How to Waterproof a Tent With Nikwax SolarProof: Step-by-Step

By CORE Equipment – Core Equipment | Published: 2026-10-17

Category: How-to Guides

Restore your tent's rain protection and add UV defense with Nikwax Tent & Gear SolarProof. Follow these practical steps for a clean, even, long-lasting reproofing job.

Quick answer

Waterproofing a tent with Nikwax Tent & Gear SolarProof is a spray-on job best done on a clean, dry tent in warm, shaded conditions. Set up the tent or rainfly taut, mist the fabric evenly from about 6–8 inches away, and let it dry fully before packing. This restores water repellency and adds UV protection to tent fabrics, which helps reduce water absorption and sun damage.

When your tent actually needs reproofing

You do not need to treat a tent every season. Reproof when water stops beading on the canopy or rainfly and starts soaking in, when the fabric looks damp on the inside after rain, or when the fly feels clammy rather than slick. UV exposure is the other cue: fabric that has spent many weekends in direct sun can fade and weaken, so adding UV protection is worthwhile even before leaks appear.

Nikwax Tent & Gear SolarProof is designed for tent fabrics and restores water repellency while adding UV protection. It is not a seam sealer and does not repair tears, holes, or failed waterproof coatings. Inspect seams and the floor separately, and patch damage before you spray.

Prep the tent before any tent waterproofing spray goes on

Dirt, sunscreen, and tree sap block the treatment from bonding to the fabric. Set up the tent or rainfly in a shaded area, brush off loose debris, and wash the fabric with a mild soap and soft brush or sponge. Rinse thoroughly and let it dry completely. Do not use detergent, bleach, or a washing machine; residue and agitation can damage the coating you are trying to protect.

Work in warm, dry conditions with light wind and no rain in the forecast for several hours. Direct sun can dry the spray too fast and leave streaks, so shade matters. If you are treating a full tent, remove the rainfly and treat it separately so you can reach every panel.

Step-by-step: applying SolarProof to your tent

Clean and dry the fabric: Set up the tent or rainfly in shade, wash with mild soap and water, rinse well, and let it dry completely before spraying. Checkpoint: the fabric should be dry to the touch and free of visible dirt or residue.
Set up taut and remove loose parts: Pitch the tent or hang the rainfly so panels are taut and accessible. Remove poles, stakes, and anything that blocks the fabric surface. Common mistake: spraying a floppy fly causes puddling and uneven coverage.
Spray evenly from 6–8 inches: Mist Nikwax Tent & Gear SolarProof in a steady back-and-forth motion, overlapping passes slightly. Cover seams, corners, and high-wear areas without soaking the fabric. Checkpoint: the surface should look evenly damp, not dripping.
Let it dry fully before packing: Allow the tent to air-dry completely in a shaded, ventilated spot. Do not fold or stuff it while damp. Common mistake: packing a damp tent traps moisture and can lead to mildew.
Test water beading and store loose: Once dry, sprinkle a little water on the fabric. It should bead and roll off rather than soak in. Store the tent loosely in a dry place. If water still soaks in, a second light coat may be needed after the first is fully dry.

Product facts that affect the job

Nikwax Tent & Gear SolarProof: Nikwax Tent & Gear SolarProof is an easy-to-use spray-on treatment that restores water repellency and adds UV protection to tent fabrics. It addresses both leak-prone fabric and sun damage in one pass, so you do not need a separate UV product for routine tent care.
Nikwax Tent & Gear SolarProof: The treatment helps reduce water absorption and protect against sun damage. Less water absorbed means a lighter pack and less moisture inside the tent; UV protection helps slow fabric fade and weakening over repeated trips.