Outdoor cushion fabric comes with a water-repellent finish that wears off with sun, cleaning and use. A fabric protector spray restores some of that repellency, so water beads up instead of soaking in. It does not make a cushion waterproof, and it works best on fabric that is clean and dry.
We compared protector sprays sold for outdoor fabric on formula, PFAS status, size and stated coverage, curing directions and the fabrics each maker approves. To protect cushions from rain between uses, see Best Outdoor Cushion Storage Bags, or browse the Outdoor Cushions category.
Our Top Picks
| Pick | Product |
|---|---|
| Best Overall | 303 Products Fabric Guard Water Repellent |
| Best for Non-PFAS Pick | Sunbrella Restore Fabric Protector |
| Best for Large Areas | STAR BRITE Waterproofing Spray |
| Best Value | Scotchgard Outdoor Water & Sun Shield |
| Best for Water-Based Gallon | Better Boat Waterproofing Spray |
| Best for Light Use | featrity Outdoor Fabric Protector Spray |
Pros
- Recommended by Sunbrella, per 303
- Clear application directions
- Large bottle
Cons
- Maker notice on some batch codes
- Long cure time
- PFAS status not stated
303 Fabric Guard is made for outdoor fabric, canvas, cushions and upholstery, and 303 says Sunbrella recommends it. 303 says it restores water and stain repellency without changing the fabric's color, feel or breathability. Directions call for outdoor use only on clean, dry fabric, spraying until evenly wet without saturating, and keeping the fabric out of rain and dew for 12 to 24 hours while it cures. 303 also notes that bottles with batch codes 22361 to 23179 may leave a white residue and should be returned to the maker.
Amazon rating: not available in our product data.
Pros
- Made by the fabric maker
- Non-PFAS formula
- Invisible finish, per maker
Cons
- Coverage not stated
- Curing directions not in listing
- Best matched to Sunbrella fabric
Sunbrella Restore is the fabric maker's own water-repellent spray. Sunbrella says it restores water repellency and adds protection against water-based spills without changing the look or feel of the fabric. The formula is non-PFAS, and Sunbrella says it meets California's rules on PFAS treatments for textiles.
Amazon rating: not available in our product data.
Pros
- Large stated coverage
- PFAS free
- Also suits covers and awnings
Cons
- Needs a sprayer for a gallon jug
- Marine and gear focus
- Curing directions not in listing
STAR BRITE's PFAS-free waterproofing comes in a gallon jug that the maker says covers about 465 square feet, enough for a full set of cushions plus covers or awnings. STAR BRITE says it does not change the breathability, color or feel of fabric, adds UV protection, and is made in the USA.
Amazon rating: not available in our product data.
A small aerosol can that Scotchgard says repels water and protects against UVA and UVB rays. Read the can's warnings before use, since aerosols carry their own safety directions.
Amazon rating: not available in our product data.
A water-based, low-VOC gallon that Better Boat says is PFAS free and safe on most natural and synthetic fabrics, including outdoor cushions.
Amazon rating: not available in our product data.
A clear spray for cushions and umbrellas. featrity says it is for light rain, splashes and sun, not stormproofing, and should be reapplied after cleaning or heavy use.
Amazon rating: not available in our product data.
All Products Compared
| Product | Best For | Type | PFAS | Size | Coverage |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 303 Products Fabric Guard Water Repellent | Best Overall | Trigger spray | Not stated | 32 fl oz | Not stated |
| Sunbrella Restore Fabric Protector | Best Non-PFAS Pick | Trigger spray | Non-PFAS (maker) | 32 fl oz | Not stated |
| STAR BRITE Waterproofing Spray | Best for Large Areas | Gallon refill | PFAS free (maker) | 128 fl oz | About 465 sq ft |
| Scotchgard Outdoor Water & Sun Shield | Best Small Can | Aerosol | Not stated | 10.5 oz | Not stated |
| Better Boat Waterproofing Spray | Best Water-Based Gallon | Gallon refill | PFAS free (maker) | 128 fl oz | Not stated |
| featrity Outdoor Fabric Protector Spray | Best for Light Use | Trigger spray | Not stated | 12.8 oz | Not stated |
Top 3 Outdoor Fabric Protector Sprays Reviewed
#1 303 Products Fabric Guard Water Repellent: Best Overall
Why We Picked It
303 Fabric Guard is made for outdoor fabric, canvas, cushions and upholstery, and 303 says Sunbrella recommends it. 303 says it restores water and stain repellency without changing the fabric's color, feel or breathability. Directions call for outdoor use only on clean, dry fabric, spraying until evenly wet without saturating, and keeping the fabric out of rain and dew for 12 to 24 hours while it cures. 303 also notes that bottles with batch codes 22361 to 23179 may leave a white residue and should be returned to the maker.
Key Specifications
- Amazon rating: not available in our product data
- Type: trigger spray
- Size: 32 fl oz
- Use: outdoors only, on clean and dry fabric (maker)
- Cure: keep dry for 12 to 24 hours (maker)
- Shelf life: 2 years from fill date (maker)
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Recommended by Sunbrella, per 303 | Maker notice on some batch codes |
| Clear application directions | Long cure time |
| Large bottle | PFAS status not stated |
Best For
Acrylic and polyester cushions that have lost their water beading.
Who Should Skip It
Anyone who cannot keep cushions dry for a day after spraying.
Verdict
The most widely recommended outdoor fabric guard, with detailed directions.
303 Products Fabric Guard Water Repellent
#2 Sunbrella Restore Fabric Protector: Best Non-PFAS Pick
Why We Picked It
Sunbrella Restore is the fabric maker's own water-repellent spray. Sunbrella says it restores water repellency and adds protection against water-based spills without changing the look or feel of the fabric. The formula is non-PFAS, and Sunbrella says it meets California's rules on PFAS treatments for textiles.
Key Specifications
- Amazon rating: not available in our product data
- Type: trigger spray
- Size: 32 fl oz
- PFAS: non-PFAS (maker)
- Protects against: water and water-based spills (maker)
- Made for: Sunbrella and outdoor upholstery
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Made by the fabric maker | Coverage not stated |
| Non-PFAS formula | Curing directions not in listing |
| Invisible finish, per maker | Best matched to Sunbrella fabric |
Best For
Sunbrella owners and anyone avoiding PFAS treatments.
Who Should Skip It
Large projects where a gallon jug costs less per use.
Verdict
A non-PFAS protector from the fabric maker itself.
Sunbrella Restore Fabric Protector
#3 STAR BRITE Waterproofing Spray: Best for Large Areas
Why We Picked It
STAR BRITE's PFAS-free waterproofing comes in a gallon jug that the maker says covers about 465 square feet, enough for a full set of cushions plus covers or awnings. STAR BRITE says it does not change the breathability, color or feel of fabric, adds UV protection, and is made in the USA.
Key Specifications
- Amazon rating: not available in our product data
- Type: liquid, gallon jug
- Size: 128 fl oz
- PFAS: free (maker)
- Coverage: about 465 sq ft per gallon (maker)
- Made in: USA (maker)
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Large stated coverage | Needs a sprayer for a gallon jug |
| PFAS free | Marine and gear focus |
| Also suits covers and awnings | Curing directions not in listing |
Best For
Treating a whole patio set, covers and umbrella at once.
Who Should Skip It
One or two cushions.
Verdict
The best value per square foot here for big jobs.
STAR BRITE Waterproofing Spray
Also on Our List
- Scotchgard Outdoor Water & Sun Shield (Best Small Can): A small aerosol can that Scotchgard says repels water and protects against UVA and UVB rays. Read the can's warnings before use, since aerosols carry their own safety directions.
- Better Boat Waterproofing Spray (Best Water-Based Gallon): A water-based, low-VOC gallon that Better Boat says is PFAS free and safe on most natural and synthetic fabrics, including outdoor cushions.
- featrity Outdoor Fabric Protector Spray (Best for Light Use): A clear spray for cushions and umbrellas. featrity says it is for light rain, splashes and sun, not stormproofing, and should be reapplied after cleaning or heavy use.
How to Choose an Outdoor Fabric Protector Spray
Check Your Fabric
Most outdoor fabric makers allow a protector spray, but read your cushion maker's care label first, because some recommend a specific product.
PFAS
Older water repellents often relied on PFAS chemistry. Several makers now sell PFAS-free formulas. If that matters to you, choose a product whose maker states it directly.
Apply It Correctly
Clean the fabric and let it dry fully first. Spray outdoors in even coats without soaking the fabric, and keep cushions dry while the treatment cures. Follow each label's safety and ventilation directions.
How We Evaluate Outdoor Fabric Protector Sprays
For this guide we compared protector sprays sold for outdoor fabric on formula, PFAS status, size and stated coverage, curing directions and the fabrics each maker approves. We read each maker's label claims and left out sprays made only for clothing or indoor upholstery. Most listings had no rating data in our product feed, so ratings did not decide the order. We did not apply these sprays ourselves, every claim comes from the maker, and we never describe a treated cushion as waterproof.
Variants of one listing count as a single product, and we would rather list a few strong picks than pad the list. Our full process is on the How We Review page.
FAQ
Does fabric protector spray make cushions waterproof?
No. It helps water bead up and roll off, but water can still soak in through seams and in heavy rain.
How often should I reapply fabric protector?
Follow the maker's directions. Most suggest reapplying after cleaning or when water stops beading.
Can I spray new cushions?
Yes, if the cushion maker allows it. New fabric already has a finish, so many owners wait until the factory repellency wears.
Final Verdict
303 Fabric Guard is our top pick for its wide acceptance and clear directions. Sunbrella Restore is the non-PFAS choice from the fabric maker, and STAR BRITE covers the most area per gallon.
Scotchgard is a small aerosol can, Better Boat a water-based gallon, and featrity a light-duty spray for occasional use.
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