So before you go splashing out on a pricey and time consuming canvas waterproofing treatment try getting your tent wet first! For waterproofing seams, there’s also the option to use seam tape instead of a sealant, so if you think this might be a better option, After you’ve checked for leaks, spread out your tent in your workspace, If the seams look dirty at all, gently clean them with a damp cloth or rubbing alcohol if necessary. For this part of the task, you will need a clean and dry workplace as described before. Take care to wipe off any surplus product with a damp cloth as you go along. There can be a number of different materials making up this part of the tent, and they each may require different attention. Now there’s no need to worry about puddles or thunderstorms, so well prepared campers can embrace a new challenge.

You should seal the seams with seam sealant on the inside of the tent or the inner side of the fly, applying approximately ¼-inch past the seams on either side. It’s worth putting in the time to be meticulous. Remember if you’re struggling to figure out the right thing to do for your tent, the label should have plenty of useful information and care instructions. The rainfly usually comes with the tent, but if you are looking to waterproof one of your older tents, you might need to consider looking into a new and modern rainfly.
Firstly you need a clean and dry workspace. Leaks in tents, after all, can develop over time and surprise us at the worst possible moments, so it’s always better to be prepared and check your equipment before each use. Here’s how to waterproof a tent base and ground cloth. But they certainly won’t provide enough protection when the wind whips up and rain starts pouring. Give a generous coating wiping off any excess with a cloth. Stake out the tent so that the fabric is stretched tightly across or between the poles (but not too tight!). Keeping your tent tightly rolled up for long periods of time can turn any dampness into mold. Although daunting, many outdoor enthusiasts are now trying camping alone, and a great first step is having an adequately waterproofed tent. Before you go covering the whole tent and all its seams in expensive tent waterproofing treatments, it’s a good idea to figure out which part of your tent is not doing its job properly. Others add UV protection. For more tips on how to be a green camper, read our article on eco-friendly camping. A rainfly has seams just like the rest of the tent, so you should seam seal it first before moving on to the fabric. If the water isn’t beading on the outside of the tent, or you notice it soaking through in places (tent-enthusiasts call this ‘wetting out’), then it could probably do with a little TLC: tent love and care.
There is no need to reproof a new tent, however, as most tents – including ours – come rainfall-ready, featuring both waterproof fabric and taped seams, which will see you through a good few uses. If the idea of treating your tent with a chemical-based treatment isn’t for you, or if you’ve left tent waterproofing too late for your upcoming trip, then you can always add a waterproof tarp to your camping set up! And we’ve already written a handy re-proofing guide for jackets, too. The rainfly usually comes with the tent, but if you are looking to waterproof one of your older tents, you might need to consider looking into a new and modern rainfly. To waterproof the main body of a tent, you will need an adequate working space, the guidelines for waterproofing other parts of the tent also apply here. For example, a tent with a 4,000mm HH would be … Follow our top tips for how to waterproof your tent for the best results. To assess your tent’s ability to repel water, set it up in your garden and wet it with a hose before going camping. These rainfly's will keep the water from landing on the tent and they can evacuate the water some distance away as well. If necessary have a sponge and water for any cleaning, and of course, you will need some waterproof spray or sealant.

Set up the tent or lay the tarp on a flat surface. It’s tired, weary, and this is starting to show on its ageing exterior. If in doubt, you can always check the tent label for care instructions. If there is water dripping through the seams then you need to reseal them with a. Next, you want to spread the tent out for maximum access to all parts.

Have a read about. Possible tent leakage can occur throughout the seams, main body fabric, or rainfly of your tent. Doing this job is easy enough, and doesn’t take that long. Hope you have a nice trip and have no problems with your tent . If it becomes visibly noticeable that the coating on your tent is flaking off, this is also a sign that you should consider re-proofing it. When the canvas preservative is no longer sticky to touch, then one knows it has dried.

There’s a lot of discussion about the differences between tents made of synthetic and natural materials, so if you want to know more, it’s worth reading into it. If not, Star Brite Waterproofing Spray, Stain Repellent + UV Protection, luxurious and durable tents for camping and glamping, 10 Adventure Documentaries You'll Not Want to Miss, Women’s Hiking Boots: The Best for Female Feet in 2019, Campfire Cooking Equipment: An Essential Guide to Wild Feasts, 10 Best Waterproof Backpacks for Wet Adventures in 2020, Why You CAN Look Forward to the 20/21 Winter Season, Night Hike: 19 Steps to Planning the Perfect Trip, Review: Wolf and Grizzly Fire Safe (And M1 Grill), Halloween Camping: 9 Eerie Ideas That Will Stop You from Sleeping, Fill a bucket with warm water and add some mild detergent or a tech wash, Gently sponge down until it is clean, paying extra attention to the seams, Apply tent waterproofing treatment before drying the tent, Apply the treatment to the tent fly all over with a spray, brush or sponge, Wipe off any excess product with a damp cloth, Leave to dry fully before packing it away, Lay the tent out on a clean, flat space with the inside of the seams facing up, Using a dry rag, wipe the seam with a small amount of rubbing alcohol to clean the fabric, Carefully remove any bits that are peeling off, Apply the seam sealant with a small brush as per the instructions. This means it’s time to reapply the waterproofing agent yourself. Waterproof spray works on tents as long as it is used for its intended purpose; in other words, waterproof spray is an excellent choice for restoring the water repellency of the rainfly or tent walls. Use the sponge and rubbing alcohol to remove any flaking coating from the floor or ground cloth. You may also want to use gloves for safety purposes, check the recommendations on your sealant if you’re unsure. Types of Waterproof Tent Fabrics. Only reproof the tent once it is completely clean. Although daunting, many outdoor enthusiasts are now trying camping alone, and a great first step is having an adequately waterproofed tent. Some tents when bought new only come with waterproofing on the key areas like the floor or the rainfly, so you might still want to add a bit of extra protection. The rainfly will ensure the water is evacuated a safe distance from your tent. The tent footprint will not only offer another layer of protection, but it will also make the floor a little softer if you are camping in rugged areas. You will also still need cleaning materials, safety gear such as gloves and a mask, and of course your sealant or waterproofing spray. Whether you’ve found a damaged seam or the tent you bought has poor water resistance to begin with, you can seal the seams easily. The “fabric” refers to the main part of your tent, the bit you sleep inside. Is water seeping through the the main fabric of the tent fly? Want some outdoor inspiration in your inbox? This coating wears out over time, so it’s necessary to reapply a new layer whenever you notice that beads don’t form anymore. Tent waterproofing may seem like a chore, but it will prolong the life of your tent by many years. Refreshing the urethane coating on the floor of the tent and the inside of the rainfly is the main barrier against water. While you’re at it, why not take a look at the cleaning and proofing products for your jackets, boots and other Trespass gear, too. Thanks for the Tips! Water proofing your home is a great way to invest money in your house for today and for the future. Are there damp patches coming up through the groundsheet? © 2020 Outdoor Command. You can use rubbing alcohol to gently clean off the existing product before you get started. But luckily, you can now refresh, revive and revitalise it back to health with help from Trespass Cleaning and Proofing products. We suggest using a little rubbing alcohol on these areas and gently rubbing off what’s loose. The best way to check your tent’s need for reproofing is to test it yourself using a water spray. Different waterproofing products are made for different materials, and tents made of natural fibers would need a different approach altogether. Most prefer just to pitch it, though we all know what a faff this can be. All Rights Reserved. This is why it helps to check for leaks before going camping, so there’s not yet someone inside producing condensation. There are much more tips and tricks that you could find, but we do not recommend or condone any of them. It is a good option to add some waterproofing as a preventative. When it comes round to the time your tent needs reproofing, pick a warm and dry day if possible. To do this, you should treat your tent to a spa day at least once every few years to keep it in tip-top condition. For this reason, you should pay special attention to them and reseal them regularly to prevent incidents. There comes a time in any tent’s life when it just can’t keep up with all your gallivanting about any more. When it comes to reproofing your tent you will need to keep an eye on the weather forecast as it really needs to be done outside and the tent may have to stay up for a while to fully dry.

You may wish to give your tent more than one coating especially if you know you are going to an area with heavy rain expected or if your tent has started to leak previously. This is important as sealants or waterproofing agents are much more effective when applied to a clean surface. The Difference Between Hiking And Trekking. Different waterproofing products are made for different materials, and tents made of natural fibers would need a different approach altogether. We promise it will be well worth your time, and you’ll be thankful next time you get caught in a rainstorm. This precaution. You should check how the waterproofing is already before starting, just set up and spray with your garden hose. Once it’s dried out it will be more waterproof. Below are different types of waterproof tent materials. The process here is similar to waterproofing the main body of your tent: Set up the rainfly over the tent (at this point the main body of your tent should be waterproofed and completely dry itself), If necessary, clean it with a sponge and water, Spray the rainfly with the hose to make it wet, Spray the entire area evenly with sealant or waterproofing spray (DWR), then take a sponge and wipe away the excess so the product can dry in an even layer (check closely the product instructions here as it may vary), Leave your tent to dry for a few hours in the sun, and never pack away until it’s completely set, So now you’ve learned how to waterproof a tent, you’re ready for the next step in planning your camping trip. I’m Luna and I’m a hiking enthusiast. What’s important to note about canvas tents, however, is that you may find they leak a little the first few times they get rained on. Having a waterproof tent is something that can be easily taken for granted and it’s essential not to forget how important proper equipment maintenance is.

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