Canvas waterproofing

[Tom Dunlap]

I bought a Kamparoo trailer and now I need to waterproof the canvas.

Kamparoo

Of course, there are lots of products, each with its fans. What have TreeBuzzers used?

I'm not going to use a silicone based aerosal spray on like Scotchguard.

Thanks!

 

[Toparboring]

I have always used camp dry.

 

[jim454]

Try this stuff,
http://www.joesarmynavyonline.com/catalog/s7_513996_imageset_01.jpg

 

[boreality]

Have a cheap tarp extenda roof to keep the sun off as well.

 

[rfwoodvt]

We had a really, really old popup as well as an old canvas tent. We used thompsons' water seal on both and that worked really well.

The only down side is that it did make the canvas heavier and the tompsons left an odor that never seemed to go away. Not an offensive odor but definitely something that you might grow weary of.

 

[Tom Dunlap]

Canvak has a good reputation. the catch is that it has a lingering odor reminiscent of WWII tents. Not unpleasant memories but I'd rather not have that.

Thompson's used to be used for canvas waterproofing but they changed the formula in the last few years and it isn't recommended anymore.

Plastic tarps ain't in it. They rip and flap around too much.

My inclination is going towards a NikWax product meant for cotton. It is water based and has a good rep. I've used other NikWax products with great success.

 

[boreality]

How about a nice tarp anchored aloft in the surrounding trees? You'd have wildlife coming for a siesta.

 

[Tom Dunlap]

In some parks there are regs about tying to trees.

The boreal forest is full of trees. Not so in most of Texas

I'm going to make a tarp awning out of nylon. The camper will still need waterproofing.

 

[rfwoodvt]

Tom,

Apparently Sunbrella recommends this stuff:

http://www.303products.com/shop303/index.cfm/category/29/303-high-tech-fabric-guard.cfm

not sure it is what you want but it's a start.

 

[Tom Dunlap]

303 is on my list too. I think its a silicone based 'proofer which doesn't work with some other treatments. Good stuff though it seems.

 

[marlinspiker]

maybe not entirely a practical modern day recipe but I thought you might enjoy. The 19th century gore tex was oil cloth. Oil cloth was sail cloth, coated in japan dryer, linseed oil and lamp black. Works remarkably well. I made some tents out of this material in the 90s.

 

[Tom Dunlap]

In the day that would have been the go-to choice. I know that various oil-based recipes work on canvas and cotton.

Take a look at this crew:

The Surgeon's Mate by Patrick O'Brian---cover

 

[boreality]

I found this forum for canvas tents. It sounds like many states require water, mildew, and fire resistant treatment by the manufacturer.

http://wintertrekking.com/index.php?topic=1066.0

 

[Tom Dunlap]

Thanks for the link!

It cools me down seeing the northern boreal forest in winter!

Today it will be in the upper nineties and I'm airspading here in Austin. To stay mentally cool I remember some of the winter treks into the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness and Quetico.

I've settled on using NikWax Cotton Proofing treatment. The stuff will be delivered next week.