How long does waterproofing last?
Quick answer: Most soft-top weatherproofers perform best for about six months and wear down gradually, so you’ll often still have some protection for up to a year. Lifespan depends on care — gentle washing and garaging extend it; strong soaps shorten it. We also offer a thicker two-year coating, but regular cleaning and maintenance still matter.
Most weatherproof coatings on the market are guaranteed for six months, although like most coatings, they don't suddenly stop working, they wear off gradually, so they are optimal for six months, but you should have some protection for a year. Therefore, it is recommended to stay on-top of cleaning and maintenance and regularly apply a weatherproof coating. If you keep your car garaged or undercover, they can last longer. If you are washing them with strong soaps, they could wear off much more quickly.
If you are applying a weatherproof coating yourself, we recommend doing it at the end of the summer so you get the best of the protection through autumn and winter, where there will be more rain and leaf debris falling on your car.
Ensuring your car is weatherproofed through the winter will also prevent the possibility of any frost or ice related damage. The coating is hydrophobic, so will stop the fabric and fibres of the hood getting wet. You can tell if the coating is no longer working because your hood will get sopping wet... if it is wet, it can freeze, at which point it is hard and brittle, which could leave it more prone to rips and tears.
We have a two-year weatherproof coating which goes on very thick and glossy, which is much more cost-effective. However, it is still advisable to stay on top of maintenance and keep your convertible roof clean.
Written by Danny Argent. Last updated 08/09/2025 15:16
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Service: Convertible Roof Cleaning
Our Specialist cabriolet hood restoration service was developed, over 30 years, into a process which restores and protects your soft-top.