9 Best Tent Waterproofing Sprays (2023 Reviews and Guide)

Camping with a wet and leaky tent sucks. That’s why we wrote this article about the best tent waterproofing spray. There are various sprays, so knowing what you want and need before buying one is essential.

Waterproofing sprays can be tricky because many different types are available, all claiming to work well for your specific needs. However, most people don’t know what they need or want in a spray before purchasing one.

It is important to consider the material of your tent, where you plan on using it, and if rain is expected during your trip.

This article will review some things to consider when shopping for the best waterproofing spray for your tent. This way, no matter where or how you use your tent, we can help ensure it stays dry and ready to go.

If you are in a hurry, check out the top picks:

Best Tent Waterproofing Spray

We have had our fair share of wet camping trips, and when your tent starts leaking, there is nowhere to hide. There are a lot of sprays on the market, so we wanted to share some of the best options to help you stay dry while camping.

Nikwax Tent and Gear Cleaning, Waterproofing, and UV Protection

Camping with a soaking wet tent is no fun at all. Been there, done that. Nikwax waterproofer helps keep your tent clean and dry.

Nikwax adds UV protection to help extend the lifespan of your tent. It’s a spray-on application that works well for tents, rain flies, and many other fabrics.

Nikwax’s tent spray is excellent because it waterproofs your equipment in one simple step and provides UV protection. This means you don’t need to use multiple products, and the process takes less time than usual.

Now you can protect your tent from rain, snow, and everything in between with this quick spray. Cover a large area quickly without hassle. Any surface will do for spraying on Nikwax’s waterproofing spray.

This water-based and biodegradable product is safe for the environment since it contains no PFCs or VOCs. In addition, it has a straightforward application process that makes use easy without causing an odor to build up in your tent.

One bottle goes a long way and can cover a large tent.

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KIWI Camp Dry Heavy Duty Water Repellent

Several other sprays are available to protect your tent, but Kiwi Camp is one of our favorites. Its silicone-based protection will keep you dry, and it is a widely available product.

Not only is the Kiwi Camp waterproof spray reliable and easy to use, but it’s also affordable.

This is an excellent option if you need a quality silicone-based tent waterproofing product. Users rave about its effectiveness and how it can cover a large tent with two thick coats of spray.

This 10- or 12-ounce bottle also comes in handy for other outdoor gear, so go ahead and use any leftover up before buying another.

The mist applicator works well and helps reduce drips while coating the fabric.

Kiwi’s spray works great, but it takes a while to set. Therefore, you should wait the entire time before testing if water is still beading on your tent for the best results.

Before applying this product, do a spot test on your fabric to check for staining.

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Star Brite Waterproofing Spray

Waterproofing your tent can be painful, but the reward is worth it. Star Brite Waterproofing Spray is a great choice.

When appropriately applied, Star Brite will protect your tent from leaks and UV rays. In addition, it dries odorless and colorless with no residue on your tent’s fabric. You can use your tent immediately after application.

Star Brite comes in a 22-ounce spray bottle and up to a 128-ounce jug. If you have a tent larger than a 2-person tent, I recommend purchasing a bigger size. The 22-ounce bottle covers up to 80 square feet.

The large 128-ounce bottle covers up to 200 sq ft, which is enough for most 4-6 person tents but may not be enough for a tent bigger than that.

It’s made with silicone and can protect your polyester, nylon, cotton, or canvas tents. One nice thing about this solution is that you can dilute it with mineral spirits to get the proper strength no matter what fabric or material you are working with.

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GEAR AID Tent Waterproofing Spray Kits for Nylon Tents

Gear Aid Tent Waterproofing Spray protects your gear in just a few minutes. The aerosol formula is silicone-free and PFOA(Perfluorooctanoic acid)-free, maximizing the breathability of tents.

Its small size makes it easy to pack everywhere so you can be prepared. You can even use it on things like topo maps. In addition, it is both silicone and PFOA-free, meaning it is not a harsh chemical. Just because it’s not silicone-based doesn’t mean it won’t work.

Gear Aid’s tent waterproofing spray kit lets you maintain your outdoor equipment. The product is designed for tents but can also be used on various fabrics. It is a great product to use when you need to waterproof your outdoor gear, like tents and backpacks.

GEAR AID Tent Waterproofing Spray is a water-repellant concentrate that does an excellent job of preserving the waterproofing on waterproof and water-resistant material. The downside is that it is barely enough for a one or two person tent, let alone a larger family or cabin tent.

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Scotchgard Heavy Duty Water Shield

Who doesn’t love scotch tape and sticky notes? 3M is the company to thank for these household staples. They are also responsible for waterproofing your tent with their product Scotchgard.

Scotchgard Heavy Duty Water Shield answers the call for many canvas tent owners. Scotchgard is affordable and safe for outdoor gear, furniture, tents, patio umbrellas, etc. It can also waterproof both nylon and canvas tents.

On the downside, it’s not as effective as other brands because one container doesn’t go far. Depending on the size of your tent, you could use two or more cans to spray your tent and protect it from the rain.

When you spray, it will make the material look wet. You need to soak the fabric on your tent for this product to work fully. This means you can’t just give your tent a light dusting. Hold the aerosol can about 6 inches away and apply a consistent amount of spray throughout all parts of your tent.

This stuff works well, but buy more than you think you need to cover your tent. Worst case, you will have some left over for another application.

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Atsko Silicone Water-Guard

Atsko Silicone Water-Guard is excellent for restoring factory waterproofing. But, unfortunately, you can’t use this on any old tent and expect it to be waterproof.

This stuff works best when used sparingly. Soaking the fabric with this waterproofing spray is unnecessary and wasteful, so try to use it sparingly.

To avoid inhaling harmful chemicals while you spray, wear gloves, a mask, and spray outside. Give the tent a couple of days to dry out thoroughly if possible. You should also be aware of an unpleasant smell that will disappear in a few hours.

The Atsko spray dries clear, so don’t worry about over spraying and people making fun of your mistakes. It’s great if you are on a budget since one can go a long way and rarely need a second coat.

This waterproofing spray is excellent for your camping gear. It doesn’t have a bad smell like other sprays and dries clear. It works great on shoes, tents, rain flies, umbrellas—and any more apparel or equipment that needs protection from rainy weather.

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Sof Sole Waterproofer

Sof Sole Waterproofer is a 12% silicone solution that provides a durable, long-lasting waterproof bond to repel water. Its easy application is ideal for hiking or work boots, tents, and outdoor gear.

Sof Sole should not be used with breathable technical fibers such as gore-tex or athletic shoes because they could discolor over time. It works best on tents and other fabrics that are already waterproof.

The Sof Sole Tent Waterproofer Spray is versatile and durable. It can be sprayed onto hiking boots, tents, or other gear made of nylon or polyester to repel water, dirt, and oils. However, the silicone in this spray may discolor some fibers like gore-tex, so it’s not recommended for these uses.

It’s easy to apply with the aerosol can, but you might have to buy more than one can for your tent. The spray comes out evenly and protects against water leaking through seams which can help you sleep easily.

However, Sof Sol can cause discoloration and potentially decrease the functionality of materials like gore-tex or athletic shoes. So take a little bit of caution before you go around spraying all your gear.

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GEAR AID Seam Grip WP Waterproof Sealant

Sometimes you just need to seal the seams on your tent. Unfortunately, a hole in your tent or rainfly can go unnoticed until it’s too late. GEAR AID seam sealer works to seal seams and permanently repair holes in tents, tarps, awnings, rainfly, and camping gear.

It repairs up to 12′ of fabric, or you can use the 8 oz tube on torn fabrics, and the adhesive cures into a flexible rubber seal.

You can waterproof your gear without worrying about the seals peeling apart by applying it directly onto nylon, polyester, canvas, and other fabrics. It includes two applicator brushes.

If you have any outdoor fabrics that are torn or ripped, use an adhesive sealant to fix them instantly without worrying about the glue coming off over time.

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Better Boat Waterproofing Spray

Better Boat Waterproofing Spray fabric protector makes water beads up and roll off surfaces such as tents, shoes, curtains, or RV canopies.

Better Boat fabric protector spray is water-based and will not pose a risk to fabrics like solvent-based formulas. In addition, the waterproofing formula is non-hazardous, so it’s safe to use on tents and other gear.

With a simple spray on the fabric, this product sets quickly and has no discoloration. It’s also great for use in wet climates as it dries fast.

This product is great because it dries quickly and is more effective than other expensive competitors.

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How to Choose the Best Tent Waterproofing Spray

Tent waterproofing spray can be an excellent way to protect your tent from the elements. Whether it is rain, wind, or humidity that worries you, there are plenty of options on the market. The key will be finding one that suits your needs and budget.

Tents have factory-sealed seams, which can wear off over time, letting water through. Or you might notice some material flaking off your rainfly, which indicates it’s time to reapply your waterproofing agent.

Here are some things to remember as you search for the best waterproofing spray.

What Type of Fabric Is Your Tent Made Of?

Understanding what your tent is made of will help determine which spray or sealer is right for you. Most tents on the market are either canvas, polyester, or nylon.

The type of material your tent is made of can affect your tent spray is effectiveness. If you don’t know what material your tent is made of, it’s best to contact the manufacturer and see what spray they recommend.

Silicone vs. Non-silicone Tent Spray

It’s important to get the right kind of spray for your tent. For example, if your tent is made from polyurethane-coated fabric, you will need a different product than silicone-treated fabric. Fortunately, most tents are poly-coated, but if you don’t know, check with the manufacturer.

A waterproofing spray that uses silicone effectively protects your tent fabric from water and staining liquids.

Many waterproofing sprays are created with silicone, which delivers a few benefits to tents. It prevents water from touching the fabric and repels any oil-based or staining liquids that may otherwise damage your tent.

Silicone can impact color, so always test it on an inconspicuous area before using it.

Spray Bottle vs. Aerosol

We are all familiar with aerosol cans, from hair spray to sunblock. It’s so easy to use an aerosol spray to waterproof your tent. You get a pretty even coating without much effort.

You simply spray on the product, let it dry, and you are done. The key will be to ensure your tent is clean before applying any spray or sealer.

One downside to aerosol cans is that you can use a lot more product than you anticipated.

Some people prefer sprays in a bottle because they can control how much is being sprayed onto their gear. However, instead of using an aerosol can, you need to make sure the liquid is not too thick or it won’t dry up all the way.

This may lead to a bit of residue, which will need to be cleaned off later.

Seam Sealing vs. Waterproofing

Although many tents come with sealed seams, the sealant can wear out over time, letting water leak through.

A seam sealer is a glue that absorbs into tent fabric and improves its water repellency. You use it to close leaks in the material of your camping gear, like tents or sleeping bags.

Before using a waterproof spray, note where the leak is coming from. The two common types of leaks are punctures and seams; both can easily be identified if you look closely enough.

Punctures happen when sharp objects pierce your tent’s material while it’s being used, like sticks, branches, rocks, etc. On the other hand, seams might need more attention because they can deteriorate over time due to extended exposure to weather conditions.

If you find holes forming, you can use a seam sealer to seal these areas. Seam sealer is a solution that you brush onto the area to penetrate and fix the holes.

A waterproof spray can be a great preventive measure, but if you have bigger problems, you may not get what you expect out of waterproofing spray alone.

How to Waterproof Your Tent

Waterproofing your tent is not super complicated but does require some work. The best way to waterproof your tent is to follow the steps on the product you bought.

Here are some general tips to make your tent water-repellent:

First, clean your tent before coating it with any spray, especially if there is already any dirt or grime. Some waterproof sprays are applied while the tent is wet, so it’s important to read the instructions before you begin.

In other cases, you need to make sure the fabric is completely dry before using your waterproofing sprays. Otherwise, the water-resistant properties will not work to full effectiveness.

Read the instructions carefully and apply the waterproofing spray in a well-ventilated area.

What About a Rainfly?

The rainfly is your first line of defense when staying dry in your tent. Therefore, it should be as waterproof as possible. If you have a rainfly, make sure you are sealing that separately from the rest of your tent.

The rainfly can take a beating from the rain, wind, sun, etc., so you must ensure it’s also in good condition. If your tent does not come with a rainfly, contact your manufacturer and see if you can buy one from them.

You can also set up a tarp over your tent to prevent water from seeping in.

Camping in Wet Conditions

I have camped in rainy, wet conditions more often than I can count. Sometimes the rain is expected and other times not so much. I have slept in crappy old tents that barely passed as a tent. I have woken up in a soaking wet sleeping bag in several inches of water.

Some tents are better than others, and you can’t just take any crappy old tent and magically make it waterproof. It is also important to pay attention to where the leaks are and address the source of the problem.

You can spray a tent to get an overall protective layer, but sometimes you might not know there is a bigger problem.

Waterproofing and sealing a tent (and rainfly) is a good defense against waking up soaking wet.

Conclusion

When it comes to the best tent waterproofing spray, you must know what type of material your tent is made out of. The most common sprays are aerosol cans or bottles, but they’re a variety of factors when considering which one will work for you.

Whether your goal is simply trying to prevent leaks from happening in the first place or if you want something more heavy-duty like a seam sealer, you should know what will work best for your needs and own preferences.