How to Waterproof a Canvas Tent

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If you are still camping in a canvas tent, someday you will have to waterproof it. Although canvas is durable and has been used for years to make tents, it eventually will leak when it rains. There are several methods for waterproofing a canvas tent, but this easy one will keep your tent free from leaks for quite awhile.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Tips on Waterproofing a Canvas Tent

Things You’ll Need:

Canvak (a canvas preservative) Paint brush Ladder
Canvak (a canvas preservative)
Paint brush
Ladder

Step 1

Canvak, a canvas preservative, can be found in the paint section of a home improvement store or in the camping section of an outdoors store.

Step 2

Choose a sunny day to waterproof your tent. This will guarantee that the waterproofing material will dry completely.

Step 3

Set up the tent in an area of your yard where you can reach every part of it. You may need a ladder to reach the top of the tent. You can waterproof the tent while it's lying flat, but it's easier to do it if you set up the tent.

Step 4

Begin at the top of the tent and use a paint brush to apply the Canvak. Put a thin coat all over the canvas.

Step 5

Allow the tent to dry completely. It's dry when the Canvak is no longer sticky to the touch. Store the tent. Store any unused portion of the Canvak away from intense heat or flames.

Tips & Warnings

Never clean your canvas tent in a washing machine. Never pack away your canvas tent if it's wet; it can attract mold and mildew

Never clean your canvas tent in a washing machine.

Never pack away your canvas tent if it's wet; it can attract mold and mildew

Article Written By Joyce Starr

Joyce Starr is a professional writer from Florida and owns a landscaping company and garden center. She has published articles about camping in Florida, lawn care and gardening and writes for a local gardening newsletter. She shares her love and knowledge of the outdoors and nature through her writing.

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