Quick wins for a faster PC:
Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Start with the water exposure the product must withstand: surface droplets, rain, impact splash, or water forced through material under pressure. Then specify a material construction and test that represent that exposure. “Water repellent” describes surface behavior; hydrostatic waterproofness describes resistance to penetration under pressure. They are not interchangeable claims.
Define what “wet-proof” must mean for the product
A material can resist droplets yet allow water through when exposed to rain, impact, or pressure. Before choosing a fabric, describe the actual environment and failure mode rather than relying on broad labels such as “water-resistant” or “waterproof.”
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
- Surface wetting: Does water bead or spread on the surface?
- Rain: Must the material resist water falling on it over time?
- Impact splash: Must it resist water striking the fabric?
- Hydrostatic pressure: Must it resist water pushed through the material under pressure?
Also define the conditions that matter for the use: exposure duration, temperature, movement, and whether seams, joints, or closures are part of the requirement. The standards below do not establish universal thresholds for those design choices; the target must fit the product.
Match the test to the exposure
Textile tests measure different properties. A spray result cannot stand in for a hydrostatic-pressure result, and a test of fabric alone does not establish how a finished product performs at its seams.
#1 Best Overall
- WATER REPELLENT SPRAY: One Scotchgard Outdoor Sun & Water Shield Fabric Spray, 10.5 oz can, that repels water and protects against the sun's UVA/UVB rays
- ODORLESS: Stain sprayer dries clean and odorless, so you don't have to worry about ruining outdoor gear
| Need to evaluate | Method listed by AATCC | What it addresses |
|---|---|---|
| Surface spray repellency | TM22 | Repellency under a spray test |
| Rain resistance | TM35 | Resistance to rain |
| Impact penetration | TM42 | Water penetration from impact |
| Resistance under water pressure | TM127 | Hydrostatic pressure resistance |
| Water-vapor transmission | TM204 | Transmission of water vapor |
| Absorbency | TM79 | Absorbency |
AATCC’s method catalog lists these as separate methods, reflecting distinct properties rather than interchangeable ways to prove waterproofness. If moisture-vapor transmission matters for comfort or function, specify and assess it separately from resistance to liquid water.
Specify hydrostatic waterproofness precisely
Hydrostatic testing measures a fabric’s resistance to water penetration under pressure. AATCC describes TM127-2017(2018)e as a method for water resistance under hydrostatic pressure; it applies across fabric types, including treated fabrics. AATCC cautions that results may differ from rain or spray methods. If the test requires a restraint, AATCC points to TM208.
Rank #2
- Strong fabric protection repels water based spills for easier cleanup
- Ideal for household items like upholstery, curtains, pillows, table linens, backpacks, luggage and more
- Perfect for use on clothing like shirts, dresses, silk ties, suits, outerwear, canvas shoes and more
- Simple application
- Dries clear and odorless
Construction affects the result: fiber and yarn repellency matter, as does fabric construction, according to the CDC PPE-Info summary of AATCC 127. A coating category alone therefore does not establish how a particular material will perform. Request a result for the relevant construction, with the test method and edition identified.
When ASTM D3393 applies
ASTM D3393-91(2022) sets minimum hydrostatic-resistance requirements for rubber- or plastic-coated fabrics. ASTM says qualifying materials are considered waterproof under this specification, whose stated purpose is to establish a recognized criterion for waterproofness in terms of minimum hydrostatic resistance. The specification does not cover water repellency or water resistance.
Rank #3
- WATER REPELLENT SPRAY: Two Scotchgard Fabric Water Shields, 10 oz cans, that repel water-based spills on furniture and clothing fabric
- IDEAL FOR MANY HOUSEHOLD ITEMS: Water repellent spray is ideal for household items during the rainy Spring season, including upholstery, curtains, pillows, backpacks, luggage and more
- USE ON CLOTHING: Scotchgard Fabric Water Shield is perfect fabric spray for Summer outings for use on summer clothes including shirts, dresses, silk ties, suits and even as a canvas shoe spray
- SAFE FOR DELICATE CLOTHING: Fabric cleaner is safe for use on delicate or dry-clean-only fabrics, such as silk and wool
- BREATHABLE AND DOESN’T FADE: Odorless water repellent spray does not impede fabric breathability and will also not cause your clothes to fade, so you can enjoy Summer get-togethers
Use D3393 when the material is a rubber- or plastic-coated fabric and its scope fits the design. It is not a universal waterproof-fabric standard, nor does the coating type by itself verify that a material meets a particular use requirement. ASTM’s separate D7017-20 is a performance specification for rainwear and all-purpose water-repellent coat outer fabrics made from textile fibers or blends; it is apparel-specific, not a general standard for unrelated products.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- ULTIMATE WATERPROOFING FOR OUTDOOR FABRICS - Designed for use on boat covers, car covers, bimini tops, sail covers, tents, jackets, backpacks, boots, awnings, and patio covers to provide reliable water resistance and protection from the elements.
- PRESERVES FABRIC QUALITY - Does not change the breathability, color, or feel of fabric, ensuring original texture and appearance.
- EXTENDS FABRIC LIFE – Ideal for use on new fabrics to help prolong their service life and revitalizes older fabrics by providing an additional barrier against moisture.
- EASY APPLICATION - A gallon covers multiple applications and is quick drying, ensuring even coating.
- COVERAGE SPECS - 1 Gallon = 465 square feet of coverage, 64 OZ = 232 square feet, 22 OZ = 80 square feet coverage (Coverage may vary slightly depending upon amount of product applied per square foot).
Rank #4
- WATER REPELLENT SPRAY: One Scotchgard Outdoor Water Shield Spray, 13 oz can, that protects fabrics against the elements
- IDEAL FOR MANY OUTDOOR ITEMS: Water repellent spray is ideal for use on outdoor fabrics during the rainy Spring season, including tents, outerwear, rain gear, umbrellas, patio furniture, outdoor gear, backpacks, canvas tarps, boat covers and more
- SAFE FOR MANY FABRICS: Use this fabric spray before Spring and Summer outings on polyester, nylon, polypropylene, cotton, leather, suede and more
- BREATHABLE: Water repellent spray does not impede fabric breathability, so you can enjoy rainy camping trips during the Spring season
- ODORLESS: Stain sprayer dries clean and odorless, so you don't have to worry about ruining outdoor gear
Validate the material and finished assembly
- Describe the exposure. Record whether the material faces droplets, rain, impact, pressure, or a combination, and define relevant duration, temperature, and movement.
- Choose a construction and applicable method. For rubber- or plastic-coated fabric, consider whether ASTM D3393 fits. For other fabrics, identify an applicable method and obtain supplier evidence for the construction being considered.
- Set a measurable target. Specify what performance is needed and ask for results naming the test method and edition. Do not infer a hydrostatic rating from a spray result or a marketing label.
- Check the whole product. Evaluate seams, joints, and closures when they affect function; fabric test results alone do not demonstrate waterproofness of the assembled product.
- Set durability conditions. If wear, flexing, cleaning, or aging could affect performance, define relevant exposures and reassess the material. The cited method summaries do not prescribe a universal durability schedule.
What to ask a supplier
- What is the material construction, including any coating or treatment?
- Which test method and edition produced the result, and what exposure does that method represent?
- What was tested: the fabric, a treated specimen, or part of a finished assembly?
- What result was achieved, and does it meet the design’s stated target?
- If vapor transmission matters, what separate method and result address it?
- How are seams, closures, and relevant durability conditions evaluated for the finished product?
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
