Unsure of what to use to protect your outdoor furniture from UV rays? Let us save you some time. We’ve found the best UV fabric protector currently on the market.
Spare yourself the headache of trailing brand after brand. With furniture being such a big investment, we want you to get bang for your buck. That’s why at SimplySunSafe we’ve left no stone unturned in our quest for the best!
After thorough research into what constitutes the most effective UV protector for outdoor gear and furniture, we’ve landed on five leading products.
As the #1 best fabric UV protection spray in this year, we stand by Scotchgard Water and Sun Shield with UV Protector. It’s easy to use, effective on fading and thankfully, won’t cost the earth.
Like many of you, my outdoor lounge has certainly seen better days. It looks old and worn, and this could have been prevented. With the sun causing irreversible damage to almost all items exposed to its harmful rays, it’s important to have the right products.
To ensure you make the best choice, we’ve researched everything you need to know. Read on for a detailed buyer’s guide, comparison table and in-depth reviews of the five best UV fabric protectors you should consider.
Best UV Fabric Protector Comparison
 Scotchgard Water and Sun Shield |
 303 UV Protectant Spray |
 TriNova Marine Protectant |
 ForceField UV Fabric Protector |
 Ray Bloc UV Fabric Spray |
|
| Fast Application | Yes | No | No | Yes | Yes |
| Quick Dry | Yes | No | No | Yes | Yes |
| Stain Resistant | Yes | Yes | No | No | No |
| Water Resistant | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No |
| Check Price | Check Price | Check Price | Check Price | Check Price |
Buyer’s Guide
To make sure your outdoor gear and patio furniture get the protection from the sun it needs you should look for a number of must-have features in your UV protector:
Fast Application
With most of us being time-poor in this busy world, you’re probably like me and want something that is easy to get on and doesn’t take hours and hours of application time.
Sprays are always my preference, especially if you are doing large items as sprays cover larger surface areas quickly. Your main consideration is how much to apply, and which materials are compatible with the spray, both of which should be detailed in the instructions.
Quick Dry
If, like me, you always forget to do things until the last minute, this one will be important.
Being able to apply and let the UV protector dry quickly will make your life a lot easier! This way, you can apply the spray and use your furniture shortly after.
Stain Resistant
There is nothing worse than stains on your nice outdoor items. It makes things look dirty and old, so if you can protect your fabric from the sun and stains it’s a bonus!
This will also be an important consideration if you have children as we all know they can make quite the mess. As you might expect, finding a spray that can do it all is one of your top priorities!
Water Resistant
Many UV fabric protectors also repel water which assists with protecting your outdoor items from the sun. Water is an essential part of the bleaching process when the sun’s UV rays hit your furniture, so the more you can repel water the better!
Just a reminder that a water repellent UV protector will not make your items waterproof. To read more about the difference between water-resistant and waterproof see HZO’s article that explains it really well.
Overall, a water repellent spray is a crucial aspect in protection, especially considering that your outdoor furniture is vulnerable to all the elements, rain or shine.
Price
You may have just invested a lot of money on your outdoor furniture or boat, so won’t mind spending a little more on protecting it. After all, if you save money but the spray isn’t effective, then it wasn’t worth any money at all. That is why you need to think of these sprays as an investment.
However, if you don’t fancy spending too much of your hard earned dollars, I have found some reasonably priced options for you as well.
5 Best Fabric UV Protection Spray Reviews
After thorough research that combined discussing issues with customers, reviewing customer feedback, examining manufacturer specifications, and participating in boating forums, SimplySunSafe has chosen the 5 best UV protectors for fabrics and boating.
All of these UV Protectors have a variety of the features we discussed above with options to suit everyone’s budget.
1. Scotchgard Water and Sun Shield with UV Protector
- Safe for use on polyester, nylon, polypropylene, cotton, leather, suede and more
- Creates durable protection from the elements with just one application
- Ideal for use on outerwear, rain gear, umbrellas, patio furniture, outdoor gear, backpacks, luggage, canvas tarps, boat covers and more
- Repels water during use and in storage
- Fabric maintains breathability
Last update on 2023-03-19 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Here it is, the best fabric protector for furniture – the Scotchgard Water and Sun shield!
Protect yourself from both water damage and the harsh sun with the one can. This spray application protector works on a variety of outdoor fabrics including leather and suede. Great for all over protection.
It also has stain resistance so you can clean up spills and it’s like they never happened!
For application, it’s an easy spray-on and leave-to-dry process. Once applied it dries odorless and resists yellowing. One can will cover approximately 60 sq. ft. of light fabric or 20 sq. ft. on your heavier fabrics, so be sure to take this into account when you make your purchase.
This one is on the higher price point per ounce, but Scotchgard’s worldwide reputation always holds up and you can guarantee you are getting a great product.
This spray repels water and provides great protection against UV light. It does it all, and does it effectively, which is why it is our top choice.
- Easy application
- Water-resistant
- Stain Resistant
- Higher cost per ounce
- Only does fabrics so not great for boating
2. 303 UV Protectant Spray
- ULTIMATE PROTECTION – 303 Aerospace Protectant provides superior protection against the sun's damaging UV rays. This protector spray repels dust, lint, and staining while also helping to prevent fading and cracking, to keep surfaces looking newer, longer.
- NON-GREASY – This restoration product dries to a smooth, matte finish with no oily or greasy residue. When treating your outdoor furniture, spa and pool covers, vinyl liners, and pool inflatables, trust 303 Aerospace Protectant to keep your prized possession looking like new.
- VERSATILE – This multi-purpose detailing spray restores and maintains a like-new appearance, texture, and color on a variety of surfaces including vinyl, plastic, synthetic and natural rubber, PVC, metal, gel coat, fiberglass, stainless steel, and more. Apply every 3 – 5 weeks for maximum UV protection.
- DIRECTIONS – Use only on clean, dry surfaces. For best results, use 303 Multi-Surface Cleaner to prep the surface. Place a drop cloth under the item to be treated to catch any overspray. Out of direct sun, spray product on surface and wipe completely dry with a clean, dry microfiber towel. Product can also be sprayed onto microfiber towel or applicator and applied to surface. If streaking occurs, too much product has been used. Use a wet towel to remove excess, and immediately wipe dry.
- SHELF LIFE – All 303 Products are good for use up to 2 years from the bottle fill date which can be found as a Julian Date being a 5-digit number on the back of the bottle and is read as YYDDD. YY indicates the last two digits of the year of production, and DDD represents the number of the day of that year of production. Proudly made in the USA by a family-owned company in Chicago, Illinois.
Last update on 2023-03-19 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
My champion choice for all things boating.
This fabric UV protection spray is a great choice for those wanting to protect surfaces like leather, plastic, metal, vinyl or rubber. So basically, this is a great choice if you have a boat.
To apply, ensure your surface is dry and clean and then spray on. After application, you then will need to wipe dry and watch out for streaking if too much product is used.
Unfortunately, this product will not air dry, so make sure you wipe it dry! You might also want to get your muscles ready, as this product will work better if you buff it as well.
Finer details include:
- Matte finish
- Free of grease and silicon
- Repels saltwater
- Reapplication recommended every 3-5 weeks
If you are after something for a specific surface, this is the best UV protection spray for plastic. It comes in a range of sizes depending on much coverage you need as well, so you don’t need to buy more than you need.
It’s not well-suited to your outdoor gear and clothing as it does not list fabric as a recommended surface. So it may not be the perfect choice for you if you’re not into boating.
- Repels saltwater
- Use on a variety of materials including plastic
- Grease and silicone free
- Budget friendly per ounce
- Reapplication recommended frequently
- Complex application process
- Will not dry by themselves
3.TriNova UV Protectant Spray
- ✅ Advanced UV Protection - TriNova's UV Protectant Spray is a powerful blend that gives your outdoor surfaces a protective layer to counteract the damaging effects of UV rays. This spray will keep the vinyl, plastic, rubber, fiberglass, carbon fiber, or even leather surfaces in your car, boat or patio in pristine and like-new condition.
- ✅ Prevents Fading & Cracking - With extended sun exposure, the stuff you keep outside tends to fade and crack. Treating surfaces like the seats on your patio furniture, the dashboard in your car, anything on your boat, your spa cover, outdoor fabric and even your automotive or sports equipment with TriNova's protective spray will provide the protection they need to remain smooth and crack-free-it'll even prevent stains from forming and repel dust from accumulating.
- ✅ Restores Color & Luster - The sun's rays naturally fade and dull colored surfaces, which can give them an old and worn appearance that's the opposite of what you purchased. Not only will this spray block the rays to keep that from happening any further, but it'll also intensify the color that remains, making your products shine and look as good as the day you bought them.
- ✅ Restores Color & Luster - The sun's rays naturally fade and dull colored surfaces, which can give them an old and worn appearance that's the opposite of what you purchased. Not only will this spray block the rays to keep that from happening any further, but it'll also intensify the color that remains, making your products shine and look as good as the day you bought them.
- ✅ Fast & Easy Application - TriNova's UV Protectant Spray features a simple application method that provides supreme efficacy in a timely manner. All it takes to protect your outdoor gear is a simple spray and you're good to take your boat back on the water, take another dip in your hot tub, or have another cookout without worrying your patio chairs aren't up to par.
Last update on 2023-03-19 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Here we have another great option for all of our boating fanatics out there. This UV protector works will on plastic, rubber, vinyl, fiberglass, leather as well as all marine surfaces. You can just spray your entire boat (and your boat covers)!
To apply, it comes in a handy spray bottle. For boats, you are required to spray on and then buff off with a dry cloth. A bit complicated, but hey, boats are a big investment so it’s worth the extra work!
A great thing about this spray is that it even restores color! It not only protects against fading, but actually will add an extra level of shine and color to restore your furniture to its former glory!
Recommended reapplication time is 3-5 weeks. This one will also work on some outdoor furniture if it’s metal, wicker or plastic.
Available in one size only but is a budget friendly option.
- Repels saltwater
- Able to protect certain outdoor furniture
- Budget friendly per ounce
- Does no leave oily residue
- Frequent reapplication recommended
- Two step application required
- Only available in one size
4. ForceField UV Sunblock Fabric Protector
- PROTECTION - Protects fabrics, fibers and colored surfaces from the fading and damage caused by the Sun's rays
- ABSORB - Absorbs the Sun's energy of UV radiation, and then releases it in a harmless form
- SAFE - Safe to use on all types of materials including synthetics and will not change the texture of the fabric
- NO EFFECT – Colors will remain vibrant while keeping the texture of the fabric. Works well with any mill treatment by adding an extra level of protection.
- FAST DRYING - This fabric protect will dry quickly without leaving stains like other protectors
Last update on 2023-03-19 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The ForceField UV Sunblock Fabric Protector is perfect for all your furniture. From fabrics to fibres and even carpets, this one has got you covered to prevent fading.
It is safe to use on a whole bunch of other materials too and won’t affect the fabric by stiffening or yellowing. Safe to use on everything from leather, wood, rugs, and outdoor furniture.
To apply, its got a spray gun for easy application and is quick dry for those who don’t have the time for a more intense application process. It is recommended that you use the ForceField UV Sunblock Protector with the ForceField Fabric Protector to ensure you get stain protection.
If you are after just UV protection for your furniture, this is the pick for you.
- Easy to apply
- Quick dry
- Requires additional product to be stain resistant
- More expensive than other options per ounce
- Available in one size only
5. Ray Bloc UV Fabric Spray Sun Protector
Last update on 2023-03-19 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
This fabric UV protection spray is a great purchase.
It is available in a small 16 oz size if you have smaller items you need to protect and goes all the way up from 32 oz to 1 gallon to 303 Marine UV Protectant. A small 8oz bottle will still treat 20-40 square feet of fabric!
It has a water-based formula so it’s environmentally friendly and its special formula allows for a stronger bond to your fabric.
It also has no odor, and will not yellow or leave your fabric hard and stiff once dry.
Sounds good right!? The only downsides to this sun protection spray is that it’s specifically for fabrics and doesn’t offer water or stain protection. So it’s not a great multi-purpose spray, but for UV protection it does an awesome job.
- Available in various sizes
- Budget friendly per ounce
- Easy to apply
- UV protection only
- Only suitable for fabrics
Bonus: Other Methods to Protect From Sun Damage
Thank you for reading our buyer’s guide! As a final bonus, we’re going to give you a few alternative methods for preventing sun damage before it begins. These are all proven methods, and you might find that they work alongside these sprays to help extend your furniture’s life and keep it looking new.
Here are a few easy methods to protect against sun damage to your prized items:
Umbrellas
An obvious choice, but investing in some umbrellas alongside your patio furniture can make all the difference in keeping the sun’s harsh rays away. Most people find it easiest to build umbrellas into their patio plans. Not only do they provide a place for you and your guests to stay cool, they protect your furniture when you’re not there.
Umbrellas are relatively inexpensive when compared to the cost of many patio furniture options, so it would be a great idea to include umbrellas when you are creating your outdoor space.
Furniture Covers
Furniture covers are another great idea for keeping outdoor spaces protected. While it can be a pain to take these on and off, they do wonders for prolonging the life of your furniture. Not only do these protect against UV rays, they shelter your furniture from the elements as well.
Furniture covers also provide a layer of waterproofing, whereas most furniture sprays are simply water repellant.
Also, consider a boat cover if you leave your boat outside often!
Move Inside or Into The Shade
Another option is to move your patio furniture inside, or into a shady area when it isn’t in use. I know, this can be a big hassle, and you definitely need the space to store all these items. However, there is no denying that this will keep your furniture safe from the sun.
As an alternative method, maybe consider only bringing your furniture outside if you are hosting a party or you are planning on entertaining.
Special Materials
Many brands of patio furniture are made with special materials to protect against sun damage. You will often find these products specifically advertised as sun-resistant. These furniture options do tend to be a bit more expensive, but it helps to think of this as an investment into prolonging their life.
Overall, there are many options to keep your furniture, boat, and any other outdoor items safe. We recommend trying these strategies in combination with one of the sprays mentioned above. A spray is simply the easiest method to use, but one of these other options can provide that extra layer of protection when you need it most.
Wrap Up on UV fabric protector
I wrote this for all the boating enthusiasts, weekend BBQ-ers, outdoor readers, and for those who love a lazy Sunday in the hammock. You invest money in your items and you want to keep them in the best condition possible.
SimplySunSafe recommends the Scotchgard Water and Sun Shield with UV Protector as the best UV fabric protector for protecting your outdoor furniture from the irreparable effects of the sun. After thoroughly researching the best UV protector, this was my favorite. Its features are outstanding and the price point meant that is really is the best pick.
If you are after a UV protector for your boat, then definitely check out the 303 Marine UV Protectant which is great for protecting plastic, vinyl and rubber. This one does required a little more effort when applying but it is well worth investing your time to keep everything looking nice and new.
Often we are out on the water with kids so if you need a refresher on how to keep them sun safe while out on your boat see the Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh website for some sun safety tips.
I love hearing from my readers, so if this article encouraged you to make a purchase, or if you found a better option for you that didn’t make this list please let me know about it in the comments. I love updating my guides and undertaking research to ensure I have provided my amazing readers with the best information possible.
FAQs on fabric UV protection spray
Q: What fabric is best for sun protection?
A: Polyester, Nylon, wool, and silk are fabrics that do a good job in blocking UV rays.
Q: How are UV protectant sprays used?
A : UV sprays protect the fabric from UV rays. It adds a protective layer so that you won’t ruin your fabric from the sun’s harmful effects.
Now how to apply UV protectant sprays? Put your fabric on a dry surface, lay it flat, and then spray the UV protectant. Get a microfiber cloth then wipe away the excess. It’s as easy as that.
Apply to any surface that can be safely dampened with water. Spray onto a clean, dry surface. Wipe away any excess with a clean microfiber cloth.
Q: Do you keep fabric from fading in the sun?
A: UV rays from the sun cause our outdoor furniture and fabric to fade. The best way to keep the fabric from fading is to spray UV protectant products which adds a layer of protection by blocking UV rays and making the fabric water repellent.
Our top pick for water and UV protection is the Scotchgard Water and Sun Shield with UV Protector. It gets the job done, and it does it effectively, so it is the best option out there.
Q: What color fabric fades the least in sunlight?
A: Red fabrics fade the fastest among all followed by green. The best color for least fading is blue.
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