How to Waterproof a Convertible Top? (Easiest Way Ever!)

In 2022, only about 1% of new cars sold in the United States were convertibles. This is just because of they don’t know How to Waterproof a Convertible Top?

It is also worth noting that not all convertible owners use the top-down feature very often. According to a survey by Statista, only 10% of convertible car owners use the top-down feature more than half of the time.

Having a convertible car can be an exhilarating experience, with the wind in your hair and the open road ahead. However, one challenge many convertible owners face is keeping their tops waterproof.

So, how can you ensure that your convertible top remains protected from rain and other elements? In this article, we will explore some simple yet effective methods to help you waterproof your convertible top and keep it in pristine condition.

How to Waterproof a Convertible Top? A Step-by-Step Guide:

Step	Action
1	Clean the top thoroughly with a convertible top cleaner to remove dirt, grime and old protectant.
2	Allow the top to dry completely.
3	Apply a silicone-based or acrylic convertible top protectant/sealant evenly over the entire top.
4	Allow the protectant to dry completely. This usually takes around 20-30 minutes.
5	Buff the top with a microfiber towel to remove any excess residue and evenly distribute the protectant.
6	Raise the convertible top to check for any missed spots and reapply protectant if needed.
7	Lower the top and allow it to dry overnight before using.
8	Repeat steps 1-7 every few months to maintain protection. Clean and reapply more frequently if exposed to harsh weather or environmental conditions.

Using a High-Quality Fabric Sealant or Protectant:

One of the easiest ways to waterproof your convertible top is by using a high-quality fabric sealant or protectant. These products create a barrier on the surface of the fabric, preventing water from seeping through.

Before applying any product, make sure to thoroughly clean and dry your top to remove any dirt or debris that could affect adhesion.

Once cleaned, simply spray or apply the sealant according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

Maintaining a Waterproof Convertible Top:

Another important step in maintaining a waterproof convertible top is regular cleaning and maintenance. Taking care of small issues before they become bigger problems can save you time and money in the long run.

Inspect your top regularly for signs of wear or damage such as tears or loose stitching. If necessary, have these repairs done promptly by a professional who specializes in convertible tops.

Choosing the Right Waterproofing Products:

When it comes to waterproofing your convertible top, selecting the right products is crucial. Here are some key considerations to keep in mind:

1. Waterproofing Sprays: Look for waterproofing sprays specifically designed for fabric or vinyl surfaces. These sprays create a protective barrier that repels water and prevents it from seeping into the material.
2. UV Protection: Convertible tops are constantly exposed to sunlight, which can cause fading and deterioration over time. Choose a waterproofing product that also offers UV protection to shield your convertible top from harmful sun rays.
3. Compatibility: Ensure that the waterproofing product you choose is compatible with the material of your convertible top. Different tops may require different formulations, so check the manufacturer’s recommendations before applying any product.
4. Ease of Application: Opt for a waterproofing product that is easy to apply and doesn’t require extensive preparation or complicated procedures. Look for spray-on formulas that evenly coat the surface without leaving streaks or residue behind.
5. Drying Time: Consider how quickly the chosen waterproofing product dries after application. Ideally, it should dry within a reasonable timeframe to avoid inconveniences when using your vehicle.
6. Long-lasting Effectiveness: Check customer reviews and ratings to gauge how long-lasting and effective a particular product is at repelling water and protecting against stains or mildew growth.

Remember that regular maintenance plays an important role in preserving the effectiveness of any waterproofing treatment applied to your convertible top.

It’s recommended to reapply these products periodically as per their guidelines or whenever you notice decreased water repellency on your convertible top.

Preparing the Convertible Top for Waterproofing:

Before applying a waterproofing treatment to your convertible top, it’s important to properly prepare the surface. Follow these steps to ensure a successful waterproofing process:

1. Clean the Top: Start by thoroughly cleaning the convertible top using a mild soap or specialized convertible top cleaner. Avoid harsh chemicals that could damage the fabric or vinyl material.
2. Remove Stains and Debris: Inspect the top for any stains, bird droppings, tree sap, or other debris that may have accumulated over time. Use a soft brush or cloth along with an appropriate stain remover to gently remove any stubborn spots.
3. Inspect for Damage: Carefully examine the entire top for signs of wear, tears, or loose stitching. Repair any damages before proceeding with waterproofing as they can compromise its effectiveness.
4. Test Compatibility: If you’re using a new waterproofing product on your convertible top, it is recommended to test its compatibility on a small inconspicuous area first. This will help ensure that it doesn’t cause discoloration or adverse effects on your particular type of fabric.
5. Protect Surrounding Areas: Before applying any waterproofing solution, protect surrounding areas such as windows and car paint from overspray by covering them with plastic sheets or masking tape.
6. Prepare Application Tools: Gather all necessary tools such as brushes, lint-free cloths and gloves prior to starting the application process.
7. Follow Manufacturer Instructions: Read and follow the manufacturer’s instructions provided with your chosen waterproofing product carefully regarding application techniques and drying times.
8. Apply Evenly: Apply the selected waterproofer evenly across the entire surface of your convertible top in smooth strokes while ensuring complete coverage.
9. Allow Drying Time: Allow sufficient time for both initial drying and curing according to manufacturer recommendations before exposing your newly treated convertible top to water or other elements.

Remember, proper preparation is key to achieving optimal results when waterproofing your convertible top. By following these steps, you’ll ensure a clean and well-protected surface that can withstand the challenges of various weather conditions.

Applying the Waterproofing Solution:

To effectively waterproof a convertible top, follow these steps:

Prepare the Convertible Top:

• Thoroughly clean and dry the convertible top before applying the waterproofing solution.
• Remove any dirt, debris, or stains using a soft brush or cloth.
• Ensure that there are no tears or holes in the top that may compromise its ability to repel water.

Choose an Appropriate Waterproofing Solution:

• Select a high-quality waterproofing product specifically designed for convertible tops.
• Consider factors such as durability, UV protection, and ease of application when making your choice.

Apply the Waterproofing Solution:

1. Shake the waterproofing solution well to ensure proper mixing of ingredients.
2. Using a clean sponge or applicator pad, apply an even coat of the solution to all areas of the convertible top.
3. Work in small sections at a time to ensure thorough coverage without missing any spots.
4. Pay extra attention to seams and stitching as they are more prone to leaks.

Allow Sufficient Drying Time:

1. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions regarding drying time after applying the waterproofing solution.
2. Avoid exposing your vehicle to rain or moisture during this period.

Perform Regular Maintenance:

• To maintain optimal water repellency, regularly inspect your convertible top for signs of wear and tear.
• If you notice any damage or loss of effectiveness, reapply the waterproofing solution as needed.

Remember that proper maintenance is essential for prolonging your convertible top’s lifespan and keeping it watertight in various weather conditions.

Drying and Curing the Convertible Top:

After thoroughly cleaning your convertible top, it is essential to dry and cure it properly to ensure maximum effectiveness in waterproofing. Here are some steps you can follow:

1. Air drying: Allow the convertible top to air dry completely before proceeding with any further steps. This will help remove any remaining moisture and prevent water spots or streaks.
2. Avoid direct sunlight: When drying your convertible top, try to avoid exposing it directly to intense sunlight for prolonged periods. Excessive heat can potentially damage the material, causing fading or shrinkage.
3. Use a microfiber cloth: Gently pat the convertible top with a clean microfiber cloth to absorb any excess moisture that may be present after air drying.
4. Apply a fabric protectant: Once the surface is dry, apply a high-quality fabric protectant specifically designed for convertible tops. These products help repel water and provide additional protection against UV rays and other environmental factors.
5. Follow curing instructions: Different fabric protectants have varying curing times and application methods specified by their manufacturers. Read the product label carefully and adhere to these instructions accordingly.
6. Allow sufficient curing time: After applying the fabric protectant, allow ample time for it to cure properly on the surface of your convertible top before exposing it to rain or other harsh weather conditions.
7. Repeat as necessary: Depending on usage frequency and exposure levels, reapply fabric protectant periodically following manufacturer recommendations for long-lasting waterproofing results.

Remember that proper maintenance plays an important role in preserving the integrity of your convertible top’s waterproofing abilities over time.

Maintaining the Waterproofed Convertible Top:

To ensure that your convertible top remains waterproof and in good condition, it’s important to follow a regular maintenance routine. Here are some tips on how to maintain your waterproofed convertible top:

1. Regular Cleaning: Regularly clean your convertible top using a soft brush or sponge, mild soap, and water. Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners as they can damage the waterproof coating.
2. Avoiding Direct Sunlight: Whenever possible, park your car in a shaded area or use a car cover to protect the convertible top from prolonged exposure to direct sunlight. UV rays can degrade the waterproofing over time.
3. Removing Stains Promptly: If you notice any stains on your convertible top, address them promptly by gently spot cleaning with an appropriate cleaner recommended for fabric tops. Blot the stain instead of rubbing it vigorously.
4. Applying Fabric Protector: Periodically apply a fabric protector specifically designed for convertible tops according to the manufacturer’s instructions. This will help maintain the waterproofing and provide additional protection against stains and fading.
5. Inspecting Seals and Stitching: Regularly inspect the seals around windows, doors, and other areas where water might enter when driving with the top up. Check for any signs of wear or damage such as loose stitching or cracked seals.
6. Avoid Using High-Pressure Washers: When washing your car, avoid using high-pressure washers directly on the convertible top as this can strip away protective coatings and potentially cause leaks.
7. Remove Debris Immediately: Remove leaves, twigs, bird droppings, or any other debris from your convertible top as soon as possible to prevent potential staining or damage.

Remember that proper maintenance is essential for prolonging the lifespan of your waterproofed convertible top while ensuring its continued effectiveness in repelling water during rainy weather conditions.

What Can I Use to Waterproof a Convertible Top?

There are several products made specifically for waterproofing convertible tops. The most common are silicone-based sealants and wax-based protectants.

Applying these regularly will help repel water, prevent staining, and protect the fabric from UV damage.

Watch this video to waterproof your convertible roof top:

Do Convertible Roofs Need Waterproofing?

Yes, it’s recommended to waterproof a convertible roof periodically. Convertible top fabric is porous and prone to leaking over time.

Waterproofing helps prevent leaks, which can damage the car’s interior and electrical components. It also protects the fabric from UV rays, dirt, and mold.

How Do You Waterproof a Soft Top Car Roof?

• Clean the top thoroughly before applying any product.
• Use a high-quality convertible top cleaner and protectant made for this purpose. Popular options are 303 Convertible Top Protectant and TriNova Convertible Top Cleaner & Protectant.
• Apply the protectant in a well-ventilated area following the product instructions. Rub it into the fabric using a sponge or microfiber applicator.
• Allow the fabric to completely dry before lowering the top. Reapply every few months for continued protection.

What Is the Best Way to Protect a Convertible Top?

The best way to protect a convertible soft top is to:

• Keep it clean by washing regularly with a convertible top cleaner.
• Apply a convertible top protectant/sealant every few months. This waterproofs and protects from UV damage.
• Park in the shade whenever possible to limit sun exposure.
• Check for holes, cracks or wear and repair any damage promptly.
• Use a convertible top cover when storing the car for long periods.

Following these steps will help maximize the life of the convertible roof.