I read the review of the Brotel by Keith Whitehouse in the Reviews archive on the FM home page before I got mine, in the review he found the Brotel leaked on his first wet outing and used a proofing spray. I have not yet used my Brotel but was in the habit of proofing my brolly with the spray, I also read Graham's review of the Brotel but he didn't say it was required, I think it may be down to habit with me but I was looking for a more durable replacement for the usual Fabsil and it looks like Thompsons Waterseal is the preferred choice, the only worrying aspect is leaving the Brotel set up as my cat & dog will probably leave it with an extra coating of hair and my son has a very inquisitive mind (if I say don't touch he enquires why whilst reaching out and prodding, I can see it now, all hair on the bottom third and water dripping through the fingerprint marks). ;-}~