Treating Canvas Tents

[Grouseman]

I now have a canvas tent and I want to clean it up, then waterproof it.  I was thinking there probably are treatments that come in gallon container that you brush on instead of spraying the canvas with the typical spray can waterproofer.

I want to make sure my canvas is waterproofed well.  Has anybody used waterproofing liquid in a garden sprayer to waterproof a tent?  Would there be such a thing as putting too much on?

Thanks
Steve

[wavery]

I now have a canvas tent and I want to clean it up, then waterproof it.  I was thinking there probably are treatments that come in gallon container that you brush on instead of spraying the canvas with the typical spray can waterproofer.

I want to make sure my canvas is waterproofed well.  Has anybody used waterproofing liquid in a garden sprayer to waterproof a tent?  Would there be such a thing as putting too much on?

Thanks
Steve

A lot depends on the fabric that you are cleaning and water-proofing.

Do you know what material it is? If not, what is the make and model of your PU. Also, are you having mold issues or stains that need to be removed?

[Grouseman]

Waverly,

Yes it is Canvas material.  It is a Kwik Kamp tent.  There might be some stains, just got my tent today and have not inspected it yet.  Long story short, did not see the tent before I purchased it.  It was approx 800 miles away.

Steve

[wavery]

Waverly,

Yes it is Canvas material.  It is a Kwik Kamp tent.  There might be some stains, just got my tent today and have not inspected it yet.  Long story short, did not see the tent before I purchased it.  It was approx 800 miles away.

Steve

The problem with the term "Canvas" is that many companies make fabric that is referred to as canvas and it could be made up of anything from cotton to acrylics (plastic).

I looked at the website, http://www.kwikkamp.com/

It doesn't say what their material is it just says, "today's quality canvas fabrics". Not helpful. If I were you, I would contact them at the ph# in the website and ask them what to wash and treat it with. Also ask them what fabric they use and we may have some suggestions for you.

[EvanDoss]

I also am looking to waterproof the canvas of my 1998 Jayco Eagle 12 pop-up camper. I really haven't have any problems with water coming in yet. We camped a few times last year when it rained and stayed fairly dry. It seems if we have any pillows or blankets up against the canvas sides then water will soak through. So I am looking for a product to mainly treat the canvas surrounding the beds. If anybody has used anything that worked well please let me know.

[wavery]

I also am looking to waterproof the canvas of my 1998 Jayco Eagle 12 pop-up camper. I really haven't have any problems with water coming in yet. We camped a few times last year when it rained and stayed fairly dry. It seems if we have any pillows or blankets up against the canvas sides then water will soak through. So I am looking for a product to mainly treat the canvas surrounding the beds. If anybody has used anything that worked well please let me know.

Maybe someone here will know what material your '98 Jayco is made of. If not, I would suggest that you call them:
http://www.jaycorvs.com/

[Grouseman]

Waverly,

The original kwik kamp company is out of business.  So there is no official way to find out what type of canvas the tent is made of.  Now what?

SS

[EvanDoss]

Maybe someone here will know what material your '98 Jayco is made of. If not, I would suggest that you call them:
http://www.jaycorvs.com/

Wavery thank you for your post.  I contacted my local Jayco dealership and asked what they reccomended.  The service department said that scotch guard found at any wal-mart store is what they use.  They said there are a couple of ways to apply it.  Some like to spray a coat on the inside first then let it dry and spray a coat on the outside.  Some like to spray 1 coat on the outside let it dry and then spray another coat on the outside.  They said it doesn't really seem to matter which way you do it as long as you put a good coat on an let it dry before spraying another.  They said once you get at least 2 coats on, water will bead and roll right off.  I asked if ther was any problems with the scotch guard staining the canvas and they assured me it would do nothing of the sort.  I hope this info helps anyone else needing to waterproof thier canvas.

[ScouterMom]

I've used 'camp dry' or the coleman waterproofing in an aresol  spray can for waterprofing canvas ( heavy duck fabric/ canvas) tents and PUP tent parts for years. they work - but you have to know what theyare supposed to DO and not expect the canvas to react like a plastic sheet, either.  You don't really want it to, anyway.

the old problem with 'canvas' vs the newer camping tent materials is that true Canvas can take more wear, is much heaver and stronger - but it needs to 'breathe' and is not actually 'waterproof' like vinyl or plastic sheets.  Even finely woven nylon can be treated to actually hold water if it is draped make puddle spots.  those newer, lightweight backpacking tents are just that - nylon treated with a plastic-like coating that doesn't 'breathe' - it's not air-permiable. thats why they are made to have two layers - a non- waterproof layer, and a waterproof over-fly. otherwise, it's like sleeping in a plastic ;  the condensation from your own body heat and breath would have you dripping wet, anyway.

Canvas can be teated to be 'water resistant' - but if you actually coat it enough to make it 'water proof' ( able to hold water without soaking thru at all) then you no longer get airflow and it takes forever for the heavy fabrics to dry out - thus mold and mildew.

that's why, with older canvas tents and PUP covers - handling them (the oils in your skin) and leaning things against them allow the water that would normally 'run off' to soak thru, instead.  That's why we were warned as kids 'don't touch the sides of the tent!' or against using aresol sprays (bug spray) near them - they can break or dissolve the water-resistant coating.  

this kind of coating should be added to - at least some, each year or so of use.  it is also why they used to use beeswax, or some thicker, paint on coating on the seams in the past. The seams were too thick for the spray to penetrate well.

This is also probably why many camper manufacturers went to making vinyl tops dot the bunkends - they are more likely to get direct water and to be touched by campers, so the vinyl provides the most water repelancy, while still leaving the sides of the PUP cover a 'breathable' canvas that is water resistant.  sinceit is vertical, it can shed the water more easily.

laura

[KCogburn]

I waterproofed my canvas of my old pup with Canvak it just paints on with a brush.

I got some from Cabelas a gallon for $19

http://www.cabelas.com/prod-1/0005871513996a.shtml

[SheBantam]

We went to Tru ValU Hardware and next to the THompson's for decks, they have a multi material water protectant (fabric, concrete, wood etc).  We used that on our Jayco and it did quite well.  I used a brush and painted the stuff on the older Jayco canvas.  It needs to be done every year or so as it breaks down with UV rays.  

Hey if I can do it anyone can...now the Jayco is the neighbor's problem...ooops popup...

[nu2pu]

Wavery thank you for your post.  I contacted my local Jayco dealership and asked what they reccomended.  The service department said that scotch guard found at any wal-mart store is what they use.  They said there are a couple of ways to apply it.  Some like to spray a coat on the inside first then let it dry and spray a coat on the outside.  Some like to spray 1 coat on the outside let it dry and then spray another coat on the outside.  They said it doesn't really seem to matter which way you do it as long as you put a good coat on an let it dry before spraying another.  They said once you get at least 2 coats on, water will bead and roll right off.  I asked if ther was any problems with the scotch guard staining the canvas and they assured me it would do nothing of the sort.  I hope this info helps anyone else needing to waterproof thier canvas.

This was exactly the post I was looking for!  We have a 2000 Jayco Eagle.  I just spent the whole day trying to remove mildew spots - I tried all of the gentle cleaners before having to resort to mold & mildew remover with bleach.  (Had to pack up in rain & then had 6 more days of rain at home...)  Thus, I now need to waterproof  Did the scotchguard work well through any recent rains and how did you apply it?
Thanks!!

[skamper75]

I used Canvak also, brushed it on after cleaning and leting it dry.  We uused the p up a bunch for the next couple seasons with no leakage. It needs to be redone now but it hasnt been poped in a WHILE.