Tents are usually the most important element for adventure lovers to enjoy camping and various outdoors. So you need the best quality tent that will keep you safe from various harsh situations and hostile weather.
In this case, the canvas is one of the many conventional tent elements that are very effective and best to protect you from various conditions.
The canvas tent is a very durable and most breathable fabric so it is not likely to condense. Also, the canvas material is best for the ideal shelter on the trip because it can absorb water naturally.
However, during long-term use, its components are reduced. as a result, rainwater enters the inside of the tent.
So the tent needs proper maintenance to enjoy safe travel, and to keep waterproof.
DO CANVAS TENTS NEED WATERPROOFING?
Canvas tents are great for camping for various outdoor activities. This is because the canvas is weave in an ultralight way and water cannot penetrate inside the tent due to Its natural waterproof elements.
So why should you waterproof your tent? If your tent gets leaked during heavy rains, water and moisture can enter your tent.
Although the canvas is very durable for long time use, its material may be reduced. As a result, water may seep into the tent.
Also, the canvas has some natural waterproofing but it is not completely waterproof so you need to make the tent waterproof.
Note: Now if you want to use a solid plastic sheet to waterproof the tent it would repel water. But it is not breathable. So, there will be no ventilation on the canvas. And if it doesn’t rain, the plastic sheet covering can spread a bad smell to the fabric of the tent.
Since it’s not a completely closed surface, water could leak through. So you should waterproof the canvas tent with a tent waterproofing spray.
SEASONING VS WATERPROOFING
When you bring a new canvas tent you will see about million needle holes in it and these pinholes are bigger than threads. All the seams of the canvas are sewn together, As a result, micro pinholes have been creating. And water can enter the tent through all these holes.
So the pinholes or seams have to be sealed through the seasoning process. The tent has to be soaked and dried a few times during the seasoning process, the canvas expands as a result of wetting and the compression fills the holes. This way you can waterproof the tent by closing the micro pinholes.
The tent should not be waterproofed with silicone waterproofing spray in new condition. After a few years of using the canvas tent, the pinholes may leak then you can waterproof the tent with a waterproofing spray.
HOW TO WATERPROOF A CANVAS TENT
The easiest and greatest way to make your tent waterproof is to apply a waterproofing spray. Usually, waterproof sprays do not destroy the ventilation of the fabric and seal the pores on the canvas well. So choose a waterproof spray based on silicone or fluoropolymer.
So let’s take a step-by-step look at how to make the canvas waterproof with a waterproof spray.
WHAT PRODUCTS DO YOU NEED?
- Waterproofing spray
- Paintbrush
- Ladder
- Sealant
- Cleaning supplies
Note: To make the tent waterproof, you should choose a sunny day so that the tent dries completely very well.
STEP-1: SET UP THE CANVAS TENT AND CLEAN IT WELL
Set up the tent in a sunny place and place the ladder in the corner of the tent. The ladder is needed to clean and spray every corner of the tent.
Thoroughly clean all the dirt and grime in your tent with detergent and a soft sponge. You can use a stiff brush to remove any stubborn germs.
Also clean the tent rain-fly, floor, and zippers. Wash everything. Make sure there is no dirt left in your tent.
STEP-2: APPLY A WATERPROOFING SPRAY
Once the canvas is well cleaned, apply a thin layer of waterproof spray to the tent. Coat the entire tent evenly. Cover the holes well, and apply a double layer with a paintbrush on a hole.
Also, apply waterproofing spray well on rain-fly and tent floors.
STEP-3: APPLY SEALANT ON THE SEAMS
Tent seams should ensure the best protection. Because most of the water can enter the inside of the tent through the seams. So waterproof the seams with a silicone sealant. Apply a double layer of sealant on the seams to provide extra protection. In that case, you need to choose a flexible sealant so that it is not difficult to fold the tent.
STEP-4: WIPE OF EXCESS
Remove any excess of the spray on the surface of the tent with a damp cloth.
STEP-5: DRY THE TENT AFTER THE SPRAY IS COMPLETE
Applied spray to everything in the tent, now gives it 12 hours to dry. You can give it more time to dry well. Once dry, check if the tent is waterproof. To test, throw water into the tent with a hose. And if you don’t feel satisfied, repeat the process, and apply multiple layers of waterproof spray.
CONCLUSION
A waterproof tent ensures your comfortable camping, so you need to make sure your tent is waterproof. In that case, you need to take care of the tent and make it waterproof so that water does not reach inside your tent.
Make your tent waterproof and make the trip memorable by following the simple steps to waterproof the above tent.
HAPPY CAMPING…