Comments on: Waterproofing a tent

By: Eagle121

Eagle121 — Wed, 16 Apr 2008 23:56:41 +0000

I completely agree with ACW with regards to Thompsons Waterseal. I have an official BSA canvas pyramid tent that I bought when I first started Scouting in 1977, and it is still waterproof. When I was using it regularly, I would re-waterproof it every spring. But now, I only use it two or three times a year, and the last time I put a coat of Thompsons on it was in 2000. I used it last summer, and it remained dry during a two week campout, through three gale-force storms. Thompsons is simply amazing stuff. Just don’t use it on synthetic tents though–it will eat them right up…

By: CampScout10

CampScout10 — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 15:35:01 +0000

My old tent leaked…so I bought a new one that one leaked too! Once I did this it stoped leaking!!!:):):)

By: 427626

427626 — Fri, 14 Mar 2008 22:36:47 +0000

an emergency blanket (not the foil looking kind) works really well as a “ground tarp” inside the tent. I lay mine out inside the tent. it also helps with cleaning-just shake out the tarp instead of the whole tent.

By: ACW

ACW — Thu, 13 Mar 2008 14:35:41 +0000

The best I’ve used for canvas is Thompsons Waterseal. This stuff works on cement, wood decks and YES on Tents. I have a tent that is well over 20 years old and it made it smell like new again. The tent will NOT get hard and brittle. Set the tent up and buy a cheap squirt bottle or use an empty windex bottle and spray from the top down. Wet the canvas good and work your way to the bottom. It stinks and takes a while to dry so do it on a sunny day and have enough time. One gallon will do an 8′ x 10′ canvas cabin tent. The trick is to wet the canvas good, so it is better to have too much than too little. If your tent has mildew issues wash them out with soap and water, let dry before sealing. I have not used this on Nylon tents or materials other than canvas so don’t advise it.

By: scout 1139

scout 1139 — Sun, 09 Mar 2008 16:53:45 +0000

i dont understand when he says put it along the perimeter on the floor someone explain please????

By: Dixie Runner

Dixie Runner — Sun, 09 Mar 2008 02:46:35 +0000

What is the hot setup to waterproof an old canvas military tent that leaks through the canvas. This tent is about 15ft in diameter and about 10ft tall with 6ft sides. I would need several gallons to apply witha roller or a sprayer. Please advise what and where I could find ti. Thank you very much!

By: Troop29

Troop29 — Mon, 25 Feb 2008 02:17:30 +0000

Awesome! Last camping trip my sleeping bag was drenched with water! Too bad I didn’t bring one of these along.

By: Navycoat

Navycoat — Fri, 21 Dec 2007 00:44:05 +0000

I’d like to try this too! It’s good that the products are cheap!

By: Troop 215

Troop 215 — Tue, 18 Dec 2007 23:08:09 +0000

I’v had the same problem, I’ll try this.

By: Chris

Chris — Thu, 08 Nov 2007 01:06:24 +0000

Cool. I have both products