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  4. Can I use an upholstery protector on my soft top?

Can I use an upholstery protector on my soft top?

Quick answer: Technically you can, but we don’t recommend it. Upholstery protectors are either water-based stain guards (little weatherproofing) or spirit-based hydrophobics not formulated for outdoor use and lacking mould inhibitors. A proper soft-top protector is designed for exterior fabrics, lasts longer, and costs about the same. Don’t use soft-top protector on seats either; always follow the label.

Soft top weatherproof treatment
While stuff in a can allows you to apply it sparingly, we prefer to brush on generous amounts of weatherproof treatment so that it fully soaks the fabric.

You can do, it wouldn't do any harm, and we have seen upholstery protectors sold as for use on a soft top.

However, we advise against it. They are not quite the same thing. Some of them are water based and just stain protectors, they will offer little protection unless you are prone to spilling red wine on your hood.  Others are spirit based and hydrophobic, but they are not formulated for outdoor use* and don't contain the mould inhibitors that keep the green at bay. 

The prices of a good quality upholstery protector and proper soft top protector are comparable, so there is no money to be saved. You might even find that soft top protector is cheaper when you consider that you need to be generous and really soak it in. And it is not cost effective if it doesn't last nearly as long.

Conversely, it's probably not a good idea to coat your upholstery with a soft-top protector as the chemicals they put in it to prevent the growth of moss, algae and lichen, while not famously toxic, may not be good for sensitive skin.  You should always read the label, follow manufacturer's advice and use the right tool for the job.

*We have had our own hydrophobic coatings made for us, going back twenty years to a time when we dabbled in coatings for boats and aircraft. So we have a little understanding of how they are formulated. Like many things in life, a trade-off has to be made, as you can't have your cake and eat it.  There is a balance struck between thin (so it soaks in and gives a nice finish), super slippery, mould inhibiting and durable. 

Written by . Last updated 08/09/2025 17:32