To drench, or not to drench

[Maria]

Recently (few months ago) bought a swag and have heard mixed ideas regarding waterproofing them. Is it necessary to soak them and dry them? Do they leak in rain if they haven't been soaked and dried prior?

[bay_firey]

I can remember many moons ago when starting out with a new canvas tent, being told by my dad that you had to put the tent up ay home first and give it a good hoseing down to sort of "set" the seams etc so that it would not leak when it rained
Sat out many a trpoical storm, and at times 2 - 3 days rain, in that tent with never a drop of water on the inside.

Is it "necessary " don't know, would I do it, bloody oath with out fail

[NeilD]

Many years ago I was with a mate at Noosa in his brand new canvas tent. During an afternoon thunderstorm we sat inside and you could see the minute water droplets like a mist inside. Everything got soaked. It dried out the next day and never leaked again. I would certainly give it a good soaking just to make sure.

Neil

[dugong]

check with the manufacturer
you used to soak canvas to water seal it and then a brush on sealant became available,it also stoped it going mouldy.
today with new fabrics i'm not sure if you need to do any sealing at all.
cheers

[Johnm]

Recently bought a shade {not canvas} and the manufacturer instruction was to erect and wet down so that the thread in the stitching could absorb water which would cause it to expand and seal the stitching.

It seems logical that this would also apply to canvas because it appeared to be the same type of thread used.

John m

[NMK]

Hey,

I went to the camping store the other day with a mate who was buying one and he was told to soak it over night, then dry it out in the shade.

[finding_time]

DRENCH!!!!!!! ;)