canvas tents are not waterproof out of the box. typically, they need to be treated before being used in rain or other inclement weather.
This guide will show you how to find out if your canvas tent is waterproof, plus the best ways of course. If it needs some extra water protection treatment then read on.
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Are Canvas Tents Waterproof or Do They Need Waterproofing?
Canvas tents are the perfect choice for outdoor adventures. They’re durable and some are water resistant right out of box.
To make the tent fully waterproof, apply a spray or spread on water-resistant material and let it dry.
The outside of this canvas shelter could be covered with anything from plastic bags to PVC pipes.
With the right preparation, your tent will be water resistant.
Kodiak canvas tents use Hydra Shield technology which combines a tight weave and silicone treatment to make them waterproof without having any issues in wet conditions; however they still recommend “seasoning” out of box before using for first time as this may improve durability over time due its protection against mother nature’s elements such us rain or snow (or even just dirt).
Kodiak Canvas Flex Bow VX Waterproof Quick Tent
To ensure your tent is water-proof, check with the manufacturer about their process for silicone waterproofing. They should be able to tell you if further treatment is needed.
But, what if I have an old canvas tent?
If you’ve got an older tent made of canvas that you’ve been putting around, but aren’t sure whether it’s waterproof, then one of the most effective ways to determine for certain is by testing it.
Find out whether your tent made of canvas is waterproof by:
- Set up the tent on your back yard.
- It is then sprayed down using the sprayer.
- Look for any leakage within the fabric or in the seams.
If your tent has leaks then you’ll need to waterproof and/or season it.
How Do You Waterproof A Canvas Tent?
Tents are often seasoned before they’re water-proofed. The process involves wetting and drying the fabric to seal it, but this also creates an easier surface for applying a waterproofing solution later on which will keep all moisture out similar to how seasoning makes your camping gear more resistant against bugs.
Although we’ve discussed the steps to waterproof tents fairly extensively the process of waterproofing the canvas tent is quite slightly different.
Materials Needed
- Nikwax Cotton Proof
- Brush or sponge
- Damp cloth
