Camping Tents - How to Waterproof a Tent

Most tents are waterproofed when you buyfumes.
them, at least the good ones. This doesn't meanBefore spending money on a kit, determine
that they will stay that way, though. Over timewhether or not you actually need to do any sort
tents will start to degrade and the chemicals thatof waterproofing. There is a chance that you
prevented them from leaking water will start tohave purchased a commercial grade tent that
lose their potency. In the event that this occurs itnever needs to be waterproofed again. It may in
is important that you familiarize yourself with thefact be that durable. If you try waterproof
process of renewing the waterproof seal on yoursomething like this you may just find that you
tent.hurt the integrity of the tent more than you
There are chemicals that you can buy thatactually help it. Canvas tents often don't require
replicate the affect of waterproofing that yourwaterproofing, as the cotton material proves to
tent had when it was brand new. Somehold up well without any treatment.
waterproofing kits are solvent-based, while othersOnce you've decided that your tent needs
are water-based applications. Naturally, anytimewaterproofing, you need to pay particular
you work with chemicals, there are someattention to the seams of the tent, the most
precautions that you need to observe before youlikely place to suffer from wear and tear, allowing
begin to waterproof your tent.water to creep in. Use the waterproofing sealer
The first thing that you need to do is read theliberally and don't miss an inch. You may also need
directions that come with a tent waterproofing kit.to coat the rain fly. In general, the easiest way to
It's important to read the directions thoroughlymake sure you get every inch of the tent coated
before starting, to ensure that you are applyingin waterproofing is to set it up before you start.
the chemicals to the best of your abilities and inNot only will you get every spot, but the coating
the way that is laid out by the manufacturer.will be more even.
If the instructions tell you that you need to applySo for future reference, for the well being and
the chemicals to your tent in an area that has nohappiness of both you and your family, check to
shortage of ventilation, then you would do well tosee if the tents you use need to be water
heed this warning. Apply tent waterproofingproofed once again. It's smart to make
outside if possible, and if not, wear a chemicalwaterproofing and repair an annual tradition.
respirator to protect yourself from noxious