A Simple DIY Way to Waterproof Anything

As spring starts to roll around, with bulbs blooming and buds popping, you’re probably itching to get outside. As much as we are starting to see the back-end of winter, spring showers and temperamental weather still taunt us on a daily basis. So before you bring out the furniture, throw on the canvas shoes and get that backpack ready for a weekend in the outdoors, you’ll want to make sure everything is waterproofed! Here at Yahoo Makers, we have a DIY waterproofing solution for all your water repellant needs!

[TK-zfsx]

This was a quick, simple, and straightforward demo. No elaborate intro, no begging for likes, no commercials. Thanks for giving viewers just the details they need without adding all the fluff that too many youtubers always want to use to pad their videos.

[martenthornberg]

- She use a mix with 8% silicone (by volume) but I don't think the ratio is that important.
- Don't mix more than you are going to use since you can't save the leftovers.
- Hopefully obvious, but just in case: let it dry outside (or somewhere well ventilated) since the spirit fumes are unhealthy.
- From the Wikipedia article called "white spirit":
"White spirit (UK) or mineral spirits (US, Canada), also known as mineral turpentine (AU/NZ), turpentine substitute, petroleum spirits, solvent naphtha (petroleum), Varsol, Stoddard solvent, or, generically: paint thinner."
SE: Lacknafta
NL: Terpentine
FR: Naphta lourd
DE: Testbenzine
IT: Acquaragia
RU: Уайт-спирит

[BlaQRaok.el_]

Give this Lady an applaud👏👏👏👏👏👏👏!! The demo is simple, to the point and generous. Thank you👑👈💯

[Verradonairun]

You don't need to discard the brush afterwards, you just need to wash it with the same mineral spirit that you used to dissolve the silicone in the first place. That'll remove the silicone coating on the hairs.

[terryfreedom]

this works but be careful not to get too much of it on your zippers. I did several backpacks and one of them I got a bit sloppy with. The mineral spirits evaporated away and left the silicone but it had built up on the zipper teeth. the zipper still works but there's a spot about 1/2" long where I really have to pull to get the zipper to pop over the built up silicone. I figured the silicone would wear off after a few zips but it hasn't. Just an FYI

[musicmayer]

Ingredients: ~1 qt (946 ml) Odourless Mineral Spirits (aka White Spirit or Mineral Turpentine) to 100% Clear Silicone ~2.6 oz (1 tube, 83ml). Mix anywhere from 1:1 to 3:1... does not have to be exact since mineral spirits will evaporate after application. Need mixing container and paint brush (cleaned out with mineral spirits when done).

[Trashey]

So, had to freeze-frame it, but she uses:
- 1 quart mineral spirits
- 2.8 ounce silicone
- 2.5 quart bucket w/lid

[docwhoth]

This is GREAT for gemmy inflatables!! Had 3 inflatables that were not inflating at all. The tiny nylon pores became too large and stretched out because of the blower motor over time. Painted them with this and I now have brand new inflatables again!

[anthonyslattery]

One of the best YouTube videos I've seen on this subject.

[caerffili_callin]

I have been doing this before I saw this video and first used clear silicone and white spirit from my local hardware store (UK), any solvent should work OK. it is best to mix in an old coffee jar with a screw lid so you can shake to mix. Experimented with different consistencies but works pretty well to make things water resistant like cycling gloves, you will not make things completely waterproof that weren't before. Any silicone sealant will work but the quality can vary and will effect the end result flexibility. Whilst in Poundland buy some paintbrushes as it is easier to throw them away after doing this.

[YaH_Gives_Wisdom]

People asking questions
1. What’s the ratio? Just keep adding the thinner until you get the consistency needed, the more thinner the more liquid it becomes. Remember the thinner evaporates and only the silicone is left behind. A thinner liquid will penetrate deeper but something thicker like paint is good to seal metals and wood. Can also do several coats.
2. What type of thinner to use? You can basically use any thinner you have, except acetone because it might evaporate too quickly. Do a quick search if it dissolves silicone.
3. Will it make the fabric stiff? There is minor stiffness to the fabric, barely noticeable. However, with many coats you will make it stiffer and stiffer. To get good water resistance should leave it soft enough.
4. Other uses? You can add it to paints to make them more waterproof. Keep in mind dissolved silicone will not mix with water without other additional chemicals, so don’t try to add it to vinyl or acrylic paint, which is water based.

[mnovo]

This is the same formula in most silicone based spray and liquid applications for rain coat, tent fly, and other scotchguard type applications. I used a 10% solution on my race gear and 20% on hats and gloves with great success.

[chrisz.]

You can also make a thicker consistency to brush on to seams for tents or anything.

[duasgarotaspelomundo]

It really works! Thank you so much for the video. I just bought a brand new sofa to use outdoor and I did in all the cushions and really works like in the video! ❤

[spiritualsarver]

GREAT, QUICK and TOO THE POINT! Thank you 🙏

[robincostello]

This is a great inexpensive way to waterproof! I'm curious about the flammability of the material after it's been dried. Could the fabric be near a campfire that sparks or any other sparking situation?

[kenhollandjr]

I agree with TK. Straightforward, no BS. Thank you.

[RuthCRucoco]

If there was a LOVE/HEART Button I would push it & thank you SO MUCH for sharing!!! 🙏🥳🙏

[josron]

I can't believe how simple this is. And I already have the mineral spirits and clear silicone at home.

[barbmckinnon]

Fabulous thank you - nice and simple and exactly what I was looking for!