Reference Guide For Selling Camping Tents Online
Reference Guide For Selling Camping Tents Online
Blog Article
Weathering and Waterproofing Your Canvas Tent
A good quality canvas tent does not need external waterproofing because of its tight weave. However, it does require re-impregnating every 12 months to keep the materials in peak condition.
What is the easiest pop up tent?
Many synthetic sprays are available that promise to seal canvas from wet weather. The problem is that they contain chemicals which damage the canvas and are not environmentally friendly.
Weathering
Most canvas tents (including the ones we sell) need to go through a process called ‘weathering’ before they are fully waterproof. This is done by soaking the canvas in water and then leaving it to dry out. This seals up any holes made by stitching and ensures your tent is waterproof even if it does rain while you’re camping!
This can be a bit of an inconvenience for some people who want to take their new tent out camping straight away but it’s well worth the effort in the long run. Having your tent weathered will also help prevent any mould or mildew build up.
To do this, set up your tent in a sunny area and then saturate it with cold water from a hose or sprinkler. Make sure all areas of the canvas are soaked but pay particular attention to the seams. When the tent is wet, it will pull tight and the cotton fibres will swell – this sealing any holes.
Seam Sealing
Canvas tents are breathable, but heavy exposure to water over long periods of time can damage the fabric. Moisture seeping into tiny holes in the canvas can host mold and mildew, which degrades the tent over time.
Seam sealing is a simple way to protect a tent from moisture. Unlike traditional waterproofing sprays, which require frequent retreatment and often contain toxic chemicals, polyethylene sealant is a natural and effective alternative.
You can apply the polyethylene sealant using a paintbrush or a roller, following the instructions on the label. For best results, apply the sealant on a sunny day to speed up the drying process.
You can also add a rainfly to your canvas tent for additional protection from rain and snow. Some rainfly fabrics are reversible so that you can switch sides when the weather changes. If you decide to use a rainfly, be sure to properly store the tent so that it remains dry and mold-free.
Retreatment
Typically, if your canvas tent leaks around seams or ties when you first set it up, this is perfectly normal and will be fixed by the cotton fibers as they expand during the weathering process. It is also possible to patch minor rips and tears in the field with a threading kit and scrap piece of canvas.
To prevent mold and mildew development, you should always break camp in a dry environment and make sure the tent is completely dry before storing it long term. Leaving a wet tent out for too long can lead to mildew or mold growth, and this is particularly true of natural materials like canvas.
In order to protect your tent from fungus, you should regularly retreat the fabric with a waterproofing treatment such as Kiwi Camp Dry. This solution is water based and summer camp wedding does not plug up the tiny pores in the fabric as other treatments might, thereby protecting your tent's breathability.
Storage
Canvas tents need to be kept dry as fungus can attack the canvas, especially in high humidity climates. If you notice any signs of mould you should deal with it immediately. Harsh detergents will damage the tent but a diluted mix of white vinegar will kill any spores and clean the fabric. Then increase ventilation and allow the tent to dry before storing it for extended periods.
It is also best to store your tent away from bushes and trees as leaves, twigs, bird droppings and sap can all cling to the canvas. It is also important to store it on a surface like sand or gravel that is higher than the surrounding ground and not on grass to avoid contact with damp earth.
It is a good idea to clean your tent after every use with a soft brush or sponge and mild soap. Regular cleaning will keep your canvas tent looking new and extend its lifespan.
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