I wonder if this could be used on our convertible tops? NeverWet - Homeowner

 

Canvas was not one of the listed material uses, so it would stop me from trying it. I suspect you might have issues with the constant flexing you get on a convertible top (hood).

I personally stick with the known products like 303 (also for marine use, i.e. canvas sails) and RaggTopp.

 

Another vote for 303. Works very well to waterproof our top and the 32-ounce spray bottle that the local boating supply store sells is enough for two full treatments, which means it lasts me for two years....

 

I did some further digging at the Neverwet page and found:

ABOUT LIQUID REPELLING TREATMENT
Rust-Oleum® NeverWet® is a two-step product system designed to create a moisture repelling barrier on a variety of surfaces. It is suitable for use on metal, wood, aluminum, galvanized metal, PVC, concrete, masonry, asphalt, vinyl siding, fiberglass, canvas, most plastics and more.
Not intended to be applied to electronic devices or clothing
Dries to a flat finish
Durable formulation, ideal for indoor/outdoor conditions
Dries fast — 30 minutes to touch


So it looks like it would be suitable for canvas but I wonder if it could be overkill.

Doug

 

Several of the folks who left replies on their site mentioned issues with fabrics. It is specifically NOT recommended for fabrics, so clearly they didn't read. However, the change in surface feel and chalky residue comments would worry me for our canvas tops.

The 303 product does not advertise that it renews color, but between the prep cleaning process and the new sealant, it will enhance the color slightly. My navy top certainly looks more blue and is a more uniform color since I began using it.

 

Ok. Someone had to try it. I went out today and bought a Never Wet kit for $20 and thought I would give it a try. I first made sure the top was squeaky clean and bone dry before application of the two part process.
Now, my top is the original one and although it is not in bad condition, little canvas hairs have developed over time and normally do not show unless you get real close.

The first coat went on with no problem and I waited about 40 minutes to apply the second coat. After doing so the milky look appeared and the liquid even stuck to the little hairs of the canvas making them easy to see. Of addional note is the the over-spray from the application turned the rubber a blueish tint which had to be rubbed off immediately. The same went for the windows. Immediate clean-up after application.

The look is not pretty.

I am going to let it stay on for a week or two and just observe what it does over a few weeks of putting the top up and down.

My remedy for removing this product will be mineral spirits which should be interesting in and of itself.

Back to 303 for me!

 

bradstuff - thanks for being the guinea pig! Will stick with 303 as well

 

Brad stuff, what color was your top originally?

 

+1 on trying it out, a Brave man to risk his top for this forum!

 

Wish I'd seen this earlier, I've used it on my black work boots
It turns them grey and does not last too long (about a month) I still use it on them in the winter, but no way on my Cars top.

 

The top is light tan. There was a slight color change with Never Wet but not too drastic.

 

UPDATE: I scrubbed the top with mineral spirits and the washed it with canvas detergent. The result was that I got the color back to normal but after an overnight dry the surface is still hydrophobic.

Since the Never Wet does not have much in the way of UV protection I am going to let it wear off from this point forward.

 

Stick with 303. Well-proven, reasonably priced, and many owners here report a high degree of satisfaction. Why risk a damaged top?

 

Coated some outdoor furniture (pillows, cushions, etc) last year with Never Wet - really don't like the look and feel it leaves. Rather coarse and a bit stiff to the touch. Only changed the color slightly The gray coloring wore off after about a month. Still hydrophobic this year, but still not especially pleasant to the touch.

I would NOT use it on convertible top.

 

Unintended Consequences: Before this trial of Never Wet my top had several black stains that I was unable to remove. After scrubbing it in mineral spirits and three applications of detergent, not only are the stains completely gone but I can see deeper into the canvas weave than ever before. I don't recommend anyone doing this but at least I had a positive outcome after all the work. The top looks almost new!

 

Ah you win some, you lose some, at least you saved someone down the line