Is Suede Waterproof? 4 Easy Ways to Waterproof It

We’ll talk about suede leather’s waterproofness in this article, as well as how to make it so if it isn’t already.

One of the most delicate types of leather is suede. It requires special care to preserve its softness and durability because it is vulnerable to tearing and scuffing. Therefore, is suede waterproof? Suede is a porous substance, so it is not waterproof.

You can read a thorough explanation of how to waterproof suede items below, along with all the ins and outs of the process.

Is Suede Waterproof?

Taking care of your suede clothing and footwear has become a fascinating niche. Some camps treat suede with the same tenacity and confidence as the densest leather. Others value the suede’s fashionable, delicate, and soft exterior more.

There is still the question of whether suede is waterproof despite the fact that you are free to abuse or indulge in it.

The simplest answer is that suede shoes won’t survive contact with water. Even though suede has a beautiful appearance, it has a high water absorption rate. If the material is not dried properly, it hardens and leaves an unsightly stain. Avoid wearing suede shoes in the rain or even during the winter if you really love them.

Why Suede Leather is Not Waterproof?

Suede is Not Waterproof Because It’s a Porous Material

Because suede is such a porous material, this is one of the main reasons why suede leather is not waterproof. Because of the way it is produced, suede leather is porous.

Suede leather is created by splitting genuine leather to produce a smooth, velvety surface. This indicates that the leather’s suede-like porous, fibrous layer has been left behind after the grain layer has split. In order to let water and air in, the pores and hair follicles are greatly opened.

This means that when suede leather comes into contact with wet or damp surfaces, water can easily soak into the leather.

Consequently, suede leather’s nature and structure prevent it from being waterproof, and for this reason, it must be treated to become waterproof.

In order to keep suede leather from coming into contact with water, a few preventative measures can be taken. Some of these procedures might involve donning the proper footwear or applying the proper supplies.

Using a shielding spray before venturing outside on a snowy or rainy day will also help shield your suede leather goods from stains and other harm.

Suede Leather Has No Coating

Suede leather does not have a coating, so it will absorb water, which is another factor in its inability to be waterproof. As a result, if you wear suede leather shoes in the rain, those suede shoes will get wet, and the exterior of the shoe may soak your feet.

The majority of leathers, aside from suede, typically have a smooth surface, which reduces the amount of moisture that soaks into the leather. However, suede leather differs from other types of leather in that it only has a napped, highly porous surface.

Due to the absence of a protective surface coating, any moisture will penetrate the leather deeply without being impeded by an outer layer or barrier.

Additionally, even though there are suede leather products that help make suede leather somewhat waterproof, it will be difficult to apply waterproofing products due to the nap or velvet surface of suede leather.

Suede Leather is a Very Soft Leather Material

Because suede leather is such a soft material, it is also not waterproof. Susceptibility to moisture increases with the softness of the suede leather material. As a result, water will seep through more easily.

Suspended leather cannot be listed as waterproof material in this instance. Remember that suede often makes it difficult to apply water-repellent materials to your suede leather, which would be required if you wanted them to become waterproof. This is important to keep in mind.

Therefore, despite the fact that they may be made of high-quality and durable materials, these items won’t completely protect users against moisture due to their softness and high absorption capacity.

Suede Leather is NOT Waterproof Because It is from Real Animals

Given that suede leather products are made from the skins and hides of real animals, they might not be waterproof. As a result, suede leather will absorb any moisture that it comes into contact with, including water and other liquids.

The previous statement about suede leather made from animal skins is true. However, synthetic suede leathers are also available, and these might not be as prone to moisture.

It’s frequently referred to as faux suede leather. These varieties of suede leather are not porous like those made from the hides and skins of actual animals because they are made from synthetic materials.

Because this kind of faux suede leather is made from synthetic materials that can withstand heavy wear and tear, it will also be more durable than typical animal suede leather.

How to Waterproof Suede?

Your favorite pair of suede leather shoes, handbag, jacket, or other items can be made waterproof using certain techniques so they won’t absorb moisture of any kind.

Using Suede Leather Protectors

The most well-liked method for making suede leather items waterproof is to use suede leather care products like Scotchgard Fabric Protector, which has been specifically created to work on all kinds of fabrics but works particularly well on clothing made out of delicate natural fibers like suede leather.

By shielding the fiber in your suede leather clothing from liquid, dirt, and other stains, Scotchgard Fabric Protector protects the fiber in your suede leather clothing. The waterproof property of the fabric is achieved by bonding a thin, invisible layer of protective film over it.

The advantage of using a product like Scotchgard Fabric Protector or any other comparable products is that they are non-toxic sprays that protect against liquid as well as dirt, ensuring that your suede leather clothing item will continue to look clean and brand-new for a longer period of time.

Using Suede Spray-Waterproofing Products

Using spray-on waterproofing products is another way to make suede leather items waterproof.

Depending on the type you use, spray-on waterproofing products work by adding a second layer of polyurethane to your suede leather items, making them water-resistant or even completely waterproof.

The advantage of using this technique is that, if carried out properly, you can turn any material into one that is impervious to liquids and have it last for a very long time.

Check the label of the spray-on product before using it to make your suede leather items waterproof to determine what kind of material it is made of.

If silicone or adhesive is mentioned, it might weaken the fabric too much and not be worthwhile to use on your suede leather item. Due to how much dirt suede materials attract—which will ruin them over time if they’re already fragile—and how much this can shorten the lifespan of the suede leather item, this can be a significant factor.

By Using Waxes

Using waxes, which are made to cover the fabric with a layer of wax that repels water, you can also make your suede leather items waterproof. The advantage of this method is that you can combine it with other methods to increase the durability and water and dirt resistance of your suede leather clothing and accessories.

When it comes to waterproofing suede leather items, I find using waxes to be incredibly helpful. Your suede leather goods can gain significant waterproof quality by using common household items like beeswax, petroleum jelly, and liquid shoe polish.

This technique works well because it covers the fabric in a waxy layer that repels water and shields your suede leather items from stains and wear.

However, if these techniques are applied improperly, the result may end up looking patchy rather than smooth like the original material, which completely defeats the purpose.

Using An All-Purpose Sealant

Applying an all-purpose spray sealant to both sides of the suede leather item before using or wearing it for the first time outside in wet weather conditions is another alternative method for waterproofing suede clothing.

The benefit of this is that you avoid any need for additional applications, which can be messy and time-consuming. The sealant will eventually wear off if you do this, so if you want your items to remain waterproof you will need to reapply it frequently.

Additionally, if they are applied too heavily, they may cause a buildup on the surface of the material, which will make it sticky and stiff as well as ruin the color and nap of the suede leather, which again defeats the purpose of the material since suede must remain soft for comfort.

However, if done correctly, this technique should keep your clothing looking sharp without using a lot of water-repellent sprays or other products. Furthermore, it saves cash because spray treatments are more expensive than applying an all-purpose sealant would be.

Step-By-Step Guide on Waterproofing Suede

Find a place that will work for your project and gather all the necessary supplies. Start making your suede shoes waterproof after that. To waterproof your suede shoes, follow the directions provided.

1. Clean the area.
2. Spray-on waterproofing is ready.
3. Dry the coats.

Clean the Area

You should thoroughly clean the dirt and grit from the suede shoes before using any product. Use a non-abrasive brush or a clean, dry cloth to clean. The coverage of the waterproofing spray increases with how well you maintain your shoes.

To increase your satisfaction, you should remove any additional debris using a stiff brush or cloth. You don’t go to wash your shoes, though. However, if there is still some dirt there, you can wash the soiled areas. It can be washed down with soapy water or a specialized cleaner. Leave them to dry completely after that.

Prepare the Waterproofing Spray

Making the spray for your suede is now necessary. The spray nozzle should then remain four to six inches away from the suede surface.

By adhering to the instructions provided, apply the product.

• Less spray should be used per coat as excessive application can lead to spots on the suede surface.
• Less than 10 seconds should be used to apply a coat, if possible.
• Spotting may be brought on by abrupt crosswise sprays. Therefore, when applying the spray, wave your hand around slowly. Incomplete surface coverage could occur when spraying quickly.
• Spray into the suede shoe’s welt. That area close to the sole is porous and can let water in.
• Place four to six coats on.
• The natural suede’s soft texture could start to be compromised with more coats. With more coats, the suede shoes might also lose some of their breathability.

Dry the Coats

• Your suede shoes should naturally dry out. Before applying the second coat, the first one must dry.
• You can apply the subsequent coat as soon as you believe the initial coats are sufficiently dry.
• Before storing or wearing them, make sure they are entirely dry.

Final Thoughts: Waterproof Suede

Suede is not a water-resistant substance. However, you can waterproof your suede to make it resistant to light precipitation and winter.

Utilizing a specific suede leather waterproofing spray will make suede shoes water-resistant. Start by cleaning your shoes with a soft brush to get rid of any mud or stains. Apply a layer of waterproofing after that, being careful not to soak them completely. Give your suede shoes 24 hours to dry.

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