The use of liquid silicone is completely normal for certain sectors, both in the professional field and in manufacturing. However, the same does not happen in the domestic sphere, contrary to what happens with solid silicone, whose use is completely extended and it is an affordable product within the reach of any individual.
A few months ago, we published an article in which we showed how to make the correct application of traditional (solid) silicone in kitchens and bathrooms.
Therefore, liquid silicone, being the great unknown, has a wide range of applications.
In this article we are going to demonstrate one of the possible applications that we have referred to. We will carry it out on an awning.
Image of an unwaterproofed awning on the left, and an awning with waterproof film on the right.
Awnings provide us protection against inclement weather, not only in summer, but also in winter, reserving us from the air and rain.
However, precisely due to the extreme situations caused by the weather, with the passage of time, the awnings lose the waterproof film that they originally brought.
If you have had an awning for a long time, you will know what I am talking about.
As the tendency of the human being is changing, in this sense, and more and more we like to enjoy the outdoors, that is why we are going to show you how to waterproof an awning, what product you should use, and how to apply it, to return it to its original condition. initial state.
.
Demonstration video
In other tutorials, the videos, although viewing them are advisable due to how descriptive and clarifying they are, in this case it is essential. The reason for this is that, in addition to graphically showing how to carry out the application, both the initial state and the result obtained are shown.
.
Check prior to the application of liquid silicone
Before starting, we wanted to show the state of the awning. Since the rain did not come, we decided to create it artificially. And not just a rain, we reproduce a good downpour.
Above you have the tutorial video, in which you can see how, before applying the treatment, our awning looked like a real colander. However, this has a solution, and much easier than you might think.
Test prior to the application of liquid silicone.
.
Application of liquid silicone
Surface Preparation
After a few days, and once dry, we proceeded to give it a sweeping brush to remove the dust and most of the dirt that it could have on the upper part.
I have to say that if the awning could be taken down and unfolded on the ground, both the cleaning and the subsequent work would be much more comfortable to carry out.
The product
The waterproofing will be carried out by applying liquid silicone. Specifically, we have used the spray silicone from the GREENOX line by Novasol Spray. This product is not only suitable for waterproofing various types of materials such as awnings, tents, footwear, clothing such as motorcycle jackets, and any other fabric that you need to be waterproof; It is also indicated as a release agent for all types of plastics, rubbers, plasters and casts; as a polish for plastics, vinyl, metal, wood, leather, etc; and as a protector in welding works.
If you click on the name of the product, you can take a look at its technical sheet.
Liquid silicone spray from the Novasol Spray Greenox range.
How to apply the product
The application of this product must be done with a spray gun. Since not everyone has a compressor and a painter’s spray gun at home, and our friends at Novasol Spray are always looking for ways to make our lives easier, they have precisely liquid silicone spray in their portfolio.
The way to apply the liquid silicone spray is so easy that it could be carried out perfectly by the biggest “big hands” in the world. It is literally child’s play. You just have to press the diffuser about 30 centimeters from the surface to be protected.
The only complexity of waterproofing an awning is that the work is usually done at height and great care must be taken, so the use of a safety harness is not only advisable, but also mandatory.
If you have an applicator like the one we used in the video, you will transform the uncomfortable spray bottle into a paint gun. It is very comfortable.
As we told you before, we have applied the liquid silicone at a distance of approximately 30 cm, making a horizontal and slow movement.
On-site application of liquid silicone to waterproof an awning.
We have given a hand to the entire upper surface of the awning. and, subsequently, we have given a second coat only in the central part of each of the panels, which is where the water will flow until it reaches the evacuation area.
product performance
So that you can get an idea of the necessary material that would be needed to carry out any application, we have used three complete boats, to waterproof an awning of about fifteen square meters.
It is important that the application of the liquid silicone is done with the awning dry and that it does not get wet in the following 24/48 hours, so that the waterproof film sets correctly.
.
Verification of the obtained result
Once the liquid silicone dries, we have proceeded to check its effectiveness.
In the same way, in the initial test we did to check the condition of the awning, when we went to check the waterproofing done, it didn’t rain either. So we recreated a good downpour again, really putting our “new” awning to the test.
Once the test was carried out, we were able to verify that the awning does not penetrate at all, with the water flowing along its entire length, flowing into the evacuation area. In the video you can check the result.
Final result of the protection of an awning.
The waterproofing of fabrics, in this case awnings, is not definitive, but its effectiveness is guaranteed for at least a couple of years.
Now, with our awning in good condition, enjoying the terrace in the rain is a real joy.
.
