How To Waterproof Suede

You can waterproof all your favorite suede goods by using special waterproofing products to protect them from moisture. While avoiding contact with moisture completely is the best way to keep your suede goods safe, it isn't always possible. Fortunately, suede can be fully protected with the help of these special moisture-repellent products.

In this article, we're going to explain how to waterproof your favorite suede goods as well as discuss some popular and effective waterproofing products you can find on Amazon.

Why Does Suede Require Waterproofing?

Suede goods, particularly those most likely to come into contact with moisture, must be waterproofed to maintain the integrity of the products. As luxurious and attractive as suede looks, it's a very delicate material. Without proper protection, suede is easily damaged once it comes into contact with moisture.

Suede is a leather product. To get suede, leather makers split the animal skin into halves, resulting in two sheets of thinner, more supple leather. While this process results in a fabulously soft material for clothes, shoes, and other goods, it makes the leather far less durable.

While that new suede handbag or pair or suede shoes might survive a couple brief "caught in the rain" moments, products like these can't handle repeated exposure to moisture. Eventually, too much contact with moisture (even if it's only for a minute or two at a time) will begin to show permanent damage on your suede goods.

How to Waterproof Suede

What Are The Best Ways to Waterproof Suede?

Avoid contact with moisture completely.

One of the most effective ways to waterproof your suede products doesn't truly involve waterproofing, but it is the only surefire way to avoid moisture damage–simply avoid any potential contact with moisture. This plan sounds good, but how often have you ever accidentally stepped into a puddle or got caught in a rainstorm? Avoiding all contact with moisture isn't as easy as it sounds.

Invest in a good waterproofing product made specifically for suede goods.

Luckily, special types of sprays, gels, creams, and brush products specifically made for waterproofing suede exist. A variety of these waterproofing products can be found on popular shopping sites such as Amazon. Using these products requires a few steps to make sure you're properly waterproofing your suede goods.

How to Waterproof Suede Products

After you find a waterproofing product to use on your suede goods, follow these easy steps to ensure your favorite pieces are protected.

  • Gather your suede goods, waterproofing product, a suede brush, and a scuff block.
  • Begin the process by using the scuff block to gently scuff away any visible marks on your suede goods. Afterward, use the suede brush to gently brush any areas that have been rubbed smooth in the suede's surface to recover the "nap," or softness, of the suede's appearance.
  • Once you are satisfied with your suede product's cleanliness, sit the product in an open and well ventilated area where you can use your waterproofing spray.
  • Spray your suede goods quickly and lightly. Avoid oversaturating the suede on the first pass–since you will repeat this spraying process multiple times, you can catch any missed areas on your next spraying. Give this first spray at least a minute to dry.
  • Once the first spraying dries, take a second pass over your suede goods, remembering to keep your sprays quick and light. Again, wait at least one minute for the second pass of spray to dry.
  • Repeat this spraying and drying pattern as many times as recommended on your specific waterproofing product's packaging. On the final spray, allow your suede goods at least 20 minutes to dry.

This regimen should leave your suede goods well-protected for at least a few months, but the process will eventually need to be repeated again to reinforce the protective layer of product on the suede. If you live in a particularly wet climate, you may need to repeat this process more frequently than every few months.

Best Waterproofing Products for Suede

Apple Brand Gardé Rain; Stain Repellent

The Apple Brand Gardé Rain ; Stain Repellant currently boasts nearly 3,700 five star reviews on Amazon. Top reviews of the Rain ; Stain Repellant reports that the repellant spray doesn't cause discoloration or fading on suede products. Another positive aspect of this particular repellant mentions that it doesn't leave any visible stickiness or film on a suede surface.

Scotchguard Fabric Water Shield

Scotchguard is a tried and true brand in the world of fabric protection, and for good reason–over 16,000 Amazon customers gave this product a five star rating! Besides being highly effective on a variety of surfaces such as suede, canvas, and linen, Scotchguard Fabric Water Shield is also effective on a lot of different products. Customers left positive reviews after using this waterproofing spray on shoes, handbags, couches, and carpeting.

Kiwi Select All Protector

This waterproofing spray boasts protection from moisture as well as other stains. 4,000 five star reviews describe Kiwi Select All Protector as the ultimate stain guard. Among the top reviews, customers described the waterproofing spray's ability to repel everything from rain, pet urine, food droppings, mud, and more.

Gear Aid Revivex Suede; Fabric Water Repellent Kit

This particular version of Gear Aid Revivex not only comes with the suede and fabric water repellent spray, but also an entire cleaning and prep kit for your suede goods! Also sold on Amazon, this package includes the highly-reviewed Revivex Suede ; Fabric Water Repellent Spray, boot and shoe cleaner, a suede brush, and a scuff block all for $21.50. Score!

Protecting Delicate Suede Goods Is a Worthwhile Labor of Love

Yes, having to perform regular maintenance on your suede goods means going the extra mile, but in the end, you're protecting your investment. By cleaning your suede goods, protecting them with waterproofing products, and being mindful about where and when you use your suede goods, you're ensuring that they'll be well-loved for many years.