Do you have faux leather furniture or accessories that you’d like to keep looking new for years to come? Here’s how to waterproof them so they stay looking great no matter what.
When it comes to waterproofing faux leather, there are a few different methods you can use. In this article, we will discuss four of the most popular methods for waterproofing faux leather:
- Using a spray-on sealant,
- Using leather cream,
- Using a leather conditioner, and
- Using vaseline or other household items such as olive oil or coconut oil.
We will also discuss the pros and cons of each method so that you can choose the one that is best for your needs.
What Is Faux Leather And How Does It Differ From Real Leather
Faux leather, or synthetic leather, is a man-made material that imitates the look and feel of real leather. It can be made from a variety of materials, including plastic, vinyl, or polyurethane.
Faux leather differs from real leather in several ways. First, it is less durable and more susceptible to tearing. Second, it is not as breathable as real leather, which means it can retain heat and cause sweating. Third, faux leather is not as flexible as real leather, so it may crack or peel over time. Finally, faux leather does not develop the same patina as real leather over time.
Despite these differences, faux leather is a popular alternative to real leather due to its lower cost and durability. It can be used for a variety of applications, including furniture, car seats, clothing, and accessories.
Is Faux Leather Waterproof?
Faux leather due to its non-porous nature is resistant to liquid and is waterproof. This means that it will not absorb liquids such as water, alcohol, or juice and will not cause the material to become wet or sag.
This is because faux leather does not contain any fiber or natural pores that could allow liquids to enter the material. In fact, if the liquid is spilled on faux leather, it will bead up and roll off the surface.
This makes faux leather an ideal material for furniture, car seats, clothing, and accessories that may come into contact with liquids.
This also makes faux leather the best material for goods that are exposed to the elements or are likely to get wet, such as raincoats, umbrellas, and boat seats.
It is also great for households with a lot of kids or pets as faux leather is easy to clean and does not show dirt or stains easily.
Does Faux Leather Need To Be Waterproofed?
Faux leather is made from a variety of synthetic materials, including polyurethane, PVC, and nylon. What this means is that faux leather will often come with synthetic fibers so there will be no need for any waterproofing.
While these materials are more resistant to water than natural leather, they’re sometimes not completely waterproof.
That means if you want to use faux leather furniture or clothing in a wet environment, you’ll need to take some steps to protect it from the water.
Based on the above explanation it may seem like faux leather may not need to be waterproofed as it is naturally resistant to liquids.
However, there are certain instances where it is absolutely important that you waterproof your faux leather goods so that they maintain their water resistance.
When Is It Important You Waterproof Your Faux Leather?
As mentioned earlier, generally, while faux leather is water-resistant, there are some instances where you would want to waterproof your faux leather goods. Some of these instances are:
- The Quality Of Faux Leather
While we can say all faux leather is made of synthetic materials, it is important to add that some faux leather is sometimes combined with natural fibers such as cotton, wool, or silk.
This means that if you’re looking for a faux leather material to be completely waterproof, it is best to go with 100% synthetic materials.
If the faux leather contains any natural fibers, it will not be as resistant to water and may absorb some liquid over time – In which case waterproofing would be necessary.
- The Location Or Use Of Faux Leather
If you live in humid or wet climates (like rain and snow), or if you plan on using your faux leather furniture or clothing near water, then it is important to waterproof your faux leather.
This will help to prevent the material from absorbing any moisture from the air or water, which can cause the material to weaken and break down over time.
Waterproofing will also help to protect your faux leather from mold and mildew, which can be a common problem in humid climates.
If you’re using your faux leather for an outdoor application such as boat seats or raincoats, then it is necessary to waterproof the material to make sure it is durable in wet environments.
- If The Faux Leather Is Light-Colored
If you’re using light-colored faux leather, then it is important to waterproof the material as it can be stained easily.
Light-colored faux leathers are more susceptible to dirt and stains than darker colors, so it is important to take extra precautions to protect them from becoming dirty.
- If You Have Pets Or Kids In The House
If you have pets or kids in the house, then it is important to waterproof your faux leather as it can be easily damaged by spills and accidents.
Pets and kids are often the cause of accidental spills and stains, so it is important to take extra measures to protect your faux leather from them.
All of these instances can cause wear and tear on your faux leather goods over time, which is why it is important to waterproof them to extend their lifespan.
How Do You Waterproof Faux Leather?
Now that we’ve gone over when it is important to waterproof your faux leather, let’s talk about how to do it.
1. Using Waterproof Spray To Waterproof Faux Leather
The best way to waterproof your faux leather is to use a spray-on sealant. There are many different types of spray-on sealants on the market, so you can choose one that best suits your needs.
Make sure to read the instructions carefully and test a small area of the faux leather before applying it to the entire surface. This will help ensure that the sealant does not cause any damage to the material.
When spraying on waterproof sealant, make sure to avoid getting it on any seams or zippers as it can interfere with the functionality of these areas.
My personal go-to when it comes to waterproofing spray is the Kiwi Camp Dry Heavy Duty Water Repellent. It does an amazing job at repelling water and it’s very easy to apply. It is also non-toxic, which is a plus.
There are also many other types of waterproof sealants on the market, so be sure to do your research and find one that works best for you.
Some popular brands include Scotchgard, 303 Aerospace Protectant, Nikwax TX Direct Wash-In Waterproofing, and Aquapel Glass Treatment.
To waterproof your faux leather using a waterproof spray;
- Step 1: Clean the surface of the faux leather using a damp cloth
- Step 2: Allow the surface to dry completely
- Step 3: Apply waterproof sealant according to instructions
- Step 4: Repeat as necessary for optimal protection.
2. Using a Waterproofing Cream To Waterproof Faux Leather
If you don’t want to use a spray-on sealant, then you can also use a waterproofing cream. Waterproofing creams work in the same way as sprays, but they are applied with a brush, cloth, or hand.
These products contain waxes and polymers that coat the surface of the faux leather and create a water-repellent barrier.
Make sure to read the instructions on the cream carefully, as some products need to be left to dry for a few hours before you can use them.
Also, note that waterproofing creams will usually only last for a few months, so you will need to reapply them regularly. To use the waterproofing cream, follow these steps:
- Step 1: Start by thoroughly cleaning your faux leather item with a soap solution or damp cloth to remove any dirt or debris.
- Step 2: Once the item is clean, apply the waterproofing cream to a cloth or brush and spread it evenly over the surface of the leather.
- Step 3: Be sure to cover all areas, including seams and stitching.
- Step 4: Allow the cream to sit on the surface of the faux leather item for a few minutes and buff to remove excess cream residue.
- Step 5: Allow the faux leather to air-dry.
- Step 6: You can then use the item as usual.
3. Using Leather Conditioner To Waterproof Faux Leather
You can also use a leather conditioner to waterproof your faux leather. Leather conditioners are usually a thick liquid or cream that is applied directly to the leather.
They work by coating the surface of the leather with a water-repellent barrier and help to keep it hydrated.
Leather conditioners should be used on a regular basis (at least every few months) in order to maintain the water-repellent barrier and keep the leather hydrated.
There are a lot of benefits to using leather conditioners in addition to waterproofing, such as giving faux leather a nice smell, preventing premature cracking, and preserving the color of the leather. To use a leather conditioner to waterproof your faux leather;
- Step 1: Start by cleaning the surface of your faux leather with a damp cloth or soap solution to remove any dirt or debris.
- Step 2: Apply the leather conditioner to a clean cloth and spread it evenly over the surface of the leather.
- Step 3: Be sure to cover all areas, including seams and stitching.
- Step 4: Allow the conditioner to sit on the surface of the faux leather item for a few minutes.
- Step 5: Buff away any excess residue and allow the faux leather to air-dry.
4. Using Vaseline To Waterproof Faux Leather
One of the most common household items you can use to waterproof your faux leather is Vaseline. Vaseline, also known as petroleum jelly, is a thick, oily substance that can be used to coat and protect surfaces from water damage.
It’s not the best option for long-term protection, but it can help to buy you some time until you can apply a better waterproofing sealant.
Vaseline is a petroleum jelly that creates a water-repellent barrier when applied to the leather. It is important to note that you should only use a small amount of Vaseline on your faux leather as too much can cause the surface to become sticky.
In addition, Vaseline will need to be reapplied on a regular basis to maintain the water-repellent barrier. To use Vaseline to waterproof your faux leather;
- Step 1: Start by cleaning the surface of your faux leather with a damp cloth or soap solution to remove any dirt or debris.
- Step 2: Apply a small amount of Vaseline to a clean cloth and rub it into the surface of the faux leather.
- Step 3: Allow the Vaseline to dry and then buff completely with a clean cloth.
- Step 4: Reapply Vaseline as needed to maintain a water-repellent barrier.
How Often Should You Waterproof Faux Leather?
How often you need to waterproof your faux leather will depend on the type of protection you are using. If you are using a waterproofing spray-on or creams, then you will need to reapply it every few months.
If you are using a leather conditioner, then you should apply it also at least every few months to maintain the water-repellent barrier.
And if you are using Vaseline or other household items, then you will need to reapply it almost every time you have to use the faux leather item.
Whichever method you choose, it is important to keep in mind that waterproofing your faux leather should be done on a regular basis for the best results.
Final Thoughts
Although waterproofing faux leather may not be the most necessary task, it can be a good way to protect your investment by adding another layer of protection to your faux leather items.
So waterproofing your faux leather is an important step in protecting it from damage. There are a variety of different methods you can use that I have highlighted in this article, so find one that works best for you and your needs. Be sure to reapply the protection on a regular basis for optimal results. Thanks for reading.
