How to make a Tent Waterproof

Do I need to waterproof my tent?

Waterproofing and old tent

Yes, you should waterproof your tent if it is old and leaking or a new canvas or ripstop tent.

An old tent should be waterproofed as the need arises, but waterproofing a used tent or canvas canopy is a risky activity. The risk of failure when sealing a used canvas comes mostly from the sealant that is applied unevenly.

Caravan and tent owners who are not active handymen or women could find that they applied the sealant unevenly which leads to leaking spots.

A sealant that is not applied strictly with the manufacturer’s instructions often fails.

Resealing a tent must be done in the best surroundings. Most of the reseal failures we see have to do with sealant applied unevenly, applied in direct sunlight with the expectation that it will dry quickly but then cracks, or applied in damp conditions that lead to the sealant not drying properly.

There are campers who report that they successfully resealed their tents. Most of them are seasoned DIYers.

We would not advise resealing your old tent if it is your first DIY project.

How do I make a new camping tent waterproof?

A new caravan or camping tent needs to be set up and sprayed well with a garden hose and sprayer.

Canvas and ripstop tents both need this treatment. It is important that you do not use a pressure washer as that subjects the canvas to forces that are rarely encountered in natural rain.

The correct way is to spray the tent in the same way soft rain will fall on it. That allows the canvas to absorb the water without resistance and let the canvas be thoroughly soaked.

This method is required for both traditional canvas and modern ripstop.

How do you seal a tent?

Modern canvas sealant is silicon-based and water-repellant.

Modern tents are mostly made from ripstop which is made from a polyester and cotton blend.

Research showed that a 33/67% polyester/cotton blend provided the highest waterproof properties. Ripstop available in the trade is mostly a 35/65% polyester/cotton blend with a 50/50 ratio also available. Natural latex can also be used as a water repellant but due to the cost implications, it is not used for camping tent canvas.

A silicon-based sealant that is applied according to the manufacturer’s instructions will often be adequate. Factory sealing sometimes involves the silicon being applied at low pressure.

Most canvas resealing is done by hand with paint brushes.

How do I make an old camping tent waterproof?

You can waterproof an old tent but success depends largely on the condition of the canvas.

Traditional canvas tends to get damaged or weakened by any kind of friction. This leads to weak spots and friction stains on the canvas. Another cause of leaking spots on canvas is that people wash their tents with water, soap and hard brushes. Canvas doesn’t like aggressive scrubbing as it damages the fibre.

One place where leakages in tents often occur is the seams. Especially in new tents, a leak during the first rain you encounter can often be found on the seams.

This is the result of the manufacturer using sub-standard thread or a needle that is too thick. A thick needle makes larger holes and if the stitch holes are thicker than the thread, you can be sure that you will have leaks.

Sub-standard thread always means a shorter lifespan, quicker leaks, and seam thread that frays.

Canvas sealant cannot seal fibres that are severed over a large area, because the sealant must then substitute for the fibres. Sealing any material is just a way of repairing the leaking spot, not the material itself.

HOW TO WATERPROOF RIPSTOP CANVAS

Ripstop nylon is a popular waterproof material used in many outdoor and camping gear due to its durability and lightweight nature.

However, if it is not waterproof, it can quickly become a problem in wet conditions. Thankfully, there are several ways to waterproof ripstop nylon to protect it from rain, water, and other moisture.

One effective way to waterproof ripstop nylon is by using a product called Canvas Revive. This product is specially designed to restore and waterproof fabric materials, including ripstop nylon. It is a water-based product that is easy to apply and does not contain harmful chemicals.

To use Canvas Revive, you will need the following materials:

• Canvas Revive
• A clean sponge or brush
• A hose or spray bottle with water

Here are the steps to waterproof ripstop nylon using Canvas Revive:

1. Clean the fabric: Before applying Canvas Revive, make sure the ripstop nylon fabric is clean and free of any dirt or debris. Use a damp sponge or brush to gently clean the fabric and let it dry completely.
2. Apply Canvas Revive: Shake the Canvas Revive bottle well and pour some of the solution onto the sponge or brush. Apply the product evenly to the ripstop nylon fabric, making sure to cover the entire surface.
3. Let it dry: After applying the product, let the ripstop nylon fabric dry completely. This may take a few hours depending on the temperature and humidity.
4. Test for water resistance: Once the fabric is dry, test it for water resistance by spraying it with water or exposing it to rain. If the water beads up and rolls off the fabric, then it has been successfully waterproofed.

Alternative ways of waterproofing ripstop canvas

Alternatively, there are other methods to waterproof ripstop nylon that do not require using a specific product like Canvas Revive.

One common way is to use a waterproofing spray that can be found in most outdoor and camping stores. These sprays typically contain a silicone-based formula that creates a waterproof barrier on the fabric.

To use a waterproofing spray, follow these steps:

1. Clean the fabric: Just like with Canvas Revive, make sure the ripstop nylon fabric is clean and free of any dirt or debris.
2. Apply the spray: Spray the waterproofing spray evenly onto the ripstop nylon fabric, making sure to cover the entire surface. Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions on how to apply the spray.
3. Let it dry: After applying the spray, let the ripstop nylon fabric dry completely. This may take a few hours depending on the temperature and humidity.
4. Test for water resistance: Once the fabric is dry, test it for water resistance by spraying it with water or exposing it to rain. If the water beads up and rolls off the fabric, then it has been successfully waterproofed.

Waterproofing ripstop nylon is an essential step in protecting used or old tents from the elements.

Whether you choose to use a specific product like Canvas Revive or a waterproofing spray, make sure to follow the instructions carefully and test the fabric for water resistance before using it in wet conditions.

With proper waterproofing, you can ensure that your gear stays dry and functional for some years but do not expect that a DIY waterproofing job will last as long as factory waterproofing.

Also, keep in mind that successful canvas waterproofing is heavily dependent on the quality and condition of the material.

Conclusion

It is best to take an old tent to a factory or to someone with a proven record of successfully waterproofing tents.

A new tent should be soaked in a light spray for at least 4 hours to enable the fibers to fully absorb the moisture and to allow the fibers to absorb enough for the canvas to seal properly.

Maxcons do not advise the waterproofing of canvas because when canvas starts to leak, the material has been damaged or has perished which means that waterproofing are mostly unsuccessful.

Waterproofing of ripstop is usually more successful and although Maxcons do not do waterproofing as a service, here is advice on how to do it yourself.