices for defective products. Now, how would one convince a customer - the flaw, however minor, in the quilt is in fact, a historic practice and tradition of the crazy quilt. Is there an answer?

I believe the answer lies in the fact that - a crazy quilt is individual as the artist behind it. If a 'gallery' of quilts was to be shown (I just may do this ) calling for a specific color. We would find no two quilts the same but they would all be equally beautiful and mesmerizing.

Crazy quilts would qualify as 'fibre art'. Wikipedia states that 'fiber art focuses on materials and manual labor involved'. As we know, art is chosen by a customer and their reasons will vary. It's been said that crazy quilts, historically were not functional but for display purposes only.

Today, a crazy quilt can be used but adds the function of being put up for display. Both types can be available and as stated earlier, is one of a kind as is the artist.

I hope you found this article informative. Please feel free to leave your comments, share your own observations and give your Vote. Send me a Email if you would like to place a Order today.