Frequently Asked Questions
General Questions
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How long is a can of Scotchgard™ Protector good for?
When stored properly, at temperatures below 48°C and safe from punctures, a can of Scotchgard™ Protector can last up to three years.
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Where can I buy Scotchgard™ Products?
Visit the specific page for your Scotchgard™ Product on this site to find a list of stores.
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How do I dispose of leftover Scotchgard™ Products?
To dispose of Scotchgard™ aerosol products (anything that comes in a spray can, like Fabric, Carpet, Auto, or Suede and Nubuck Protectors), check to see what your city or county recommends for disposal of waste chemicals and aerosol cans. If your city requires you to empty the cans first for regular disposal (recycling or trash pickup), you’ll have to find a hazardous waste disposal site in your community instead. Most cities or counties have a hazardous waste dumpsite where you’ll be able to dispose of partially full cans.
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Are Scotchgard™ Products safe around pets?
Once the Scotchgard™ Product you’ve applied is dry, your item or fabric is safe for children and pets. Scotchgard™ Products comply with all applicable laws and regulations and are safe for their intended uses.
Product Questions
Protectors
Scotchgard™ Fabric & Upholstery Protector
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What kinds of things can I use Scotchgard™ Fabric & Upholstery Protector on?
Use Scotchgard™ Fabric & Upholstery Protector on upholstery, throw pillows, table linens, fabric purses, clothing, canvas shoes, backpacks, luggage and other fabric items.
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How long does Scotchgard™ Fabric & Upholstery Protector take to dry?
At about average room temperature (21°C, 50% Humidity), your fabric or upholstery should dry overnight, but make sure to check before you start using treated surfaces again. When it’s colder or more humid, it might take longer for your surfaces to dry. Ventilating the area by opening windows or using a fan will help Scotchgard™ Fabric & Upholstery Protector dry faster. If you’re just drying between coats, 2 – 4 hours is usually sufficient.
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What fabrics can Scotchgard™ Fabric & Upholstery Protector be used on?
In general, Scotchgard™ Fabric & Upholstery Protector can be used on cotton, polyester, silk, wool, acrylic, nylon, and most other washable fabrics. Do not use on “X” coded fabric (fabric that cannot be cleaned with water or solvents). You can find this code on the tag sewn into your fabric item. It is always best to test on a small, out-of-the-way spot first to make sure your fabric will stay colourfast.
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Can Scotchgard™ Fabric & Upholstery Protector be used on smooth leather?
Do not use Scotchgard™ Fabric & Upholstery Protector on leather as it could damage leather surfaces.
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Can Scotchgard™ Fabric & Upholstery Protector be used on suede?
Do not use Scotchgard™ Fabric & Upholstery Protector on suede.
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Can I use Scotchgard™ Fabric & Upholstery Protector on microfiber?
If your fabric is microfiber, we’d recommend testing an out-of-the-way spot before applying Scotchgard™ Fabric & Upholstery Protector on a broad area. Allow it to dry and then look for any change in the feel or appearance of the fabric.
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Can I use Scotchgard™ Fabric & Upholstery Protector to protect an autograph on fabric?
Scotchgard™ Fabric & Upholstery Protector shouldn’t be applied over any ink – like an autograph or sketch in marker or pen – because the ink may not remain colourfast and could bleed.
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How often should Scotchgard™ Fabric & Upholstery Protector be reapplied?
For upholstery or similar fabrics, reapply Scotchgard™ Fabric & Upholstery Protector every six months or after every professional or water extraction cleaning.
For fabrics that you launder, reapply Scotchgard™ Fabric & Upholstery Protector every time you wash or dry clean your item.
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How much can I protect with one can of Scotchgard™ Protector?
One can protects one average-sized sofa, two chairs, or five jackets. Coverage varies with size, fabric type, and the amount of product you apply.
Scotchgard™ Heavy Duty Water Shield
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What kinds of things can I use Scotchgard™ Heavy Duty Water Shield on?
Use Scotchgard™ Heavy Duty Water Shield on fabric patio furniture, sporting gear, boat covers, backpacks, tents, outerwear, and leather.
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How long does Scotchgard™ Heavy Duty Water Shield take to dry?
At about average room temperature (21°C, 50% Humidity), your fabric should dry overnight, but make sure to check before you start using treated surfaces again. When it’s colder or more humid, it might take longer for your surfaces to dry. Ventilating the area by opening windows, using a fan, or applying the product outdoors will help Scotchgard™ Heavy Duty Water Shield dry faster. If you’re just drying between coats, 2 – 4 hours is usually sufficient.
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What fabrics can Scotchgard™ Heavy Duty Water Shield be used on?
In general, Scotchgard™ Heavy Duty Water Shield can be used on cotton, cotton blends, leather, suede, nylon, canvas, and polyester.
If in doubt, test a small, out-of-the-way spot first to make sure your fabric will stay colourfast.
If you use Scotchgard™ Heavy Duty Water Shield to treat outdoor gear with white rubber soles, the soles may turn yellow – if that happens, clean the affected area as soon as possible with rubbing alcohol.
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How often should Scotchgard™ Heavy Duty Water Shield be reapplied?
Reapply Scotchgard™ Heavy Duty Water Shield seasonally or as needed to maintain repellency.
Scotchgard™ Water & Sun Shield
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What kinds of things can I use Scotchgard™ Water & Sun Shield on?
Use Scotchgard™ Water & Sun Shield on fabric patio furniture, sporting gear, boat covers, umbrellas, awnings, tarps, flags, tents, and other outdoor fabrics.
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How long does Scotchgard™ Water & Sun Shield take to dry?
At about average room temperature (21°C, 50% Humidity), your fabric should dry overnight, but make sure to check before you start using treated surfaces again. When it’s colder or more humid, it might take longer for your surfaces to dry. Ventilating the area by opening windows, using a fan, or applying the product outdoors will help Scotchgard™ Water & Sun Shield dry faster. If you’re just drying between coats, 2 – 4 hours is usually sufficient.
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What fabrics can Scotchgard™ Water & Sun Shield be used on?
In general, Scotchgard™ Sun & Water Shield can be used on patio furniture fabrics, nylon, canvas, polyester, and leather.
If in doubt, test a small, out-of-the-way spot first to make sure your fabric will stay colourfast.
If you use Scotchgard™ Water & Sun Shield to treat outdoor gear with white rubber soles, the soles may turn yellow – if that happens, clean the affected area as soon as possible with rubbing alcohol.
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How often should Scotchgard™ Water & and Sun Shield be reapplied?
Reapply Scotchgard™ Water & Sun Shield every time you clean your gear or fabric, or once a season either before storage or when you first get your items out of storage.
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Can I use Scotchgard™ Water & Sun Shield on my indoor fabrics?
Scotchgard™ Water & Sun Shield in not recommended for indoor use because most fading that happens indoors occurs as a result of heat and indoor light, rather than water and sun.
