Many people do not protect their furniture for fear of danger when waterproofing sofa, armchairs, chairs. And do you know why?
Waterproofing materials for fabrics started their sales with products based on silicone resins mixed with nonpolar, flammable and toxic solvents. And so it was for many, many years. Recently, in the early 2000s, sales of water-based waterproofing products began in Brazil. And it was only in 2014 that nanotechnology for tissue protection arrived in Brazil through the company Easytech, with the launch of Ecotextil.
Solvent-based waterproofing
Although there are different ways to waterproof a sofa, there are still professionals who prefer the use of solvent-based products. For a simple reason: quick drying, there is a possibility to test the result of the service in a few hours. Unlike water-based products, which necessarily require 24 hours. For this reason, unfortunately, we frequently observe cases of fire in apartments during the waterproofing procedure. The use of these products must follow a series of protocols due to their high toxicity and high flammability. It's like you have a small bomb in your house. Any spark, spark can promote an explosion.
In addition to plugging wiring, plugs, disabling stoves, ovens, it is essential to use PPE's like gloves and breathing masks. It is not recommended to be in the environment for 4 to 6 hours after applying the waterproofing. Solvents such as benzene, hexane, isoparaffin are used as ways to dilute the waterproofing. And they should not be breathed in by the professional or the contractor.
Another risk is the discoloration of the fabric due to the use of the solvent. This can happen easily depending on the pigment used to dye the fabric. Damage in this category is irreversible.
Is waterproofing a sofa at home dangerous?
Definitely not. There is no risk in waterproofing a sofa in your home, as long as you choose products that do not offer you any risks. A good example is the use of nanotechnology, such as Ecotextile. It is not flammable, it is not toxic. It doesn't even smell, totally odorless and transparent. It looks like a glass of water. Very safe for application and does not offer any risk to those who use it.
Water-based waterproofing products can also be used without posing major risks. Despite having a very slight odor, it is recommended to use protective gloves and gas masks. The only care with this type of product is the application in abundance in small areas. The accumulation of product can generate some small spots. If applied correctly, there will be no problems. A good example of this type of product is the Pro Imper.