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Waterproofing IdeasFor those that care, or need to know, or ever wondered, I have successfully waterproofed a big wall tent. This sucker was sooted up real bad and my wife and her sister were detirmined to get it clean. Between the scrub brushes and the Tide and Cheer there was not a hint of waterproofing left in the fabric. It flooded out one group that tried to use it last year. Wetter inside than out during only a mild rain! I set it up two days ago and sprayed it with Olympic waterseal from Lowes. This brand costs $45 per 6 gallon can/$10.88 per 5 qt. can. This is a linseed base formula and can be applied in any way you desire. I used a garden sprayer with the fan shaped nozzle for a wide spray. I saturated the tent both inside and out with extra application to the seams. The tent is a 12x14 and it required 4 gallons of liquid before I felt sure the roof was saturated and the walls adequetely protected. I applied the liquid uncut, straight from the can. I added nothing. I took out nothing. I did not bake or chill the contents. I did not taste it to insure proper flavor. I simply shook it up and sprayed it on! The tent has baked in the sun for two days but the tempature has never exceeded 80 degrees. Mild by any standards. The instructions recommended two days of dry conditions. You will want at least two days due to the odor of linseed oil that will linger until the tent is thoroughly dry. It has been raining for two hours this morning. The rate has been about an inch per hour and the wind has been gusting up to about 20 mph. I have been sitting in the tent for one hour. No water or mist has passed through the fabric. The inside of the shelter is dry. This tent is a Panther and is sunforager canvas. I have used this brand previously on a 10oz canvas painter's tarp, with successful water repellency, and the fabric is still sound after 5 years. I used it with 8 oz canvas and found the weave was too open to insure protection. A mist formed as the droplets blasted throught the open weave of the fabric. If your tent is made from close weave cotton canvas this stuff will waterproof it at a reasonable price.
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