Are there kids or animals in your home? Worried about investing in a high-quality textile to add to your decor that will just get ruined minutes after displaying it?
Transforming bare walls with tapestries is a great idea, but it is essential to be sure that you can keep them clean and easily wash them.
Waterproofing your tapestry wall hanging is a great idea to keep it safe and to maintain it better.
Different Methods
In this article, we will go through two ways of waterproofing a textile to make it kid- and animal-friendly.
So, just how do you waterproof your tapestry? Anyone who has ever seen waterproofed fabric or materials will agree that instead of the water soaking into the item, it forms beads or little bubbles of water that rests on the fabric.
How delicate is the fabric?
Is it made out of cotton? Then invest in waterproofing liquid that can be found in most DIY stores.
What is Liquid Waterproofing?
According to corrosionpedia.com,
"Liquid waterproofing is the process of making a surface or object water-resistant in given conditions by applying a liquid coating to it. The liquid coatings, whether single-or multiple-component, are easy to apply and provide long-lasting protection to metals, wood, concrete, and other surfaces."
Why Liquid Waterproofing?
Liquid waterproofing has become a popular trend and a widely-used protection method against corrosion of metals, rotting of wood, fading of paints, and other forms of deterioration caused by water.
It is easy to apply using a brush, roller, or sprayer; it provides a smooth and seamless coating to your object, and unlike most repairs that require preparation before applying other substances, the waterproof liquid only requires a quick clean to your object beforehand.
Liquid waterproofing is essential not only to preserve the value of your property but also to protect people from mold and mildew growth.
We all know excess water can be frustrating, and the damage it can cause. Dampness from water generates the growth of mildew and harmful bacteria.
Waterproofing Spray
Waterproof spray for fabric is excellent for nylon, canvas, and leather, and is relatively inexpensive, starting at about 10 USD.
First, as before, clean the material if it is dirty. If it cannot be washed, used a brush, and scrub lightly. Make sure that your fabric is dry before beginning the waterproofing process.
The spray is intended to repel water and will not work if the fabric is not 100 percent dry.
Tips for Using It
In a well-ventilated area - for example, outside - hold the spray can 7-8 inches away from the fabric and get to cover it.
Be sure to put on goggles or gloves in case you have sensitive skin or allergies. Wait for the spray to dry and apply another coat.
To apply a waterproofing spray, first, prepare your work surface by spreading a drop cloth or old sheet out in a well-ventilated area. Then place the piece on top of the work surface. Shake up your container of waterproofing liquid to make sure it is thoroughly combined.
You may want to test the spray on a small part of the piece first to be sure that it does not mar the surface of the piece in any way. Rub gently on the area where the spray was applied to see if the color comes up.
If the test spray isn't having any adverse effects on the fashion piece, it's time to apply the spray. Evenly spray a light coat of the substance on it, moving your arm back and forth as if spray painting something. Keep the bottle moving so that you don't soak the fabric all the way through.
If using a spray bottle that doesn't give out a continuous spray, squeeze it repeatedly to keep the spray coming. Make sure to get the spray on all spots. Then let it dry. If your waterproofing product information recommends applying a second coat, go ahead.
After you've finished waterproofing the front of the tapestry, you may want to flip it over and repeat the process on the backside.
Wax
For heavier fabrics such as denim, canvas, and thick cotton, then wax maybe your waterproof tool of choice.
How about wax?
Cotton waterproofing can be accomplished with this natural substance, though be warned; it can change the look of the pattern a bit by making it appear darker.
Please be sure to take this into account before you start. Make sure not to use beeswax because of the harvesting of the substance may harm bee populations.
Tips for Using It
To create a waterproof wall tapestry, first, clean the item to be treated.
Once this is done, heat the wax and the fabric just a little bit - this will make it easier to apply the wax to the fabric.
An excellent method for doing this is to heat them with a hairdryer or leave them out in the sun for a few minutes. The fabric should not be too hot or the wax too melted.
Start to apply and rub the wax evenly in all directions of the fabric, making sure to get it everywhere. If you have seams or tight places to reach, use the corner of the wax piece.
With your hands, spread the wax so that it goes all over the fabric evenly. Heat your textile again with the hairdryer for about five minutes allowing the wax to melt into it.
Your fabric will become a little darker as we warned above, though you might find that this makes your art look like a new piece. Once you are done applying the wax, inspect the piece to be sure that the layer is even and that there are no lumps of wax on your fabric.
If you find any, use your fingers to rub it down and smooth it out. Once finished, leave the fashion piece in a cool, dry place for 24 hours so that the wax can cure.
You will notice that the fabric will become a bit stiffer than before. This is normal, and it will soften after time.
Using Linseed Oil
Linseed oil is another of the many products you can use to waterproof your fabric.
You can use this method on any size textile, but just as in every other process, make sure that you clean every inch of your fabric before you begin.
Choose a well-ventilated area because linseed oil can be pretty pungent, and you will not want the smell lingering in the room (or maybe you do, that's a personal choice).
Don't have massive fans blowing in your home while you do this - choose a day or an open space where there is not so much wind. Wind will carry dust particles that will stick to your fabric.
Tips for Using It
Stretch the fabric, attach it to a frame, and secure it with clips. If your frame is not big enough, you will have to do the process in steps. Apply a large amount of oil all over the fabric.
Don't worry too much if you apply more than necessary, as the excess oil will be wiped away at the end. You can apply the oil with a paintbrush (not from camel hair) or a large cloth.
Wait 30 seconds, then clean the excess. Let it dry, and after 24 hours, repeat the process.
Jojoba Oil
Looking for still more the best products to waterproof your latest home decoration?
Jojoba oil works in the same way as linseed oil - follow the steps from the previous section in the same order. Also, be sure to follow any relevant directions on the products' labels.
These waterproofing directions can also be used on clothing and related items.
Questions?
Armed with our foolproof tips for protecting textile decorations, it's probably high time to find a new tapestry to hang in your house.
How?
Search our online shop page with multi great sale pieces for your mobile home or apartment — prices in USD with free shipping on qualifying orders. There are lots of great articles on tapestries in the LeafySouls.com archives.
Check out our blog for more how-to articles like this one, opinions about vegan living, and boho style. And check out our shop for vegan bags, backpacks, and other accessories (all of which can be waterproofed using the tips in this guide).
