While most tents come with a waterproof rating, they are liable to leaks without seasoning and waterproofing. To prevent being drenched, you must take steps to go completely waterproof Canvas Tent. This is essential to prevent rainwater from permeating the minute holes in the canvas fibres and flooding your tent.

In this guide, we discuss the complete process of seasoning and waterproofing your tents and include maintenance tips to extend the lifespan of your new Canvas Tent. Let's get into it!

What Is Seasoning?

A canvas tent is made from weaving fibres. During manufacturing, small holes are formed between the fabric fibres allowing water to leak through. Seasoning your canvas tent means soaking it in water. The idea is once your canvas gets sufficiently wet, the fibres will swell up and expand. Thus, filling up the holes from weaving and preventing water from leaking through.

If you set up your new canvas tent without first seasoning, you will most certainly get drenched when it rains. Granted, repeated exposure to rainwater will do some work to expand the individual fibres of the canvas. However, it will take multiple heavy rainstorms before the fabric gets sufficiently enlarged to close those holes.

In a way, what you are doing by seasoning is preventing any future leaks by thoroughly soaking your tent in water before camping. This is the first part, and sometimes the only process, of making a completely waterproof canvas tent. Most often, you will need to do this annually to cover all bases since the expanded fibres can contract after a while.

How to Season a Canvas Tent

Seasoning is the first step to completely waterproofing your canvas tent. Most often, seasoning your canvas tent is enough to completely waterproof it. The downside visit must be done regularly.

To season your canvas tent, follow the steps below:

1. First, set up your tent on level ground. You need to ensure that the tent has been erected accurately. Use all the guy ropes, loops, and included pegs to do this.
2. Next, grab a hose, not a jet spray or pressure hose, because these can destroy the manufacturer’s waterproofing feature on the canvas. Then carefully drench the tent and seams. First, the water will fail to penetrate the canvas and instead form beads on the surface. Eventually, it will begin to soak in, particularly at the seams. Keep at this for about 5 minutes or until you notice the canvas has been thoroughly soaked.
3. Once the tent is thoroughly soaked, allow it to dry. Since you have erected it, you only have to leave it a while and it will dry completely.
4. The soaking process is complete in the first three steps. However, we recommend carrying out the above steps two more times over a week to guarantee excellent results; with each soaking, there will be even less leaking.
5. On your last shower, inspect the interior of the canvas to see if water leaked through. If water is still seeping through, you might need to use a seam sealing product to ensure that specific part is waterproof.

What Is Waterproofing?

Now that you're clear on what seasoning is and how it helps your tent, you might be wondering what waterproofing does if seasoning makes it waterproof. The reason this process exists is that seasoning is unable to keep the small holes closed forever. Especially in older tents, the fibres can thin out, reopening more than a few holes. Waterproofing ensures those holes stay closed.

Here, you must apply a product that forms a barrier between your tent fibres. Ideally, when you get a new canvas tent, you should season it before waterproofing. Both processes are optional. But if you notice your tent is leaking even after it’s been thoroughly seasoned, then you must waterproof it as well.

How to Waterproof Your Canvas Tent

Leaking canvas tents attract mould which gives off that old mildew odour. It is therefore crucial to take the necessary steps to prevent leaks. On the other hand, failing to waterproof a canvas tent properly leaves you with a soggy tent that brings the odour of mildew almost immediately.

The steps outlined below will work for you if you've just purchased a canvas tent and have decided to waterproof it or noticed a couple of leaks in an older canvas tent. We advise that you follow it completely to fully and effectively waterproof your canvas tents.

Step 1 - Choose a waterproofing product

There are two main types of products to select from—fluoropolymer and silicone waterproofing sprays. Both of them are made of silicone rubber; however, fluoropolymer products usually have more water, weather, and oil resistance compared to silicone. You may use any of them, but we recommend a fluoropolymer spray. Besides the spray, a seam seal is also crucial for additional seam protection. Choose one that works well on canvas.

Step 2 - Set up your tent

Next, lay out your canvas tent. Check the forecast for good weather before deploying your tent. When setting up, also be sure to use all the poles and stakes to position your tent correctly. Set up your tent in a spacious place outdoors to allow enough room to move around the fabric and spray its entire exterior.

Step 3 - Clean your tent

This is very important. If your canvas tent is dirty, you must clean it with water and soap, and allow it to dry. For old tents, the chances of finding dirt patches on the surface are even higher. Remove all dirt entirely before you begin waterproofing. If your tent has mould or mildew, you can use a mildew stain remover to get rid of them.

Use a soft brush and distilled white vinegar to clean your canvas tent. You can use mild dish soap if you do not have access to distilled white vinegar. But under no circumstances should you use a product with bleach, as this can damage the canvas.

To clean the tent, dip the soft brush in the dish soap or vinegar solution and gently scrub the dirt patches. Repeat the process until you have gotten rid of all the dirt on your canvas tent.

Step 4 - Spray the tent

Now, it's time to waterproof your canvas tent. First, shake the can of waterproofing spray you purchase well, then apply it. We recommend checking the body of the spray for any application instructions. Once the spraying is done, you can follow it with the seam seal.

You can apply the waterproofing spray only on the spots you've noticed are leaking or can cover the whole canvas with it. But only use the seam seal along the canvas seam where the walls and floor are attached. The tent should only be covered in a light coat. If your tent is very big, you might need a ladder to reach the top.

Once the waterproofing spray is dry, check whether to see if the spray worked and to what degree. You can test this with a water hose or any source of water and gently water the tent. Inspect the inside for any areas where the water is leaking through and cover these spots in another light coat of waterproofing spray.

Step 5 - Let it dry

Once you've confirmed that no parts of your canvas tent leak, leave it to completely dry before packing it or taking it on a camping trip. All the moisture on the tent has to be gone. Packing it up when it is still slightly wet can cause it to shrink, and can produce a bad odour.

For a thorough job, apply another coating 4 hours after the first application. This ensures you are protected as much as possible from leakages and rain when using the tent.

Canvas Tent Maintenance Tips

Many owners do not realize that just as much as moisture, rodents like mice and pests pose severe threats to tents in storage. Thus, I have highlighted the tips below to keep your tent in the best storage state

Tip #1 - Do not store your tent wet

Whenever you put your tent in the bag, ensure the groundsheet, guy lines, and poles are fully dry. If you'll need to leave the camp while it's still wet, put the tent together for transport and let it air dry for at least a day. You can bring it inside to dry before packing if outdoor drying is not an option.

Tip #2 - Store your tent in high and dry spots

Your tent should be stored in a cool and dry spot. Do not keep your canvas tent in dark and damp basements or attics. And if the storage space is vulnerable to flooding or has a leaking roof, keep your tent in a space away from the water in the case of a leak.

Tip #3 - Always pack your tent when clean

Grass and dirt retain moisture, which fosters the growth of mould. Before putting the tent away, sweep or clean it inside and out.

Tip #4 - Take measures against pests

If you intend to store your tent for a long time, keep it away from rodents and pests. You may store it in a large can with a lid, preferably made of plastic. Please make sure that it is clean and dry.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some frequently asked questions about waterproofing and seasoning a canvas tent.

Conclusion

Seasoning is an efficient method of keeping water out of your tent. But waterproofing offers maximum protection from the elements and plugs any holes not taken care of by seasoning. The latter comes with disadvantages like reducing the breathability of your canvas tent.

But whichever you go with, be sure to properly maintain your canvas tent to extend its lifespan. And choose the right tent, for the right outdoor camping experience. Check out our in-depth guides on the best tents for hiking, best one-person tents, motorcycle tent camping, and hard-shell rooftop camping.