Waterproofing Canvas

[fishy1]

I've found a lot of thick canvas, totally untreated. I'd like to make a tent from it, but how do I proof it? I hear some say just water will shrink it enough to proof it, is this right?
Should I use nikwax cotton proofing? Make waxed cotton from it?

 

[andy_e]

Nikwax cotton proof probably won't be enough, I've found the best it does is add a bit of water repellency. From previous posts I think you'd have better results with a good soak in Fabsil.

 

[fishy1]

So is nikwax cotton proof more of a maintance thing?

Is it this fabsil? http://www.surplusandoutdoors.com/ishop/877/shopscr295.html
It seems to recommend it for nylon, but it's be fine for canvas? Should I wash the cotton before to make it shrink?

 

[Chopper]

Definatly Fabsil, and lots of it.

 

[fishy1]

And how many coats do you reckon?

 

[andy_e]

Yeah, that's the stuff. Have never used Fabsil myself, but a search here should bring up plenty of info.

I've used cotton proof on trousers and items I only needed to make shower-proof, as I found this was the best it could offer. Maybe others have had better results.

Edit: the post here suggests you might want to soak the fabric in Fabsil.

http://www.bushcraftuk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=25996&highlight=fabsil

 

[fishy1]

Does fabsil make it totally unbreathable? If so, is there another thing I can use that will let it remain breathable?

 

[canadianwildman]

there a way to water proof canvas i dont know how put i seen a way to do it in woodcraft and camping by nessmuk

 

[w00dsmoke]

Thompsons waterseal from places such as B and Q. It is just as good if not better than what you buy out of camping shops. Check out the tin and read what it says re fabric. I've used it for years.

 

[John Fenna]

Our Scouts use Mesowax - thats all I know....

 

[jojo]

At the bottom of the page, Allen tells you how to make oil cloth the old fashion way: http://womenofthefurtrade.com/page5.html

 

[Lithril]

I've used either Thomsons or Ronseal (think it was the same stuff you put on brick work ) before on horse rugs and it works a treat at making them waterproof, lasts well too.

 

[Still Waters]

Ive use thompsons water seal on my lavvu,smocks,trousers and bags
I also treat new leather boots with it.

Its great stuff and very fairly priced it does smell for a few days though.