How To Waterproof Canvas

Backpacking through the countryside is an adventure that teaches important lessons you should treasure for life. There was once a traveler who was on a backpacking expedition alone and had diligently geared up all the necessary equipment based on his checklist. As days flew by, he was pleasantly weathered by good and bad experiences, people and places. On the last leg of his trip, his patience and tolerance levels were running quite low. Even a small incident would have triggered a mild breakdown. And, it happened, the monsoons began and he had to travel miles to reach his destination in water-filled areas. He reached thoroughly drenched. Taking it in stride, he enjoyed the clinging cold of his wet clothes and shoes. He retired to his hotel room with a consolation that he would be able to grab a cup of hot coffee and change to warm and dry clothes. He was devastated to find that his canvas bag was not waterproof in any sense and everything it contained was entirely soaked. He had assumed that the canvas backpack sold to him by the salesman would be waterproof, but Mother Nature proved him wrong. He realized that canvas, as a material, was water resistant, but not waterproof. After returning home, he did not return the bag, as it was tough and durable, rather decided to waterproof it himself. Do you want to follow in his footsteps? If yes, then read on and know how to waterproof your canvas tent, shoes or bags.

 

Canvas is usually used to make tents, shoes and bags. The most popular variety is the cotton fiber type. It is the oldest and is best known for its breathability. Now, it has been replaced by vinyl-coated polyester or woven acrylic. The best-suited waterproofing solution for acrylic canvases comprises of fluoropolymer-based products. Silicone is incompatible with acrylics and therefore, silicone treatment is not recommended. An alternative method is to use a petroleum sealant, which is brushed on the canvas to make it waterproof. The step-by-step process involved in waterproofing canvas has been detailed below.