reproofing an awning

[Mel]

Well actually a trailer tent; but same difference. As grown up daughters have young children they have no money. So we have purchased a 2nd hand trailer tent for them to get some lower cost family holidays. It is in reasonable nick for its age. I will put new tyres on it as they are old. I thought I would give the whole thing a re proofing. It is Ten Cate canvas. Anyone reproofed an awning (or TT) before? Any hints or tips?
Mel

 

[WoodlandsCamper]

Nikwax advertise in the Caravan Club magazine. We have used it on clothes and shoes, but not awnings yet. We have also used Fabsil in the past on cotton canvas.

 

[Dustydog]

Morning Mel
Back in 1983 we had a N R Nimrod trailer tent. The canvas had been damaged in a flood but was salvageable.
I can't remember what we cleaned it with but I do remember using quite a few cans of Fabsil which reproofed it very well.

Latterly I have used this stuff Nikwax Tent and Gear Solarproof Spray-On Tent Waterproofer.
The most important thing is to thoroughly clean the canvas on both sides, dry and then apply liberally the Nikwax or something similar. I believe the spray is the best and easiest way to apply.
Good luck 🙂

 

[pensioner]

I recently bought a 2.5 ltr can of Fabsil and covered 4 panels of an awning each about 3 by 2.5 mtrs and still have over half the can left.
Easy to apply with a 3inch brush and rub in with a cloth,
Used this product for years and always had good results as long as each panel is covered in one go otherwise you end up with lines.

 

[gravesyt]

Hi Mel I had a folding camper before the van for many years and did what the Pensioner has done I used Fabsil Gold put on with a paint brush then rubbed in with a cloth its a pain to do 🙁 but well worth it in the long run as it never leaked in 5 years also done the awning for the van so can highly recommend it 🙂

 

[Mel]

Thank you everyone. Is it possible to put Fabsil on with a pressure sprayer?
Mel

 

[Gagakev]

Mel, I would put it on with a brush, spraying it will go everywhere even the windows then you will spend longer trying to clean it all off again,

I used Fabsil on an awning once, it was brand new!!
Thought I would treat it before it got wet
Didnt realise at the time you had to weather it first to waterproof itself.
Bit wet behind the ears back in those days 5 to 6 years ago..........
Still water proof though its my current Kamps 390 :lol: :lol:

 

[Dustydog]

For the sake of a few minutes I'd mask up all the windows with polythene and the outside bodywork.
Yes you could use the Fabsil in a garden sprayer which is low psi and a reasonably fine spray. Wear old clothes and a breathing mask.
If you use a brush I'd still mask up as any runs will still contaminate the plastic windows.
If the windows are grimy " Fast Glass " from Autoglym works very well.
Leave the whole erected tent out as long as you can to let it dry and air. It does have a smell but this will dissipate if fully dried and aired. :cheer:

 

[Mel]

Thank you every one. If it is dry this weekend I will get it out and go for it.
Mel

 

[SirRogerFFS]

I know it not alot of help now but when my Kampa awning didnt stop leaking after it got wet I was lucky enough to spot the equivalent in Sprockets fave shop Aldi.at £2.49 a tin I have nothing to lose .It works perfect so next time in Aldi I bought another tin .
Sir Roger .