Fabric protection for red soft-top

[Galsia]

I've just had a red mohair hood fitted.

What is the best product to protect it? I was thinking of Fabsil or Fabsil Gold. The first one has UV protection and the latter has more silicone for durability. I'm note sure which one would be better.

Is there anything special about having a coloured hood? Is it more likely to fade in sunlight for example? Would any products ruin it?

[swisstoni]

The colour red is pretty vulnerable to UV so I would say that you’d probably be looking to keep it undercover if poss.

Renovo make good products for fabric roofs and I’ve used them in the past.

[spoodler]

I emailed both Fabsil and Renovo when I was trying to restore a soft top on a fairly rare old car. Unfortunately, neither could help, but both places sent highly informative replies about exactly what their products could/could not do. Give 'em a shout.
Pretty little car, by the way.

[swisstoni]

I’m a bit of a closet detailer, although I combat it by being too lazy to actually do any detailing.

There’s a product called 303 Aerospace (aka 303 Automotive) which is a good UV protectant.

I’d consider spraying that on along with the cleaning products.

[Chubbyross]

I’ve always used Fabsil Gold on my soft tops. Brush it on, two coats. Brilliant stuff.

[Galsia]

swisstoni said:

I’m a bit of a closet detailer, although I combat it by being too lazy to actually do any detailing.

There’s a product called 303 Aerospace (aka 303 Automotive) which is a good UV protectant.

I’d consider spraying that on along with the cleaning products.

It looks like that product is just for plastics. Might be good for the interior though 👍

[swisstoni]

Galsia said:

swisstoni said:

I’m a bit of a closet detailer, although I combat it by being too lazy to actually do any detailing.

There’s a product called 303 Aerospace (aka 303 Automotive) which is a good UV protectant.

I’d consider spraying that on along with the cleaning products.

It looks like that product is just for plastics. Might be good for the interior though ??

Yep, sorry, meant 303 Fabric Guard.

Edited by swisstoni on Thursday 8th December 20:45

[QJumper]

303 is great on the interior, especially leather seats, as they're usually coated with a kind of plastic clear coat.

I'd probably use Fabsil, I know people use it on boat canopies, which I assume are similar material.

[Summit_Detailing]

Gtechniq i1 smart fabric or Gyeon q2 fabric coat - you should see around 12mths protection out of both before deep cleaning and reapplying.

Apply with a paint brush, starting in the middle and work back towards you.

Cheers,

Chris

[Red9zero]

I have used Renovo and Fabsil on my soft tops and both seem pretty good. Fabsil in particular sealed my old Landie canvas very well. Agree that keeping it covered is the best way to prevent UV damage, or more importantly, bird poop, which is a nightmare.

[Belle427]

Gtechniq smart fabric is easy to spray on but is messy.
I keep some old towels and a dust sheet to cover bodywork when using.

[TBCReece]

I've just applied Fabsil to my wife's MX-5 following a leaking hood in the November downpours and it worked a treat.

You have to clean the hood first and then apply one coat (took 30 mins) and once it had dried, she reported water beading and no leaks.