Replies

1. 
   RW | May 10, 2003 04:08pm | #1

   When I was in scouts, we had old army tents we used for camping. Thick canvas, kind of stuff today that gets called "duck cloth". They were treated with linseed oil, and it worked well.

   "The child is grown / The dream is gone / And I have become / Comfortably numb "      lyrics by Roger Waters

1. 
   john123 | May 10, 2003 09:40pm | #2

   Thanx, I'll check it out

1. 
   timberrattler | May 12, 2003 10:26pm | #3

   In creating there Tin Cloth fabric, Filson soaks heavy woven cotton fabric in pure parafin wax. I have a Barbour jacket(which is basically the same thing) and when it starts to leak a little(Every few years) I melt down the can of wax that came with it and brush it on with a cheap brush. I let it dry overnight then buff it out with a cotton rag. I never cared how she looked as long as I stayed dry. I've never been wet in it. Could be a relatively cheap and easy way to go.

   Mark

2. 
   TomP | May 13, 2003 12:01am | #4

   I lived aboard a sailboat for more than 16 years and had good luck treating fabric with Thompsons Waterseal. I have no vested interest in the company.

1. 
   john123 | May 13, 2003 04:16am | #5

   Well, so far I"ve gotten suggestions for Linseed oil, Parafin wax, and Thompsons water seal. All 3 sound feasable. Anyone else have any suggestions? So far the Thompsons water seal sounds good. I was afraid to use a product that would "harden" and cause cracking, or possibly damage the cloth. Thanx for replying. You guys are great. I've subscribed to FW for years. THIS year, I WILL have my woodshop together. My goal is to start building furniture full time. I have a 16x 20 garage that will be my shop. EVERY time I've cleaned it out, It fills up again. INSTANTLY. I must work on that . Wish me luck

1. 
   bill_1010 | May 13, 2003 07:22pm | #6

   linseed oil will probably lead to mildew or mold since its a plant based oil and contains foods that will feed mildew or mold.  

   Parafin would be a pain in the butt.

   Personally id look to scotchguard or thompsons (sprayed on) but the best advice i could give is ask the person or maker of the canopy if you bought it commercially.