Waterproof Fabric

A fabric that repels water and does not absorb it is known as waterproof fabric. This type of fabric is used for outdoor furniture upholstery and as shower curtains. They are also used in making raincoats and waterproof jackets that keep the wearer completely dry even in torrential rain. Waterproof fabrics are either synthetic or natural fabrics that are coated with a special substance to make it resistant to water. There are many qualities of waterproof fabric available that keeps the fabric water-resistant from a few hours to long periods of time.

Waterproof Fabric and its Use

Waterproof fabrics get their hydrophobic properties after it has been coated with waterproofing material like polyvinyl chloride, wax, polyurethane, fluoropolymers, rubber and silicone elastomer. However, not all such fabrics are created equal. The manufacturing process used, the coating material used and also the kind of fabric that is used for applying the water-resistant coating all have a bearing on the quality and effectiveness of the finished fabric. Another very important property that is vital for waterproof fabric to have, if it is used as rain gear is the breathe-ability of the fabric. The breathe-ability of a fabric is the amount of water vapor that can pass through the fabric. When such fabric is used for making jackets and mackintosh, the breathe-ability of the fabric should be such that sweat is allowed to pass through the fabric. This will keep the wearer comfortable and warm and also regulate body temperature.

Most garment like sport jackets and parkas that use waterproof fabrics are labeled with a rating, which tells the wearer the amount of fluid in 24 hours the garment can withstand before the fluid seeps in through the fabric. If a waterproof jacket is labeled as 25K, it means that it can withstand 25,000 millimeters of rain before the water seeps in through the material of the garment. Highly expensive rain and snow gear used by the military, navy and athletes have a rating of around 20K to 25K. For non professionals and amateur adventure seekers a garment with a rating of 5K and 10K is sufficient.

Waterproof fabrics are also used in outdoor furniture upholstery like patio furniture covers along with interior furniture in the form of waterproof mattress covers, as well as for tents and tarps. Mainly canvas material with a coating of polyurethane or polyvinyl chloride is used for tents and tarps. These types of fabrics are mid level waterproof fabrics and they can help to keep out the rain in case of a light drizzle. But for torrential rains, the fabric is highly ineffective and it will get wet in a couple of minutes. Another place where such fabric comes in very handy is in the bathroom as shower curtains. Bathroom shower curtains are usually made of vinyl, which is waterproof but does not match the decor of a modern bathroom. You can use linen or cotton shower curtain but it will get wet and create mildew in the bathroom. What most people do is opt for a linen or cotton shower curtain and add a liner on one side made of vinyl. Although that is one solution, still some dampness in the bathroom is possible if the linen side of the shower curtain gets wet. Waterproof shower curtain gives you a solution to this problem by combining a beautiful fabric pattern with waterproofing quality, these waterproof shower curtains are available in a wide variety of designs and colors to match the interiors of the bathroom.

Choose garments and camping gear made with waterproof material. It is possible to do waterproofing yourself and for that you need to know how to waterproof canvas. Nowadays the coating on waterproof material is so light that it looks like a natural fabric. Waterproof fabric has many uses and you should always choose one with the highest quality.