

| Subject: | canvas waterproofing |
| From: | Dan Houg |
| Date: | Tue, 16 Jul 1996 12:43:20 CST6CDT |
i know this topic has been thru a few times but i thought i'd give some recent observations. I've tried a variety of waterproofing agents ie. silicone sprays, stuff you throw in the washer, water-based oxysiliane (or something) sprays, and fancy schmancy sprays in bottles from RV stores. i have to say that my favorite for canvas is simply (and cheapest) Thompsons Water Seal. this is an old Girl Scout trick. the Boy Scouts don't seem to have a clue on this one (among many other things). paint it on thick with a brush, don't try to spray it. have it soak into the fabric well then let it dry. the can says let it dry for 48 hours before use. i would easily double that! after about 24 hours the thing still smells awful you'll think 'what have i done?' and at 48 hours it will be drier but still tacky. let it dry a bunch more and the canvas returns to its original texture but with a nice ability to bead water on the vertical walls and allow ponding on the roof sections without drip thru. the canvas seems to remain breathable.
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