Fabric protection for your convertible.
Soft tops are an often neglected part of the vehicle, with regular upkeep like cleaning and protecting not being done annually. The top is a central piece of a convertible and is what makes it unique from the usual hard top vehicle. They need protection and they need care – an area that gets away from most soft top owners.
Cleaning Soft Tops
Before any treatment / protective products are applied to the fabric, they first need to be cleaned. This is achieved through various means of cleaning chemicals + brushes, to achieve a clean and safe result. Wet vacuums are also important to extract more grime out of the fibres, as well as get it more dry ready for the next step.
Treating Fabric
Once the soft top is dry, the roof will be masked around to then be sprayed. Fabric treatments are usually sprayable and water-based which is not to be mistaken as a ceramic coating. The sprayable treatment is then worked into the fabric to make sure the fibres are well covered. Once it is dry, it will then be followed up with a second coat for maximum performance.
Soft Top Treatment Benefits
UV Reduction
Reduce the impact that UV has on your soft top.
Hydrophobic
Makes it harder for water to soak into the fabric.
Stain Resistance
Have better stain resistance against various substances.
Longer Lasting Fabric
Lesser UV impact means darker, longer lasting fabric.
Before Cleaning
Soft top presents dusty, slightly discoloured, and has multiple stains.
After Cleaning
Clean fabric with consistent colour.
Important Disclaimer.
If you own a convertible vehicle and are experiencing light or excessive amounts of water seeping into the cabin, this will NOT solve your problem. Getting the treatment may reduce a negligible amount in some situations, but can help just enough in others. This service could serve as potential test before pulling the plug on a full soft top replacement which could cost thousands.
Soft tops are made up of multiple layers, fabric on the outside, membrane in the middle and another fabric layer on the inside for the headlining. The membrane is what offers the waterproofing and stops water from entering the cabin. Once the membrane is compromised, your problem has become far deeper than just water soaking in to the outer layer and is the reason why treatment will not fix greater issues such as this.
We are not convertible experts. If your issue lies with the membrane and our service does not fix your problem – that is not our fault. For serious leak issues, this service should be done as a test at your discretion.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is soft top waterproofing?
Soft top waterproofing involves a sprayable fabric protectant that soaks in to the individual fibres, making them hydrophobic. If the top is covered in a consistent matter, water will bead because the protectant is repelling the water. This means water will have less chance to soak straight into the fabric top.
Does the soft top waterproofing offer any protection?
Yes it does. The UV protection can help reduce fading / discolouration over time, while the hydrophobics will buy you more time to remove bird poo, tree sap etc before they set into the fabrics hard and stain them as well as keeping the fabric looking better for longer periods of time.
How often should soft tops be treated?
It is recommended that soft tops be treated once or twice a year, especially before wet seasons.
How long does the soft top protection last for?
The fabric protection will likely last 6-12 months depending on whether the car sits out in the sun or not. Reapplication should be done before every winter, ensuring you have the best protection during the wettest parts of the year.
How long does this service take to complete?
We are able to complete these jobs in a day. Clear and sunny days allow us to dry the soft tops quickly but if the weather is not on our side, we are able to dry the roof slowly with an infrared lamp.