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Have just bought a secondhand folding camper and want to waterproof the canvas. Any advice on what to use would be welcome

Graham

Hi Graham, welcome to UKCS.

We have yet to waterproof ours so I'm no expert but Fabsil seems to be recommended, or for a cheaper option Thompsons Water Seal (think that's what it's called) There have been previous threads on this subject, if you run the 'search' facility you should find some further info.

Cheers,

Sarah

fabsil has a uv protector in it so it stops the cavas fading, best done on a windless day.  If you are doing this on grass put a large tarp down as the stuff will kill it

use a killer spray bottle as it makes reaching the roof easier and absolutely soak it till it runs then leave out to dry for as long as possible, the stuff stinks!!! so it will need a good airing out whenever you can but should be ok after a weekends use

and dont forget to put a paper overall on as if you get it on your clothes it wont wash off

Tentmad you'll scare Graham+Lin

We used to do our 20yr old frame tent with Fabsil put into one of those pump and spray garden sprayers never had any of the above problems or any leaks in the heaviest of rain and gales

poppi

didnt mean to scare but dont want them thinking they are unpopular when nobody calls around either!!!! its not that bad really but it can wiff abit for the day

its better to do at home than find out on holiday that it needs doing and buying secondhand you just dont know when it was last done do you?

if its about 5 - 10 years old it probably wont need it but as i said better safe than sorry

Hi Graham,

Found these links with advice about water proofing.

http://www.ukcampsite.co.uk/chatter/display_topic_threads.asp?ForumID=10&TopicID=31014&PagePosition=2

http://www.ukcampsite.co.uk/chatter/display_topic_threads.asp?ForumID=10&TopicID=34007&PagePosition=1&ThreadPage=1

Thanks for the advice, will not do at the Elvaston steam rally as we thought  we might. As we would like people to talk to us.

Graham + Lin 

Suggest you consider Renovo Ultra Proofer. This was formulated initially for re-waterproofing soft-tops on convertible cars and even people like SAAB have approved it, so it really does work.

... and we sell it, so I’m not completely unbiased!

Although it might appear a bit more expensive than other products, Renovo’s water-based Ultra Proofer is a completely “green” product and, unlike the others, contains no solvents - so it will not, for example, kill the grass as Tentmad commented. Also has UV protector as well as Mould and Mildew inhibitor.