To waterproof a camping chair or awning, first clean the fabric thoroughly, allow it to dry completely, and then apply a coat of waterproofing agent evenly. Allow the treatment to soak in and dry according to the instructions on the packaging. This process restores the material\u2019s water-repellent properties and extends the lifespan of your kit. In this article, we answer the most frequently asked questions about waterproofing camping equipment, step by step.<\/p>\n\n
Most outdoor textiles used in camping equipment are suitable for waterproofing. This applies to canvas, polyester and nylon \u2013 the three most common fabrics used in awnings, canopies, camping chairs, sunshades and canopy covers. As long as the material has fibres capable of absorbing liquid, a waterproofing agent will work effectively.<\/p>\n
In practical terms, this means you can waterproof the following items of kit:<\/p>\n
Canvas is naturally a tightly woven fabric that responds well to waterproofing. Polyester and nylon are synthetic fabrics that are naturally somewhat water-repellent, but this protection wears off over time. A good waterproofing spray or liquid waterproofing agent penetrates all three types of fabric right down to the fibres and restores their water-repellent properties.<\/p>\n\n
You should waterproof a camping chair or awning fabric when water no longer beads up and rolls off the fabric, but instead soaks into the material. This is the clearest sign that the water-repellent coating has worn away. It is also a good idea to waterproof your equipment preventatively at the start of each camping season, i.e. in the spring.<\/p>\n
There are a few situations in which waterproofing is particularly urgent:<\/p>\n
As a rule of thumb, waterproof your kit at least once a year. If you use your kit intensively or expose it to extreme weather conditions, you may need to do this twice a year. Don\u2019t wait until the fabric is completely soaked, as by then the risk of mould and wear and tear will already have increased.<\/p>\n\n
Yes, you should always clean a camping chair or awning fabric before treating it with a waterproofing agent. A waterproofing agent only works properly on clean, dry fabric. If there is dirt, green deposits or grease on the material, the waterproofing agent will not penetrate the fibres evenly, resulting in an uneven or ineffective protective layer.<\/p>\n
The order is always: clean, dry, waterproof. If you skip the cleaning step, you effectively trap the dirt beneath the waterproofing. In the long run, this can lead to faster wear and tear and even mould growth.<\/p>\n
For light soiling, such as dust and green deposits, a standard tent shampoo is sufficient. For stubborn stains such as mud, grass stains or black streaks, you\u2019ll need a more powerful cleaner that penetrates deep into the fibres. After cleaning, allow the fabric to dry completely, preferably in the open air, before applying the waterproofing treatment. Waterproofing a damp fabric results in poorer adhesion of the treatment.<\/p>\n\n
Apply the waterproofing agent by spraying or brushing it evenly onto the clean, dry cloth, depending on the shape of the product. Make sure you cover the entire surface, including the seams and corners. Then allow the product to soak in and dry as indicated on the packaging.<\/p>\n
Follow these steps for the best results:<\/p>\n
It is best to carry out this work on a cloudy day or in the shade. Direct sunlight can cause the waterproofing agent to dry too quickly before it has been properly absorbed into the fibres. With a camping chair, it is a good idea to treat the seat and backrest separately, so that you don\u2019t miss any areas.<\/p>\n\n
Waterproofing generally remains effective for an entire camping season on average, but this depends very much on how intensively you use your kit and the conditions to which you expose it. With regular use and changeable weather, the waterproofing wears off more quickly than with occasional use in mild conditions.<\/p>\n
Factors affecting the lifespan of impregnation:<\/p>\n
A good rule of thumb is to reapply the waterproofing treatment after every thorough clean and, in any case, to check the water-repellency at the start of each new camping season. This does not always have to be a full treatment; sometimes a light top-up is enough to restore the protection.<\/p>\n\n
Cleaning removes dirt, grime and stains from the fabric, whilst waterproofing applies a protective layer that makes the material water-repellent. The two processes complement each other and are both necessary for proper maintenance, but they are not interchangeable. Cleaning without waterproofing leaves the fabric vulnerable; waterproofing without cleaning provides poor protection.<\/p>\n
In a nutshell:<\/p>\n
Think of cleaning as the preparation and waterproofing as the finishing touch. A cloth that is only cleaned loses its water-repellent properties more quickly, especially if it had previously been waterproofed and that layer has been partially removed by the cleaning process. A cloth that is only impregnated without being cleaned will have uneven protection because the impregnating agent cannot adhere properly to dirty fibres. Together, they provide a complete care cycle that keeps your kit in top condition.<\/p>\n\n
Here at Rokimi, we have developed a comprehensive range of products that is perfectly tailored to the care cycle described above. Whether you want to clean an awning, tackle stubborn stains on a camping chair or make your fabric water-repellent, we offer the right product for every step.<\/p>\n
Our range consists of three complementary products:<\/p>\n
All products are ready to use and do not need to be diluted, making them suitable for both novice and experienced campers. They are suitable for all common outdoor fabrics and penetrate right down to the fibres for a thorough clean and long-lasting protection.<\/p>\n
View our full Rokimi's product range<\/a> and find out which product best suits your needs. Would you like to know which materials and applications our products are suitable for? Then take a look at our application page<\/a>. Or visit the Rokimi website<\/a> for more information on looking after your camping kit.<\/p>\n \n No, a standard laundry detergent spray is not a suitable substitute for a water-repellent treatment. Ordinary cleaning products are designed to remove dirt, not to apply a water-repellent coating. A specialised waterproofing agent penetrates deep into the fibres of the fabric and creates a durable protective layer that repels water \u2014 something household sprays cannot do. Always use a product specifically developed for outdoor textiles such as canvas, polyester or nylon. <\/p>\n <\/div>\n \n If water does not bead up after waterproofing, there are a few possible causes. The fabric may not have been completely dry when you applied the waterproofing agent, or there may have been dirt on the fibres, preventing the agent from adhering properly. Try cleaning the fabric thoroughly again, allowing it to dry completely, and then applying a second coat of waterproofing agent. Also check that you have applied the product evenly, including the seams and corners. <\/p>\n <\/div>\n \n It is not ideal to apply a water-repellent treatment in cold or damp weather. Most water-repellent treatments adhere best in dry conditions and at temperatures above 10\u00b0C. At low temperatures or high humidity, the product dries more slowly and may not penetrate the fibres as effectively, which reduces its effectiveness. It is best to choose a dry day with mild temperatures, or to work indoors in a well-ventilated area. <\/p>\n <\/div>\n \n Make sure the fabric is completely dry before folding it up and storing it \u2014 storing it whilst damp encourages mould growth and damages the waterproofing. Store your equipment loosely folded or rolled up in a dry, well-ventilated place, out of direct sunlight and away from damp environments such as a shed or cellar. The less mechanical friction and folding pressure the fabric is subjected to, the longer the water-repellent layer will remain intact. <\/p>\n <\/div>\n \n Water-repellent treatments are specifically designed for fabric components and have no effect on metal or plastic. For metal frames or tubes, you may wish to use a separate rust-proofing agent, but this is separate from the water-repellent treatment process. Do ensure, however, that you avoid metal and plastic parts as much as possible when applying the impregnating agent, as the product will not penetrate these surfaces and may leave behind unnecessary residues. <\/p>\n <\/div>\n \n If you use your gear infrequently \u2014 just a few times a year \u2014 waterproofing it once a season is usually sufficient. Always check at the start of each camping season to see if water is still beading off properly. If it isn\u2019t, a new treatment is needed. It is always advisable to re-waterproof your gear after every thorough clean, regardless of how often you use it, as cleaning partially removes the protective coating. <\/p>\n <\/div>\n \n De meeste impregneermiddelen voor outdoor textielmaterialen zijn veilig in gebruik zodra ze volledig zijn uitgehard en gedroogd. Tijdens het aanbrengen is het verstandig om het product uit de buurt van kinderen en huisdieren te houden en te werken in een goed geventileerde ruimte of buiten. Lees altijd de veiligheidsinstructies op de verpakking van het specifieke product dat je gebruikt. Na volledige droging vormt de impregnering een stabiele laag die geen risico's oplevert bij normaal gebruik. <\/p>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Waterafstoting herstellen? Leer stap voor stap hoe je kampeeruitrusting correct impregneert voor langdurige bescherming.<\/p>","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":1869,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[50],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-1749","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-impregimpregneertechnieken"],"yoast_head":"\nFrequently Asked Questions<\/h2>\n
\n Can I use a standard laundry spray instead of a special waterproofing agent? <\/h3>\n
\n What should I do if the water still doesn\u2019t bead up after waterproofing? <\/h3>\n
\n Can I waterproof my camping chair or awning if it\u2019s cold or damp outside? <\/h3>\n
\n How should I store my camping kit after waterproofing it to ensure it remains protected for as long as possible? <\/h3>\n
\n Do I need to treat the metal or plastic parts of my camping chair as well? <\/h3>\n
\n How often should I waterproof my kit if I only use it a few times a year? <\/h3>\n
\n Is it safe to use a water-repellent treatment on equipment that comes into contact with children or pets? <\/h3>\n