Scotchgard Water Shield Vs Scotchgard Fabric Protector – What’s the Better Option?

It’s hard enough to determine which fabric protector brand to choose – much less having to choose products within the same brand.

You may have landed on Scotchgard as your fabric protector of choice because they have been in the industry for so long.

In fact, the name “Scotchgard” has become synonymous with fabric care. But whatever your reasons for choosing the brand, the fact remains that you still have an important choice to make: Scotchgard Fabric Protector or Scotchgard Water Shield?

In the following brand review, we will be taking a look at both of these lines, products within it and discussing the differences and similarities to help you make a sound consumer decision.

Scotchgard Water Shield Overview

Scotchgard Water Shield has sort of an interesting origin. The specific Scotchgard Water Shield products started hitting the market after Scotchgard Fabric Protectors ran into some controversies over their aerosol sprays.

As you have probably already guessed, Scotchgard Water Shield is made by the same company as Scotchgard Fabric Protector. But Scotchgard Water Shield was the first product to be made with a new, safe formula.

Scotchgard Water Shield, as the name implies, is also geared more toward protecting against water and water-based stains.

Scotchgard Fabric Protector Overview

Multiple generations have actually grown up using Scotchgard Fabric Protector. That’s because the product first hit the shelves all the way back in 1956.

For over 50 years people have been using this product to safeguard their fabrics against stains.

Scotchgard is part of the 3M corporation – a huge conglomerate that makes all kinds of products that are used all over the world.

What’s the Difference Between Scotchgard Fabric Protector and Scotchgard Water Shield?

While they are made by the same company and both have multiple products, Scotchgard Water Shield doesn’t have as broad a use as Scotchgard Fabric Protector.

Water Shield is meant to protect against water-based stains.

Water Shield products are also geared towards outdoor use whereas Scotchgard Fabric Protector products are mainly meant for indoor fabrics and clothing.

Quick Facts

Scotchgard Fabric Protector

Scotchgard Water Shield

Established

1956

N/A

Specialty

Indoor fabric stain protection

Water-based stain protection and outdoor application

Products

Spray-on fabric protectors

Spray-on fabric protectors

Availability

Online and in stores

Online and in stores

Scotchgard Water Shield Products

Scotchgard Heavy Duty Water Shield

Selling Points:

  • Suitable for outdoor gear
  • 13 ounce cans
  • Odorless spray

The Heavy Duty Water Shield is perfect for the outdoor enthusiast. It can be used on a variety of fabrics that are typically used to make outdoor gear like nylon, leather and suede.

The 13 ounce can is the standard size but you can get cans as large as 63 ounces which is enough to repel water for a whole complement of camping gear. The Heavy Duty Water Shield is also great for umbrellas and grill covers.

Overall Score: 98/100

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Scotchgard Outdoor Water Shield

Selling Points:

  • Developed for outdoor applications
  • 5 ounce can
  • Maintains fabric breathability

One of the things we really liked about the Outdoor Water Shield is how quickly it dries. The humidity will affect drying times for sure; but in general, the coat will dry in about 30 minutes. And you really only need one coat.

This spray was designed for outdoor fabric protection which means you can use it for your outdoor furniture, camping gear, hiking boots, jackets, hats and much more.

Overall Score: 97/100

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Honorable Scotchgard Water Shield Product Mentions

Scotchgard Water and Sun Shield

Overall Score: 93/100

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Scotchgard Fabric Protector Products

Scotchgard Rug & Carpet Protector

Selling Points:

  • Blocks stains
  • Ideal for carpets
  • One can covers a 5’ x 6’ area

Scotchgard Rug & Carpet Protector is a good choice for anyone who doesn’t want to have their carpets frequently cleaned or steamed. It does a great job of preventing stains from setting into the fibers of carpets and rugs.

And it works on all kinds of carpets from shag to low-pile berber. Just keep in mind that you’ll probably have to buy multiple cans to cover your entire home.

Overall Score: 96/100

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Scotchgard OXY Spot & Stain Remover for Carpet & Fabric

Selling Points:

  • Useful on all kinds of carpet
  • Removes tough wine stains
  • Most stains only need one application

So what if you already have stains in your carpet? That’s when you may need Scotchgard OXY Spot & Stain Remover for Carpet & Fabric. This is a spot remover so it would be a good choice if your carpets are frequently bombarded by pet stains, food spills or what have you.

It can even raise deep-seated stains that go down to the carpet pad. While you still have to scrub at the stain a bit, Scotchgard OXY Spot & Stain Remover for Carpet & Fabric makes the cleanup much easier.

Overall Score: 95/100

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Scotchgard Fabric & Carpet Cleaner

Selling Points:

  • Blocks future stains
  • Versatile usage
  • Doesn’t alter the feel of fabrics

One of the things we like the most about this spray-on cleaner is that it can be used for pretty much everything. From throw pillows and curtains to hallway runners and bedding, Scotchgard Fabric & Carpet Cleaner is a great choice when you have a lot of different items you want to clean/protect.

This is pretty much a 2-in-1 product because it lifts existing stains and helps prevent future stains. Its versatility alone makes it worth the price.

Overall Score: 98/100

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Honorable Scotchgard Fabric Protector Product Mentions

  • Scotchgard Fabric Crafts Water Shield
  • Scotchgard OXY Spot & Stain Remover for Pets

What is the Difference Between Scotchgard Fabric Protector and Water Shield?

They are both made by the same company but the main difference is that Water Shield is more geared towards outdoor application and wicking away water.

Who Has the Better Product Range?

It depends on what you’re looking for. If you want indoor stain protection, Scotchgard Fabric Protector has the better products. If you want outdoor water protection, Water Shield is the way to go.

Which Brand Has the Safer Products?

Again, each brand is made by the same company and in 2022, all Scotchgard products are made with a safe formula.

Did Scotchgard Get Discontinued?

Some retailers stopped carrying Scotchgard products a few years ago because of the controversy over the aerosol sprays being harmful to the environment.

Is Scotchgard Water Shield Toxic?

No, the Scotchgard Water Shield products have always been formulated with safe ingredients and propellants.

Which is the Best Product?

Scotchgard Water Shield is much better for camping gear, outdoor equipment and outdoor furniture while Scotchgard Fabric Protector is better for stain removal and stain protection for indoor fabrics.

  • Scotchgard Fabric Protector Overall Rating: 96/100
  • Scotchgard Water Shield Overall Rating: 97/100

Final Assessment

No matter what your needs are, you can rest easy knowing that both of these products are made by the same company that has been making stain repellents for over 60 years.

We liked the overall effectiveness of the Water Shield products a lot.

But Water Shield can’t do what Scotchgard Fabric Protector can so in the end, it really boils down to your needs.

You may find that you need or want both of these products handy which wouldn’t be a bad call.