BWCA Home made canvas tent treatment Boundary Waters Winter Camping and Activities
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10/11/2018 03:40PM   (Thread Older Than 3 Years)
I am finally getting ready to finish up my home made canvas tent. My question is whether or not I need to treat the canvas with any type of water repellent? My initial thought was to turn it inside out and light a small smoky fire in there and let the smoke treat it, but I don't have any scientific reason for this other than I think it would work...

Any better and more experienced ideas?
 
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SevenofNine
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10/11/2018 07:46PM  
Smoke is not a waterproof treatment that much I can say. Adding waterproofing will only add unnecessary weight. A tight weave cotton should swell in light rain thereby create a barrier to rain. If you decide to go ahead and treat your tent anyways consider treating only the roof. Interesting topic.
wingnut
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10/12/2018 07:26AM  
A lightweight fly might be another option.
10/12/2018 09:16AM  
I suspect a lot depends on what type of canvas you used. My inclination would be to test it out in the backyard in a prolonged rain if possible, or under the sprinkler, to see how well it holds up before treating. And whether or not it works, you'll be filling the inside with smoke from the stove from time to time anyway!
Arcola
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10/13/2018 08:57AM  
If it is untreated, it will leak; however, the stove heat drives much of the moisture off in light rain/snow conditions. That being said, are you willing to take the chance of not being ready for heavier conditions? A tarp over the top will keep it more "breathable" and weather-proof. I silicon treated mine, but am considering a tarp for snow to slide off.


OldFingers57
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10/14/2018 01:30PM  
We used to use Thompson's Water Seal on all of our canvas tents at our local Boy Scout camp for the 15 years I worked there. We just sprayed it on.
10/16/2018 09:08AM  
Thanks for all the responses, they give me a lot to ponder. I hadn't thought about a tarp, or the amazing "snow slide" quality it would provide, I might try that, as I have some extra guide gear tarps laying around.
 
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