How To Weatherproof An Indoor Pillow For Outdoor Use

When decorating our humble abodes, we often look for beautiful ways to bring the outdoors in. There are times, though, when you'd like to move some of your indoor decor outside to enhance your patio furniture. Maybe you arranged your throw pillows to get the perfect look and love everything about them, from the fabric to the size and how they have just the right amount of cushy comfort; it can be hard to find outdoor versions that measure up. And if you're still a fan of the karate chop for a perfectly placed pillow, you've already discovered it's hard to get that crease just right with many overstuffed weatherproof options. What can you do? It's easy to take all your favorite indoor throw pillows out on the porch with a simple Scotchgard treatment.

You probably remember a familiar red can with black plaid when some of the most important places to use Scotchgard come to mind, like bookbags and canvas shoes. When you're weatherproofing indoor pillows, however, make sure to look for Scotchgard Outdoor Sun & Water Shield in a yellow can (available on Amazon for $8.97). Each can will provide about 20 square feet of coverage on heavy fabrics, so you might get a bit more out of it if your pillows are light in weight. This specially formulated version will not only help your pillows repel water but also offer UV protection to reduce fading in the sun.

Scotchgard Outdoor Sun & Water Shield is easy to apply to clean, dry pillows with a little prep before you begin. First, cover your outdoor work surface to protect it from excess spray. Shake the can well, and then test it to make sure the fabric is colorfast by spraying a small, unnoticeable area and letting it dry before continuing. You may notice that the fabric is a bit deeper in color, but the hue should be basically the same. If so, proceed by holding the can about 6 to 8 inches away and applying the product evenly all over your pillows without soaking them. Before placing the pillows on outdoor furniture, let them thoroughly dry. Remember to reapply the product seasonally for long-lasting results, according to the manufacturer's recommendations.

As with other chemical-based aerosol sprays, be sure to follow the manufacturer's safety protocols as well. This includes using it only outdoors or in an area with plenty of ventilation and fresh air, as the product can cause drowsiness, dizziness, or suffocation when inhaled. In addition, don't use it near open flames or while smoking since it is a very flammable spray. Be sure to store it out of the sun, and avoid setting it on hot surfaces. With some care and caution, you can safely use Scotchgard Outdoor Sun & Water Shield to achieve your indoor/outdoor throw pillow goals.