If your fabric convertible roof has faded or lost its original colour, you don't need a new roof. You can restore it.
Renovo has specialised in soft top restoration for more than 25 years, developing Fabric Soft Top Reviver specifically for the tightly woven, multi-layer materials used in fabric convertible roofs. It's used by everyone from professionals restoring cars for a living to owners restoring their own cars at home.
And it's one of the most satisfying transformations you can make to a convertible — bringing a tired, faded soft top back to a deep, even colour can transform the appearance of the whole car.
Here's how to do it properly.
This guide is for fabric convertible roofs, including canvas, double duck and mohair. Renovo Fabric Soft Top Reviver is not suitable for vinyl roofs or cars with modified paintwork.
What you'll need
- Renovo Fabric Soft Top Reviver in the appropriate colour
- A clean 5cm / 2" paintbrush
- A clean container
- A soft, damp cloth
- Protective gloves
Our Reviver is available in Black, Dark Blue, Dark Green, Dark Red and Dark Brown.
Coverage varies depending on the age and condition of the roof. For an average-sized roof, one litre is usually sufficient for two coats, depending on condition. Make sure you have enough Reviver to complete a full coat before you start.
For a significantly sun-faded roof, we recommend at least two coats for the best results.
1. Prepare the roof
Before applying Reviver, the fabric needs to be thoroughly clean, completely dry and free from previous waterproofing treatments.
Dirt, grease and residual waterproofing can prevent the Reviver from penetrating evenly into the woven fabric, resulting in poor colour absorption and a patchy or uneven finish.
Thoroughly clean the roof with Renovo Fabric Soft Top Cleaner, taking particular care to remove any previous waterproofing treatment, then allow it to dry completely. Read:
How to Clean a Fabric Convertible Roof →
Once clean and dry, test the Reviver on an inconspicuous area first and allow the test area to dry so you can check the finished colour before continuing.
2. Choose the right conditions
Apply Reviver to a cool, completely dry roof, out of direct sunlight.
Don't apply it in direct sunlight, on a hot day or while the soft top itself is warm. Heat speeds up drying, giving you less time to work the Reviver evenly into the fabric and increasing the risk of visible application lines or an uneven finish.
You'll also need a dry spell. Reviver typically takes around three hours to dry, depending on ambient conditions, and shouldn't be exposed to rain until completely dry.
3. Shake, pour and stir
Shake the bottle thoroughly, pour the Reviver into a clean container and stir well.
⚠️ Don't dilute Reviver or mix it with any other product. It's designed to be applied as supplied.
Keep your soft, damp cloth close at hand before you begin — you'll need it to quickly wipe away any splashes or dribbles from the surrounding paintwork, trim and glass.
4. Start in the centre and work outwards
Using your 5cm / 2" paintbrush, begin in the centre of the soft top and apply the Reviver using smooth, even strokes. Make sure the fabric is thoroughly wet with product and work progressively towards the sides, front and back.
The important thing here is to maintain a wet edge. Each new section should meet the previous section while it's still wet, allowing the colour to blend evenly across the roof.
Work steadily and don't apply Reviver to one half of the roof, allow it to begin drying, and then start the other. This can leave a visible join line between the two areas.
A note on the gloves: This is Darren. Darren didn't wear gloves. Darren had blue hands for quite some time afterwards. Don't be like Darren — wear the gloves.
5. Wipe away any splashes
Keep an eye on the surrounding paintwork, trim and glass as you work.
If you spot any Reviver where it shouldn't be, wipe it away immediately with your damp cloth. Don't allow splashes or dribbles to dry on these surfaces.
6. Leave it to dry completely
Once you've completed the coat, leave the roof undisturbed until the Reviver is completely dry.
Drying typically takes around three hours, depending on ambient conditions. Don't expose the roof to rain, apply another product or begin a second coat until it has dried thoroughly. Once dry, you'll also be able to properly assess the colour and see whether another coat is needed.
Clean your paintbrush afterwards in warm, soapy water.
Does a faded soft top need a second coat?
For a sun-faded soft top, we recommend at least two coats for the best result.
Allow the first coat to dry completely, then repeat the same process. Don't be tempted to simply load more Reviver onto the most faded areas — an even coat across the entire roof will give you a much more consistent finish.
And before you start coat number two, check the bottle. You need enough Reviver to complete the whole coat rather than running out halfway across the roof.
Your roof is restored. What next?
Once the final coat is completely dry, it's time to protect your work.
Apply Renovo Fabric Soft Top Protector to re-establish the roof's waterproof weather barrier and help protect the newly restored colour from the elements.
How to Waterproof a Fabric Convertible Roof →
Fabric Soft Top Reviver can also be used to revive the fabric on the interior of the soft top. For ongoing colour care, we recommend using Reviver every 6–12 months, where required.
Ready to bring your soft top back to life?
Renovo Fabric Soft Top Reviver is available in Black, Dark Blue, Dark Green, Dark Red and Dark Brown.
Shop Fabric Soft Top Reviver →
Not sure which product you need, or have a particularly challenging roof? Talk to us. Our UK customer service team is available Monday–Friday, 9am–5pm and knows soft tops inside out.
