If your fabric convertible roof beads water like a fresh raincoat, it's doing its job. If rain darkens the fabric and soaks in like yesterday's sponge, it's time to reproof it.
A good fabric roof protector does more than repel rain. Renovo Fabric Soft Top Protector re-establishes the roof's waterproof weather barrier, resists mould and mildew and contains a UV inhibitor — helping protect the fabric and restored colour from the elements.
Here's how to waterproof your fabric convertible roof properly.
This guide is for fabric convertible roofs, including canvas, double duck and mohair. If you have a vinyl roof, use Renovo Vinyl Soft Top Protector instead. Different materials, different science.
What you'll need
- Renovo Fabric Soft Top Protector
- A clean 5cm / 2" paintbrush
- A clean container
- A soft, damp cloth
500ml is recommended for smaller soft tops, such as two-seater convertibles. Choose 1 litre for larger roofs, four-seater convertibles, or if you plan to apply more than one coat.
Coverage varies depending on the age and condition of the fabric, so always make sure you have enough Protector to complete a full coat before you start.
Before you start
Clean the roof thoroughly with Renovo Fabric Soft Top Cleaner and allow it to dry completely. This removes dirt, grime and previous waterproofing treatments that can prevent the Protector from penetrating the woven fabric evenly and result in inconsistent protection.
⚠️ Never pressure wash a fabric convertible roof. High-pressure water can damage the fabric and stitching.
How to Clean a Fabric Convertible Roof →
Is the colour looking tired too?
If your roof is faded or patchy, recolour it now with Renovo Fabric Soft Top Reviver. Reviver must be applied before Protector, as a waterproofed surface can prevent the colour from penetrating evenly. Allow the Reviver to dry completely before moving on. The order matters: Clean → Restore → Protect
How to Dye & Restore a Faded Fabric Convertible Roof →
How to waterproof your fabric convertible roof
Once the roof is clean, restored if necessary, and completely dry, you’re ready to protect it.
Work on a cool roof, out of direct sunlight. Don’t apply Protector to a warm or hot soft top, or on a particularly hot day — heat causes the product to dry too quickly, making it harder to achieve an even application.
⚠️ Before treating the whole roof, test the Protector on an inconspicuous area first to ensure the fabric is colourfast.
1. Pour and stir — don't shake
Pour the Protector into a clean container and stir thoroughly before use.
Unlike Fabric Soft Top Reviver, don’t shake the Protector. Don’t dilute it or mix it with any other product either — apply it as supplied.
Keep your soft, damp cloth close at hand before you start. You’ll need it to quickly wipe away any splashes or dribbles from surrounding paintwork, trim and glass.
2. Apply from the centre outwards
Using a clean 5cm / 2" paintbrush, apply the Protector to the centre of the soft top and work progressively towards the sides, front and back, making sure the fabric is thoroughly and evenly wet.
Work at a steady pace and maintain a wet edge as you go. You don't want one section drying before the adjoining section has been treated, as this makes it harder to achieve an even application across the roof.
3. Wipe away splashes immediately
Keep an eye on the surrounding paintwork, trim and glass while you work.
If Protector drips or splashes onto these surfaces, wipe it away immediately with your damp cloth. Don't allow it to dry there.
4. Let it dry completely
Once the whole roof has been treated, leave the Protector to dry completely.
This typically takes around three hours, depending on ambient conditions. Don't apply another coat or take the car out in wet weather until the roof is thoroughly dry.
If applying an additional coat, allow the previous coat to dry completely first — and make sure you have enough Protector to complete the entire next coat before starting.
How do you know it’s worked?
Watch what happens when it rains.
A properly protected fabric roof should cause water to bead on the surface and run away, rather than immediately darkening and soaking into the outer fabric.
But water beading is only the visible part of the protection. Fabric Soft Top Protector also provides mould and mildew resistance and contains a UV inhibitor, helping protect the fabric and restored colour from the elements.
As the protective treatment gradually wears away, you’ll notice that beading becoming less effective. Renovo recommends applying Fabric Soft Top Protector every 3–6 months for optimum protection. How quickly protection wears will naturally depend on how the car is used and stored. A convertible living outside in British weather will have a rather different life from a weekend car tucked away in a garage.
Keep your soft top protected
When rain stops beading and starts soaking into the fabric, it’s time to reproof. Regular cleaning and protection will help keep your soft top looking its best and protected from water, mould, mildew and UV exposure.
Shop Renovo Fabric Soft Top Protector →
Not sure what your roof needs? Talk to us. Our UK customer service team is available Monday–Friday, 9am–5pm and knows soft tops inside out.
