Brand New Canvas - How long until truly water tight?

[Stee6043]

I'm hoping you guys can help put my mind at ease. My new canvas is half installed and yesterday I sat through some rain to see how she performed. Well.....it was a heart breaking experience (for now).

The canvas supplier was very quick to respond and advise that it does take some time for new thread/canvas to swell and seal. They also offered to seal the seam that was leaking to help speed up the process. I very much appreciated the quick response and quick action.

Does this sound reasonable? My new canvas looks so awesome I really, really want to love it. But water coming through brand new seams caught me off guard yesterday. Especially since my junky old 22 year worn canvas was 100% water tight, not a single leak, anywhere.


This photo of my helm cover was after about 20-30 minutes of rain. Perfectly aligned with the zipper/seam above. A bit unsettling.

 

[Phasma]

He is telling you straight. It took approx a month after they installed my canvas before it became water tight. That has been 3 years ago. In torrential rains I still can feel a mist that makes its way through

 

[Stee6043]

He is telling you straight. It took approx a month after they installed my canvas before it became water tight. That has been 3 years ago. In torrential rains I still can feel a mist that makes its way through

Very good to hear. Thanks, Phasma.

 

[b_arrington]

In the mean time, 303 Fabric Guard is like magic for waterproofing Sunbrella. I used it every year on my Sunnbrella and it kept everything dry, and also helped shed dirt.

 

[Blueone]

Some canvas guys can get the seams and around the Windows done better than others but I have always had a couple leaks with new... Even later around Windows.... I use this stuff...it is without a doubt the best product for sealing seams and Windows

https://www.amazon.com/Iosso-Produc...ocphy=9017001&hvtargid=pla-424981217229&psc=1

 

[NotHerDecision]

303 fabric is the BOMB. We do ours every year and it’s perfect.

 

[Stee6043]

You guys are awesome. Thanks for making me feel like I didn't just waste a tone of money on a substandard job.

I'm also a firm believer in 303, use it every year on my canvas. I wasn't planning on using it this year only because we're pretty close now to haul-out. And I didn't know if brand new Sunbrella needed it.

This weekend I'll have sealed seams and completed canvas (front and rear). You can be sure I'll be out there with a hose checking to see how the seam sealer worked. I'm hoping for a mostly dry finish to summer.

 

[Stee6043]

Some canvas guys can get the seams and around the Windows done better than others but I have always had a couple leaks with new... Even later around Windows.... I use this stuff...it is without a doubt the best product for sealing seams and Windows

https://www.amazon.com/Iosso-Produc...ocphy=9017001&hvtargid=pla-424981217229&psc=1

Thank you! Added to Amazon cart...just in case.

 

[KevinC]

... And I didn't know if brand new Sunbrella needed it ...

New Sunbrella canvas will not need it and may not for a while.

According to Glen Raven:
"Sunbrella fabrics are treated with a proprietary water and stain repellent finish that is designed to last for several years, but may require replenishing after a thorough cleaning. Glen Raven® recommends 303® Fabric Guard™"

-Kevin

 

[JustRight]

As stated above, the new Sunbrella will not need treating for a while; the problem is the seams, and this is normal for new canvas. If they weep, or leak, then apply 303 Fabric Guard on a sunny day to the seams (preferably) from the exterior side of the canvas (I would spray it on, some people prefer to use a small paint brush). Sunbrella accepts 303 Fabric Guard very well, and it while will make your canvas look darker when first applied (don’t panic); the 303 will dry pretty quickly in the sun and you won’t be able to see the newly applied 303 on the Sunbrella.