Waterproofing canvas tilts

[steamwagon]

Can anyone recommend what to use for waterproofing the canvas tilt on a pickup. I have seen mentioned in a Land Rover magazine about using Thompsons Water Seal, but I think this might be a silicone based product and silicone is a painters nightmare when it comes to re-spraying the paintwork as it will often react with the paint finish, repelling the paint off the surface. Even using a very strong solution of commercial power wash detergent, there can still be traces left on the paintwork. I wondered if there was any product available of a more traditional formula, I don't know what they use on tents? any ideas? Thanks, John

[aupickup]

i thought the canvas was waterproof anyway, mine was and had no treatment

[steamwagon]

It is recommended that the canvas is treated with something after a couple of years weathering as this also protects the stitching and the hemp rope.

[Willie]

I think you will find a suitable waterproofing solution at any camping equipment suppliers

[steamwagon]

Yes I'm thinking of going down this road. I will have to see if I can find a product that isn't silicone based. Thanks for your suggestion, John

[les]

I bought some from Milletts, it was in a blue tin with a water droplet type of pattern on it, it has proved very effective, even when a puddle collects.

[ColinP]

John,

I would avoid the tins with the trade name "*****Sil" - this hints of silicone additives. The "wash in" type are quite good (will need re-proofing on a regular basis - sya 24 months?) and use poly vinyl alcohol (PVA). This is usually a thick white liquid which dries to form a water-proff/resistant layer. Continual flexing of the fabric will reduce the effectiveness - it will leak when the material is flexed, so don't let it flap about!

And yes, PVA is also used as wood glue (but don't tr using wood glue for waterproofing!)

Colin

[TerryG]

Anybody who has watched red dwarf will know that wood glue does make a handy dental adhesive though

[Cam]

Until you floss.........

[TerryG]

it's still strong enough to have Chloë Annett swing from it

[ColinP]

Hanging from the floss?!

or the dental work?

Seriously (if possible) - PVA wood glue is excellent for interior wood-work (inside the house). For exterior wood I'll only use an epoxy resin - it's waterproof, strong and can reinforce the wood.

Colin

[TerryG]

I'll remmember that when i re-do the trav's wooden bits

[aupickup]

well of course we are spoilt for choice on glues these days, but they all have there uses and applications.
pva or the white glues. have good adhesion properties, but all ways remain slightly rubbery, never going hard, fine for interior joinery, and where no water can get to.
the pva waterproof glues can be used in outside joinery, although on only painted work, as the glue line will go white if subjected to water.
cascomites are the best for joinery anyway,
of course all the above glyes and epoxy resin glue can not be stained, so are not really useful for stained timber.

the best glue to use on stained work is the more modern pu glues (expanding glues)

they have excellent adhesion qualities and can be used on wet timber as well, in actual fact can be beneficial as these glues are reacted by heat and moisture.
once set can be sanded very easily and more important will take stains and varnishes without seeing any glue line. must all ways be held under pressure until cured

[steamwagon]

Thanks for your suggestions perhaps PVA building adhesive for priming the walls would work. I don't know if it would leave a gloss type finish when the canvas was dry, I have some PVA in the workshop, I will try some on an old piece of canvas sheet, and have a trip out to a good camping equipment shop to see what they have available, Regards, John

[TerryG]

aupickup: do you have a dictionary of glues?