Waterproofing a tent

[okie archer]

Looking to invest in camping tent (canvas type). Don't want a leaky tent!
In my research for a tent I realize the options vary and not only size and price but also quality.
Just curious if anyone has ever tried putting some type of water repellent on their tent? I was thinking about whatever tent I go with spraying it with Thompson water sealer. Maybe this is a horrible idea I don't know. Regardless of what I go with I was thinking of getting telescoping poles and putting a tarp to serve as a rain fly over the tent as well.

 

[brymoore]

My canvas tent has been waterproof since I purchased it ~20 years ago without applying any additional chemicals.

 

[grizzly63]

I was told or recommended to use Thompson water seal as well. Arctic Sateen cloth. Not flame proof though.

 

[Tmbrgost]

I have had several canvas wall tents over the years and have never had to waterproof them. A lot of tents get abused and not maintained which causes them to leak. Here are a couple of suggestions:

1. Before using any chemicals try “seasoning” the canvas. It really works! If the canvas is dirty or has been sprayed then this won’t work.

2. Thompson’s Water seal is not what it used to be in the past. Once you start using it you will have to reapply often, maybe as much as every year. No going back once you do. Look for other options.

3. Tarps over canvas aren’t good for the canvas especially if they are rubbing and moving around on the canvas. This friction breaks down the canvas in those areas which causes it to eventually leak.

This may be helpful, it may not, it has been what has worked for me.

Waterproofing A Canvas Tent - Retreating Canvas

Looking to waterproof your canvas tent? A simply canvas waterproofing spray may do the trick. Without proper treatment, cotton canvas material is not 100% waterproof forever— many find this out the hard way once the water has already damaged their tent. Here are some tips to help retreat your...

www.lifeintents.com

Post pics when you get your tent!

 

[stealthy_bowman]

You don’t need to apply a waterproofer to canvas. All you need to do is set it up when new. Hose the outside of it down and let it dry. This allows the canvas stitching to constrict even further and you will have a fully waterproof tent. Never had a drop of water enter my canvas tent.

 

[kansasdad]

Setting up the tent so that there are not any indentations on the roof is important. Gravity is your friend to shed the water. No pooling allowed

 

[Joe Bishop]

Looking to invest in camping tent (canvas type). Don't want a leaky tent!
In my research for a tent I realize the options vary and not only size and price but also quality.
Just curious if anyone has ever tried putting some type of water repellent on their tent? I was thinking about whatever tent I go with spraying it with Thompson water sealer. Maybe this is a horrible idea I don't know. Regardless of what I go with I was thinking of getting telescoping poles and putting a tarp to serve as a rain fly over the tent as well.

Wall tent are usually made of 10oz cotton canvas, so when it rains it expands and thus seals any voids in the stitching. I’ve never had one that leaked. I always hang my tent to dry for at least a week in the garage or in the sun. Never store damp it will rot.

 

[elkduds]

This stuff worked great through a hand sprayer on my wall tents 15 years ago. I'd buy it again.

 

[Bill Zent]

If it is raining and your tent sags, do not touch the canvas with your hand/fingers to raise it up. It can weaken the waterproofing and may leak where touched.
Boy Scouts learned this a long time ago.