Starbrite waterproofer

[Strecker25]

This has been talked about a million times but thought I would share some recent experience.

I’ve used 303 fabric guard for a long time annually to waterproof our sunbrella tops. It takes usually 1/2-3/4 gallon to really soak the tops for our 410, and 303 isn’t cheap. This year I tried starbrite waterproofer. It also took 3/4 gallon to get a good soak but first impressions are this significantly outperforms 303 for initial water splash tests. Of course, the real test is how long it lasts one it’s on the boat so I’ll report back once the season gets started. We get plenty of rain in April

the whole reason I gave it a shot was because Amazon has it for only $40/gallon right now and free prime shipping.

 

[KevinC]

This has been talked about a million times but thought I would share some recent experience.

I’ve used 303 fabric guard for a long time annually to waterproof our sunbrella tops. It takes usually 1/2-3/4 gallon to really soak the tops for our 410, and 303 isn’t cheap. This year I tried starbrite waterproofer. It also took 3/4 gallon to get a good soak but first impressions are this significantly outperforms 303 for initial water splash tests. Of course, the real test is how long it lasts one it’s on the boat so I’ll report back once the season gets started. We get plenty of rain in April

the whole reason I gave it a shot was because Amazon has it for only $40/gallon right now and free prime shipping.

I have used both and was also happy with the Starbrite. While Sunbrella recommends 303 Fabric Guard as their preferred waterproofing you need to remember that 303 and Sunbrella are both part of Glen Raven.

I actually just used it on my canvas this year. I usually apply with a small pressurized spray pump (1L) to not wear out my trigger finger - this year I used a small paint roller and felt like I got a better soaking and better coverage. Having a large area or table to work on will certainly help with this. It was a little harder by the zippers but was excellent in the large open areas. I will probably use a hybrid method on my next waterproofing and spray by the zippers and tails and roll the rest. I usually recommend this every other year after the initial wear off. It is best to just keep any eye on how well the water is beading.

While I was happy with the Starbrite I do think the 303 has a much nicer smell than the Starbrite product - but for about half the price I could deal with it.

-Keviun

 

[Creekwood]

I have also used both and I found that the 303 lasts longer than the Starbrite.

In both cases though the key is to properly clean and dry the Sunbrella first. The dedicated cleaners for marine canvas work far better than ordinary boat soap IMO. I used this stuff the last time (sold at our marina chandlery) and it did a fantastic job. I followed the instruction to the letter and used a soft boat brush to scrub it on the boat installed, and rinsed while I scrubbed till the water came off clean. The first water that came off looked like Mississippi delta water.

 

[Strecker25]

I have also used both and I found that the 303 lasts longer than the Starbrite.

In both cases though the key is to properly clean and dry the Sunbrella first. The dedicated cleaners for marine canvas work far better than ordinary boat soap IMO. I used this stuff the last time (sold at our marina chandlery) and it did a fantastic job. I followed the instruction to the letter and used a soft boat brush to scrub it on the boat installed, and rinsed while I scrubbed till the water came off clean. The first water that came off looked like Mississippi delta water.

Absolutely, the prep is super important. I cleaned mine thoroughly in the fall using woolite and they’ve been in the basement and covered since then until today when I took them out to treat

i would like to try some dedicated cleaner. I think I’ll do that next year if the tops need to be treated again. I also use the 1G sprayed from harbor freight.

one more word of caution - don’t get this stuff anywhere near your clears. It will melt and discolor them beyond repair. I accidentally did that to our last boats front glass

 

[The Bill Collector]

I have used both but quit using Starbrite after reading the labels on both... Prep is the key as previously mentioned, I use canvas cleaner, scrub brush and my light duty pressure washer. Clean, wait one to two days and apply your 303, I use a roller on a stick and a paint brush...

 

[firecadet613]

I've used both... bought a couple of gallons of 303 for about $65/ea last year on Amazon. I prefer to roll it on so it doesn't go everywhere...

 

[Creekwood]

one more word of caution - don’t get this stuff anywhere near your clears. It will melt and discolor them beyond repair. I accidentally did that to our last boats front glass

100% true. The last time I did my canvas (last spring) I took all the isinglass out and just did the sunbrella. With one exception - the slant back canvas. Rather that lay it down on the ground or dock, I left it place and tried to carefully prevent drips/overspray from getting on the isinglass panel. Epic fail. By fall it was yellowing and cracking. Not a big deal for that one panel, but obvious that 303 destroys isinglass.

 

[Pirate Lady]

Interesting post. After years of using Starbrite on canvas, jackets, shoes, etc, I tried 303. Sunbrella recommended.
Did all the proper prep per instructions on my cockpit cover.
As the Templar said He chose poorly. Very disappointed in results.
Going back to Starbrite this spring.

 

[JHornsby3]

I rolled on the Starbrite in the late spring last year. Had a rain storm pass through about three weeks later and it still beaded up on the sides but the top was all wet. By the time I covered the top for winter, you couldn't tell it had been treated at all. The canvas was all water soaked. Had a good sunny day then put the cover on for the winter. Will see how it is when I pull the cover off. If it ever stops raining and being cold.