Re-proofing acrylic canvas

P

Plevier

Well-Known Member
Joined
22 Aug 2008
Messages
3,594
Location
Brighton
Visit site
Any recommendations for a re-prooofer for elderly but sound acrylic canvas please? (I assume it's acrylic; holding a match to some stray fibres they shrivel rather than char.)
Good old Mesowax is long discontinued.
I don't find Fabsil is any good except on fine fabrics.
Thompson's Water Seal used to be widely recommended for tents, tarpaulins and so on even though intended for brickwork, and the small print on the can used to mention canvas, but now "new improved formulation" water based version says on the tin "do not use on artificial fibres."
I notice that Storm have what they call a traditional proofer http://www.stormwaterproofing.com/application/waterproof/brush-on-canvas-waterproofer-1l.html which I guess may be like Mesowax but seems specifically intended for cotton.
They also have this one http://www.stormwaterproofing.com/application/waterproof/brush-on-waterproofer-1l.html which sounds appropriate but I wonder if it's like Fabsil.
NikWax great for clothing but very expensive.

Anyone had good results on sprayhoods and covers from anything please? I'm not expecting to achieve 100% impermeability like PVC.
 
I've never tried it, but would a solution of Builder's PVA work? It is water soluble but dries with a flexible plastic coating which should permeate the material. Worth trying on a scrap bit of canvas?
 
Fabsil Gold is fine for acrylic fabrics,you may find it only lasts the season,there is also a mildew inhibitor in the stuff ,which helps the spots and green stains you get on the paler fabrics.
Cindy.
 
"Thompson's Water Seal used to be widely recommended for tents, tarpaulins and so on even though intended for brickwork, and the small print on the can used to mention canvas, but now "new improved formulation" water based version says on the tin "do not use on artificial fibres."

Poo. Bad timing. I have only just this very pm returned from local DIY warehouse with a can of this for sprayhood & sail cover proofing, as suggested by my local covers etc guy. Anyone confirm should not now use (on canvas at least!)?
 
RobBrown said:
"Thompson's Water Seal used to be widely recommended for tents, tarpaulins and so on even though intended for brickwork, and the small print on the can used to mention canvas, but now "new improved formulation" water based version says on the tin "do not use on artificial fibres."

Poo. Bad timing. I have only just this very pm returned from local DIY warehouse with a can of this for sprayhood & sail cover proofing, as suggested by my local covers etc guy. Anyone confirm should not now use (on canvas at least!)?
Click to expand...

Since my original post I've googled a bit and found someone on a camping forum saying it still works.
I don't know when the mix changed - check your can carefully and see if you found old stock! Does it say water based, low VOC? :( Does it say clean brush with turps/white spirit? :)
 
Fabsil.... just bought 5 litres and rolled it onto my freshly washed sail cover with a radiator roller. Gave it a good saturating and it's great now.
 
:mad:Brand new shiny can. "New improved formula". Low VOCs. In small print "do not use on synthetic fibres".

%@**!!xx~~+*!

Anyone want an unused 5l can costing £9.99??!!

Edit

This post from Google confirms the b88lls up:

"Heres a reply from the makers, just to backup your advice, thanks

Dear Mr Davies

I regret to advise that we have stopped manufacturing the original
Thompson's Water Seal which could be applied to canvas. The Improved
Formula Water Seal and the One Coat Water Seal Ultra are not suitable for
the application.

Kind regards

Julia
Ronseal Technical Services"
 
Last edited:
Kayospruce at 01489 581699 in Segensworth ,Fareham ,stock the Fabsil and Fabsil Gold reproofing liquids in 1ltr,5ltr(FABSIL) or FABSIL GOLD in 1ltr,5ltr and 25ltr quantities.

Used for acrylic nylon ,polyester and cotton fabrics; The 'GOLD' is the extra strength product. They may have others ,but these are all I can see listed in their catalogue.They also supply fittings and sailcloth. Ask for a catalogue.

ianat182
 
My local camping shop flogged me 500 ml of Nikwax (£7). The bottle says 500 ml should do a 3/4 person tent bit it only did my sprayhood and half my Solo boom-up cover. The latter was a slimy mess after a season though the sprayhood seems OK (both acrylic). The slime scraped off the cover but I didn't see any significant repellancy.
 
RobBrown said:
:mad:Brand new shiny can. "New improved formula". Low VOCs. In small print "do not use on synthetic fibres".

%@**!!xx~~+*!

Anyone want an unused 5l can costing £9.99??!!

Edit

This post from Google confirms the b88lls up:

"Heres a reply from the makers, just to backup your advice, thanks

Dear Mr Davies

I regret to advise that we have stopped manufacturing the original
Thompson's Water Seal which could be applied to canvas. The Improved
Formula Water Seal and the One Coat Water Seal Ultra are not suitable for
the application.

Kind regards

Julia
Ronseal Technical Services"
Click to expand...

5 litres £9.99??? About £19.99 in Homebase. They did take it back without argument when I explained. Perhaps you've opened your can - if so why not try it on a bit of fabric and let us know if it works?
 
Thanks everyone. I note the votes for Fabsil but don't think it's good for the job - it should last longer than a season.
I'll look at the Halfords one or gamble on the Storm canvas proofer I think.
 
From Focus DIY. Not opened, I'd only bought it about an hour before seeing this thread! I may try & take it back at the weekend. I think I'll take Thompson's word for it on unsuitability- I'm sure they wouldn't restrict the market unnecessarily!

PS I used the Fenwicks waterproofer last time round and wasn't overwhelmed by the performance. There is that Renovo stuff, but I think that's farily expensive per sq m covered.
 
Last edited:
Whatever you buy, make sure there's TEFLON in it. I use RIWAX CABRIO SPRAY - does an incredible job -but I fear there is no dealer in the UK (yet) - sorry if I'm wrong. You should indeed (as some suggest) leave the boating market, 'cause the car market is usually cheaper and there's simply more choice.
Small side: choice means also more worthless junk...
 
RobBrown said:
:mad:Brand new shiny can. "New improved formula". Low VOCs. In small print "do not use on synthetic fibres".

%@**!!xx~~+*!

Anyone want an unused 5l can costing £9.99??!!

Edit

This post from Google confirms the b88lls up:

"Heres a reply from the makers, just to backup your advice, thanks

Dear Mr Davies

I regret to advise that we have stopped manufacturing the original
Thompson's Water Seal which could be applied to canvas. The Improved
Formula Water Seal and the One Coat Water Seal Ultra are not suitable for
the application.

Kind regards

Julia
Ronseal Technical Services"
Click to expand...

Been into Wickes today for something. Noticed they sell "Wickes Water Seal" as opposed to "Thompsons Water Seal" and theirs is still solvent based not water based. What's the betting it's the old Thompsons stuff?
 
How much was the Wickes stuff?

I took my Thompsons Water Seal back to Focus & they reimbursed me. (I got the quantity wrong by the way- it was 2.5 litres). In the end, in view of posts here, I bought a litre of Fabsil Gold from a local caravan & camping shop- it was about £15. Haven't tried it as yet- still cleaning the acrylic.Hoping it should be sufficient at least to do the sprayhood & stackpack

Had a look & the Renovo ultra proofer is about £20 for a litre on Ebay or Amazon.
 
RobBrown said:
How much was the Wickes stuff?

I took my Thompsons Water Seal back to Focus & they reimbursed me. (I got the quantity wrong by the way- it was 2.5 litres). In the end, in view of posts here, I bought a litre of Fabsil Gold from a local caravan & camping shop- it was about £15. Haven't tried it as yet- still cleaning the acrylic.Hoping it should be sufficient at least to do the sprayhood & stackpack

Had a look & the Renovo ultra proofer is about £20 for a litre on Ebay or Amazon.
Click to expand...

Wickes was about £13 for 2.5l and £17 for 5l. It does not mention canvas on the tin. It did say only use on vertical not horizontal surfaces. It contains silicone - like Fabsil.
If you want to play safer this http://www.canvastentshop.co.uk/waterproofing/storm-canvas-tent-waterproofer-5-litre-/prod_189.html looks a lot less than Fabsil (which I don't rate anyway)
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Share this page

Top