Protect ANY Pillow Fabric for Outdoor Use: My 2-Spray Trick

Want to use your favorite indoor throw pillows outside? Or wondering if you can protect any fabric pillow for outdoor use?

I’ve got good news! You can protect almost any type of fabric pillow and use it in your outdoor living spaces. All it takes is two easy-to-use sprays.

In just a few minutes, you can make your pillows both water-resistant and UV-protected from both the summer sun and rainy days.

I’ll walk you through the exact method I’ve been using for 7 years on my front porch pillows. Each season I try a new looks, so finding inexpensive pillows that match the next season’s style is important.

PIN IT FOR LATER!

After using this 2-spray method to protect a wide variety of fabric types on both throw pillows and cushions, I KNOW they’ll stay looking new season to season.

I promise it’s fast, effective, and way cheaper than buying new pillows and cushions. You can use this method to EXTEND and REFRESH the life of all outdoor pillows and seat cushions too!

Contains hand selected products, with affiliate marketing links where I may earn a small commission if a purchase is made. {full disclosure here}

Why This Works for Just About Any Fabric (Yes, Even Cotton!)

These sprays don’t just coat the surface they penetrate into the fibers. This simple treatment mimics the water repellant and UV-resistance of performance fabrics like Sunbrella. That means you can protect:

• Cotton – natural fiber common for indoor pillows
• Canvas – thick and durable, ideal for outdoors
• Velvet – adds a luxurious touch outside
• Polyester – dries quickly and resists mold

No need to search for expensive or performance outdoor-only fabric or spend $$$ on new pillows. Just use what you already have and make them outdoor-ready in a day.

My degree is a B.S. Textile Chemistry & Engineering from Clemson University…so you can trust what I tell you when it comes to fabric and fabric care!

Avoid spraying These Fabrics

• Linen
• Silk
• Wool
• Rayon

All three of these fabrics are delicate and can’t be washed in a washing machine. They all can be impacted by moisture and shrink too.

The BEST Fabric to Buy for Throw Pillows

POLYESTER! Yes, now companies are making new fabrics with polyester that mimics cotton, linen, wool and even silk.

So check the label and buy polyester fabric pillows when possible. The best part is polyester resists stains, mold, mildew and can be machine washed and dried.

What You Need to Waterproof and UV Protect Any Fabric

Here’s my secret that’s SO simple. All you need are two spray-on products.

This spray blocks harmful UV rays that can fade fabric colors fast. It works like sunscreen for fabric and vinyl, and it’s not greasy!

• Prevents fading and cracking
• Repels dust and stains
• Works on all fabrics, vinyl, and rubber
• NOT a water repellant

This is your go-to to make ANY fabric outdoor water-resistant.

• Repels moisture, stains, and spills
• Restores water repellency to factory-level
• Safe for all fabrics

These 303 Branded products are trusted by Sunbrella®, which is known for their high-end outdoor fabrics so you know they’re good.

Step-by-Step: How to Protect ANY Fabric for Outdoor Use

The way I prepare my indoor pillows before spraying: Yes! You Can Clean Outdoor Patio Cushions (how with pictures)

Step 1: Start with Clean, Dry Pillows

Your pillow INSERTS need to be outdoor rated! Here are my favorite outdoor pillow inserts and I buy them 2 inches larger than the cover for fullnesss.

Before you spray anything, make sure your throw pillow covers are clean and completely dry. This helps the protectants bond better with the fibers.

• Machine wash or spot clean your fabric
• Let it dry fully in the sun or indoors

Tip: Use this method on brand new indoor pillows before they go outside to protect them starting day one.

Step 2: Set Up a Spray Area

Protect your porch or patio floor with a drop cloth or trash bag. You’ll want good ventilation and enough space to spray all sides evenly.

I spray the UV protectant with a trash bag underneath and I like to add the water repellant to my rug, so I spray my pillows on the outdoor rug 🙂

Important: You must apply the UV protectant first and let it dry overnight before applying the water repellent. If you do it the other way around, the water-repellent coating may block the UV spray from penetrating the fabric.

Step 3: Spray on the UV Protectant First

Using 303 Aerospace UV Protectant:

• Hold the bottle about 6-8 inches away from the fabric
• Spray an even coat over the entire pillow surface
• Let it sit for a few minutes and flip to coat other side
• Let dry overnight for best results

This layer protects the color and structure of your throw pillow fabric from UV damage. I use it even on my outdoor rugs and cushions!

Step 4: Apply the Water Repellent Spray

After your UV layer is fully dry, use 303 Fabric Guard:

• Spray an even layer over the pillow and wait 5 minutes
• Flip it over and spray the other side
• Let it dry completely at least 12 hours depending on humidity

Important: Make sure the pillow is fully dry before exposing it to water or moisture. This sets the water repellency in place.

When NOT to Use This Method

While this spray treatment works for most standard throw pillow fabrics, there are a few situations where it’s better to skip it:

• Pillows with delicate embellishments like embroidery, beading, or metallic accents, which may be affected by moisture or chemicals
• Silk, rayon, or dry-clean-only fabrics that are not recommended for spray applications
• Pillows exposed to extreme sun or rain without cover. No spray can replace true outdoor performance fabric in harsh environments

In these cases, it’s best to stick with factory-rated outdoor pillows (shop them here) to avoid damage or mildew.

Before and After: What a Difference!

I tested both throw pillows side by side after a heavy rain.

My untreated pillow absorbed water instantly!

My protected pillow? Water just beaded right off when it rained!

It even worked on lighter fabric with a delicate print. The color stayed bright, and the texture wasn’t altered at all.

How Long Does the Pillow Protection Last?

FAQs About 303 Fabric Guard and UV Protection

Does 303 Fabric Guard protect against mildew?

• Not specifically. It’s not marketed as a mildew protectant. However, by repelling water and keeping fabrics dry, it helps prevent the conditions that lead to mildew growth.

Can it be used on different types of fabric?

Yes! It’s safe for both natural and synthetic fabrics, including:

• Outdoor cushions and umbrellas
• Suede, canvas, and boots
• Convertible car tops and inflatables
• Handbags and shoes
• Indoor-use on table runners, dining chairs, and throw pillows

Can it be used on outdoor seat cushions?

Absolutely! That’s exactly what it was designed for. Spray it on your patio furniture cushions, outdoor throw pillows, umbrellas, and more to add a water-repellent finish that holds up to the elements.

Final Thoughts: Protect and Reuse What You Love

Instead of buying all new outdoor throw pillows, protect what you already have!

With 303 UV Aerospace Protectant and 303 Fabric Guard, you can transform any indoor pillow into one that looks amazing on your porch, patio, or even poolside.