Waterproofing an awning
when it helps and what harms
If rain no longer beads off as nicely as in the first summer, many people think of a waterproofing spray. For most awning fabrics, however, that is not necessary at all, and for some it is expressly ruled out. Here you can read which fabric comes with which finish from the factory, when you should waterproof an awning and how to protect the finish.
As a rule, you do not need to waterproof an awning. It is more important to keep the finish from the factory. You will find all other topics on types, care and fitting in the awning guide.
- Awning fabrics made of acrylic and polyester are given a water-repellent finish at the factory.
- Water above 30°C and every wash weaken this finish.
- On polyester and polypropylene, which are Polysun and Olefin for us, do not apply any waterproofing yourself. It can react with the factory finish.
- Acrylics such as Agora and Dralon do not need re-waterproofing.
- Gentle cleaning with lukewarm water and washing-up liquid and dry storage help as prevention.
What the awning fabric already brings with it
An awning fabric does not leave the mill untreated. The fibre and a factory finish make sure that rain beads off and dirt sticks less well. This finish is what many people mean by waterproofing.
Acrylic is naturally water-repellent
Acrylic is naturally water-repellent, mildew-resistant and dirt-repellent. Most dirt therefore comes off with lukewarm water and a mild soap solution.
Polyester with a protective finish
Polyester and polypropylene fabrics carry a finish that makes them water- and dirt-repellent. To keep it, these fabrics need gentle care.
Every wash washes some of it out
The more often the fabric is washed, the more prone it becomes to new dirt. The protective finish is washed out further with every wash. So clean gently and only when needed.
Water-repellent is not waterproof
The finish lets normal rain bead off. In persistent or heavy rain, water gets through the fabric. A waterproofing spray does not change that either, because an awning is sun protection and not a storm or rain roof.
Waterproofing an awning by fabric
Whether your own waterproofing is allowed depends on the fibre. The table shows the four fabrics from which we make the panels of our made-to-measure rope tension awning. Agora and Polysun are solution-dyed, and what that means is explained in What is solution-dyed. How acrylic and polyester otherwise differ is covered in awning fabric: acrylic or polyester.
| Fabric | Fibre | Factory finish | Waterproofing yourself |
|---|---|---|---|
| Agora | Solution-dyed acrylic | Water- and dirt-repellent, PFAS-free Eco-Shield finish (Agora Liso) | No, not necessary |
| Dralon | Conventionally dyed acrylic | Water-repellent finish | No, not necessary |
| Polysun | Solution-dyed polyester | Dirt- and water-repellent, spray test 4 out of 5 to ISO 4920 | No, can react with the factory finish |
| Olefin | Polypropylene | Water-repellent | No, no additional waterproofing according to the manufacturer |
Waterproofing yourself and household remedies
If you want to waterproof your awning yourself, you should first know which fabric your awning is made of. That decides whether a product is allowed on the fabric at all.
Not on polyester and polypropylene
No waterproofing spray applied by yourself belongs on Polysun, Olefin and other polyester or polypropylene fabrics. It can react with the factory finish.
Acrylic does not need it
You do not need to re-waterproof Agora and Dralon. If you do not know which fabric your awning is made of, ask us via the Service Centre.
Household remedies clean, they do not waterproof
Can you waterproof an awning with household remedies? The care instructions name no household remedy for it. Household remedies help with cleaning: 1 part washing-up liquid to 20 parts lukewarm water removes most dirt.
Clean first, then judge
Soap residue in the weave attracts new dirt. After every cleaning, rinse thoroughly with clear water and let the fabric dry completely before you judge how well the rain still beads off.
What harms the finish
Hot water above 30°C can impair the waterproofing. Lukewarm water is enough for any cleaning.
Every wash washes the protective finish out further, and for Olefin the manufacturer expressly points this out. It is better to remove light dirt with a soft brush or a warm cloth with a little washing-up liquid.
No dry cleaning, no petrol, no solvent-based and no abrasive cleaning products. They attack the fibre and the finish.
For polyester and polypropylene, the care instructions rule out the pressure washer. None of our four awning fabrics belongs in the tumble dryer, and with acrylic the heat damages the fibre.
The UV protection factor is measured on the new fabric. Frequent washing can remove finishes that contributed to the rating. If you look after your fabric, you also keep its protection against UV radiation.
How to protect the finish
Good care replaces re-waterproofing. You will find the detailed instructions with all the steps at cleaning an awning. Here are the key points in brief.
Brush off dry
Remove dry dirt with a soft brush or the vacuum cleaner with an upholstery nozzle, before water presses it into the weave.
Clean lukewarm, rinse clear
Apply 1 part washing-up liquid to 20 parts lukewarm water, at most 30°C, in circular movements and rinse thoroughly with clear water. Leave to air dry in the shade.
Treat stains specifically
Treat stains in spots instead of washing the whole fabric. How to remove mildew spots from an awning and how to remove algae from an awning is covered on their own pages.
Store clean and dry
Store panels you have taken down only clean and completely dry, in a dry, well-ventilated place and not directly on bare concrete.
When rain comes through or the fabric tires
A waterproofing spray does not turn sun protection into rain protection. What helps instead depends on what bothers you.
In rain
Agora and Olefin are water-repellent: normal rain beads off, but in persistent or heavy rain water gets through. Whether you can make an awning waterproof and when it may stay out is explained in leaving an awning out in the rain. In storms and bad weather you retract the awning.
Limits of an awning
What an awning can do and where its drawbacks lie is explained in What are awnings. If you need fixed rain protection, you will find options in alternatives to an awning.
Fabric worn out
If the fabric is faded, thin or cracked, no waterproofing helps any more. Then it is worth re-covering the awning.
Seam has come undone
If only a seam or tab has come undone, read sewing an awning to see how to repair the fabric.
Frequently Asked Questions
Sources
Last reviewed: 23.10.2026 · Reviewer: Germes-Team
Not sure which fabric your awning is made of?
Send us a photo of the awning and of the label, or your order number. We will tell you what the fabric can take and what you had better leave. With our folding awning too, the fabric decides the care.