Water-repellent reproofing products restore the hood's original water-shedding behaviour, eliminating the slow leaks and water-absorption issues that develop as the original factory-applied repellent treatment wears off over time. The headline MGOC product is Renovo Ultra Proofer, a brush-on or sponge-applied waterproof reproofer that re-establishes the original waterproof weather barrier on fabric and vinyl hoods, with a built-in UV inhibitor for fade protection and a mould-and-mildew resistant formulation that keeps the hood healthy through long damp UK winters. The Water Repellant section gathers the principal reproofers used on classic-MG hood materials, with the appropriate products for each hood type.
How Reproofing Works
Original hood materials were treated during manufacture with a hydrophobic surface treatment, typically a fluorocarbon or silicone-based finish that bonded to the fibres of the fabric. The treatment caused water to bead up on the surface and roll off rather than soaking into the material. Over years of UV exposure, mechanical wear and detergent exposure, the surface treatment progressively wears off, and the fabric returns to its natural absorbent state. The result is a hood that gets heavier when it rains, dries slowly, allows water to seep through seams that would otherwise stay dry, and eventually develops mildew and rot if the wet conditions persist.
Reproofing restores the surface treatment, returning the hood to its original water-shedding behaviour.
Product Range and Application
Water-repellent reproofers are stocked in the appropriate formulations for the different hood materials. Mohair hoods use a fluorocarbon-based reproofer that bonds well to the natural-fibre material and produces excellent long-term water repellency. Vinyl and PVC hoods use a different formulation, typically a silicone-based product that bonds to the vinyl surface without affecting its flexibility. Synthetic-blend hoods use a hybrid formulation suited to the modern hood materials.
The right product is matched to the hood material at the point of order. Application is by spray, brush or sponge depending on the specific product, applied to a clean dry hood and allowed to cure in dry conditions for the time specified on the product label.
Timing and Long-Term Care
Reproofing is typically done annually or biennially depending on the car's exposure pattern. Cars used regularly through wet UK weather benefit from annual reproofing; cars used principally in dry weather or stored under cover may go two to three years between reproofing cycles. The reproofer is best applied during a dry weather window, at least 48 hours of dry conditions before and after application to ensure the product cures correctly without being disturbed by rain. Renovo and other hood-renovation products are typically applied before the water-repellent if the hood is being colour-renewed at the same time, the colour treatment goes on first and is allowed to cure, then the water-repellent is applied over the renewed colour. This sequence ensures both treatments perform at their best across the next renewal cycle.
The technical team is available to advise on the right reproofer for a specific hood material and condition.