[TheForge] Re:canvas

[Phlip]

VenezianoJ@aol.com wrote:

> Have no idea on what to clean the stains with -- to seal, you could use
> Thompson's Water Seal, or Panther Primitives sells a canvas water treatment.
>
> Any idea as to how to get stains off of an EZ-Up?
>
> Jerry V

Most canvas tents come already sealed, so when you wash them, one of the things
you're doing is removing the sealant. My suggestion would be to set it up, since
you've already removed the sealant, and brush it down with a weak solutrion of
bleach water to help remove the stains, both inside, and out, and let the sun
help. If the stains are really dark, you might want to start considering dyeing
the tent a darker color- too much bleach can eat the fabric.

Depending on what the stains are from, Rit Dye makes a product called "Color
Remover" which acts by dissociating the colors from the fibers- if used in
strength, it's a lot easier on the fabric- it's what I use when tie-dyeing my
jeans (Yes, I enjoy tie-dyed stuff, so sue me).

As far as water sealing the fabric, there are spray on sealants which do a good
job. I wouldn't suggest using the heavier sealants for the breathability issue,
but if you can dilute a liquid sealant and spray it on, using, perhaps, an
automotive type sprayer, a light mist should replace the coating that was on the
fabric to begin with. Canvas doesn't need much help- it keeps you dry by wicking
away the moisture, rather than blocking it entirely. Keep in mind, that like any
other painting project, a couple or three loght coats, with time to dry between
coats, will do you more good that one heavy coat.

As far as dealing with the E-Z Up, they're made of different plastic blends,
usually. If you can contact the manufacturer, they may have a suggested method for
you- if not, they can at least tell you what type of material it is, and your
local Cooperative Extension office, or your state's equivalent, usually has reams
of that sort of information, and they're very willing to help.

Phlip