Home >> Hobbies >> Other Hobbies

How to Treat Canvas

Canvas is a cotton-based fabric commonly used for gazebos, tents and canopies. It is plain woven and the cotton fibers are naturally water-resistant, but not waterproof. This is because the fibers can absorb a lot of the water, but this makes the fabric much heavier. If the canvas is going to be spending a lot of time outdoors, it is advisable to treat the canvas with a waterproofing agent at least once a year.

Things You'll Need

Waterproofing agent

Instructions

- 1
  Clean the canvas before waterproofing. Any dirt or grease on the fabric will get trapped under the agent and have a negative effect on the waterproofing. Scrubbing with a household cleaner is acceptable, but for the best results clean in a washing machine.
- 2
  Dry the canvas outdoors. This will remove all the water from the fibers without damaging the material, which may happen in a machine dryer.
- 3
  Lay out the canvas on a flat surface. For the best results, choose a warm day with little wind.
- 4
  Apply the waterproofing agent in lengthwise strips across the canvas. Waterproofing agents come in aerosol form, which is why it is best to choose a windless day.
- 5
  Repeat the last step, this time applying the agent width-wise across the canvas, ensuring that all the canvas has been waterproofed. Leave to dry for 24 hours.
- 6
  Add extra protection by repeating the last two steps on the other side of the canvas. This is not strictly necessary, but is advisable.

Other Hobbies