Do you own a canvas tent? Have you been searching for the best waterproofing for canvas tents that will be worth your money?
Well, we have compiled a great list of the best so that you will feel safe when buying waterproofing for the canvas tent.
3 best waterproofing for canvas tents
The Star Brite Waterproofing Spray
If there is a waterproofing spray you should have on your side while camping, it is the Star Brite spray. It is rated amongst the best waterproofing for canvas tents and is manufactured in the US.
It is imperative to note that since 1973, Star Brite has been in the marine industry and is well known for providing high-quality products. More so, its spray offers amazing protection to your canvas tent.
It will boost the water-repelling quality of the tent so that you will have nothing to worry about when spending the night with nature. In addition, Star Brite is capable of making your canvas tent completely waterproof.
However, it will keep the tent breathable so no one can suffocate. In addition, it is produced with premium and top-grade chemicals that will make you not notice any changes in the fabric’s texture.
Pros:
- Full water protection
- Breathable tent
- UV ray protection
Cons:
- The sprayer is unimpressive
Why do we love it?
I like using Star Brite on my umbrellas and even car tops. It also comes with a three-in-one combo that will protect the tent from stains, UV rays, and water.
The Bickmore Gard-More Spray
As one of the best waterproofing for canvas tents, the Bickmore spray is a multipurpose conditioner used in waterproofing tents. Understand that it can be used on diverse surfaces.
And some of these surfaces comprise leather, canvas, suede, and much more. It is a spray that offers amazing protection from water, and the materials used in its creation are high quality.
Even when it dries up, it does not smell. This spray is made in the United States, so it does not compromise its manufacturing standards.
Pros:
- Has multipurpose functions
- Used on diverse surfaces
- Stain repellent
Cons:
- The bottle is quite loose
- Frequent application is needed
Why do we love it?
Irrespective of how heavy the rain falls when camping, I always sleep dry because this spray works wonderfully. More so, it repels water.
The Gear Aid Silnet
One of the best waterproofing for canvas tents on our list is the Gear Aid Silnet. However, even though it is not regarded as a water-repellent spray, it manages to successfully help in keeping the tent waterproof.
It can seal up to eighty-five square feet of your tent floors, tarps, and rainfly. In addition, it can be used in restoring old PU coatings that have become sticky, degrading, or flaky.
This waterproofing will keep your canvas tent completely waterproof, as the materials used in its creation are top-quality. With the Gear Aid, be rest assured that your seams will not crack over time.
Pros:
- Highly affordable
- Heavily reliable
- There is no smell
Cons:
- It takes a long time to apply
Why do we love it?
I love this waterproofing seam sealer because it can build a stretchable seal on your tent. Furthermore, due to its clear adhesive, there is no stinky smell, and one can sleep peacefully.
How to apply waterproofing on canvas tents
Now that you know the best waterproofing for canvas tents, you should know how to apply it in real life. The steps are:
Cleaning the tent
Before applying the waterproofing product, you will need to gently scrub the tent to eliminate all dirt. For those with very dirty tents, it is ideal for hosing the entire thing down using a light spray setting.
Using the product
Use the waterproofing spray and seam seal you bought when the tent is clean enough.
It is imperative to note that you must use your seam seal along every seam wherever the walls attach to the floor and one another. Then, the waterproofing spray can be used on the leaking parts.
Nevertheless, you can use it on the whole tent if you follow the instructions with the product.
Testing the tent
Once the waterproofing product gets dried, pitch your tent and test to see if the spray worked.
You will do this by grabbing a hose and subtly drenching the tent. Then, go inside the tent to check if the water leaked into it.
If the water leaks, you should go to the leaky spots and use the waterproofing product on it again.
Allow it to dry
If the tent should pass the test you carried out above, allow it to dry. It would help if you left it assembled so it will not shrink because the canvas shrinks when wet.
You can dry it in the sun to speed up the drying procedure. Remember that canvas tents can handle lots of UV light, although leaving them in the sun for a long time is not advisable.
How to maintain a canvas tent?
Knowing the best waterproofing product to buy, you should also know how to maintain canvas tents. You can maintain your canvas tents by:
Correctly store the tent
The ideal way to store the canvas tent is by keeping it in a cold yet dry place. In such conditions, you will not have to battle mildew and mold. Plus, you can store the canvas tent in a plastic container to prevent parasites from drilling holes.
Cleaning should be done once every season
You are to clean your tent once every year, even if it does not look dirty. You can clean the tent with a water and vinegar combination to ensure it is clean and comfortable for a while.
As for molds, get them off your tent regularly, especially before your yearly waterproofing.
Frequently Asked Questions(FAQs)
It can be done after you buy the tent and, with time, waterproof it regularly every month, no matter how many times you go camping.
You can find very affordable and really good products. However, you will always find expensive products lurking around.
Conclusion
Some of the best waterproofing for canvas tents have been outlined in this article. We implore that you read through to make the best choice when purchasing waterproofing. Using these products ensures that your tent stays dry longer and you can enjoy camping outdoors more.
Even the best pop up tents require a bit of waterproofing now and again to keep it dry in the wet seasons.