Canvas repair

[jcoll]

I'm trying to repair some pieces of canvas on a boat I just bought. The top part of the camper canvas has what appears to be a "rubberized" coating for waterproofing. Some areas are cracked and I'm sure they'll leak. Otherwise the material is in good shape. The canvas is from Great Lakes canvas company. I'd like to get some more time out of it because I have other places to spend money on the boat. It's never ending! Has anyone done this before with any degree of success?
Thanks.

 

[rcknecht]

Try using something like this on the outside... I cost $5.63 at: http://www.cheaperthandirt.com/ctd_images/bgprod/38477.jpg

 

[jcoll]

rcknecht;
Thanks for the response but I can't seem to link to the site. What's the name of the product? I'll search cheaperthandirt for it.

 

[Lazy Daze]

The vinyl covering on the underside is a bonus (it does help with waterproofing and mildew/mold control). Apply a good waterproofer like 303 (and maybe Rod's link is a similar product? - I get "access denied" when I try to get that website) on the topside, make sure that the canvas is tight (no low spots where water will puddle) and you'll be good.

However, there may be a product that can be applied to the underside to repair the vinyl - I'd be interested, as well, to hear about that if anyone has any thoughts.

 

[jcoll]

Dennis,
Thanks, I have plenty of 303 around. I'll give it a shot. Do you think this stuff is washable in a machine - will the liner stand up to it? I'd like to do this over the winter and it's too messy outside to wash it.

 

[Lazy Daze]

Do you think this stuff is washable in a machine - will the liner stand up to it?

I honestly don't know - If I had to guess, I'd say no. I'd say don't do it unless you could find out for sure. The brand name is Sunbrella, made by Glen Raven. You might find some info on their website or try contacting them.

 

[The Bill Collector]

Dennis,
Thanks, I have plenty of 303 around. I'll give it a shot. Do you think this stuff is washable in a machine - will the liner stand up to it? I'd like to do this over the winter and it's too messy outside to wash it.

+
No, don't wash it in machine. You'll be buying all new after that. Get some canvas shampoo at your marine parts store and follow the directions. Rinse, wash, rinse and rinse some more... Let it dry completely and then a coat or possibly two of 303 or similar product. Here's a suggestion.....
http://www.fisheriessupply.com/onli...ode+matchpartial+rel+Inactive/act/A01/Ntk/All

 

[Jimmy Buoy]

You might find that the rubberized coating is only on seams or areas that have stiching for items on the inside like zippers. :smt001

I'd go with the 303 myself. Made a mistake long ago and got talked into using another type of waterproofing by someone at Home Depot. It was sold by the gallon. It was very heavy, oily and stank too, but it did stop the leaks. The worst part was what happened to my boat when it rained. Oil came off the boat top and ran down the sides every time - what a mess!! Tried washing it in a commercial washer, but the oil remained. After two seasons, I had a new top made and tossed the old one.:smt013:smt013:smt013

That would never happen now - because I try and ask on CSR before making dumb mistakes like that!:thumbsup:

 

[rcknecht]

Not sure why the link did not work... I found it at: http://www.cheaperthandirt.com/

But Westmarine has a similar product... You can just use any silicon lubricant on the seams to waterproof your canvas... The rubber is just extra, many boats canvas do not have any rubber...