Boutique Camping tents: Looking after your canvas tent (2024)

Canvas tentsare great because they are made from natural fabrics, this means that the tents are highly breathable. This great feature goes a long way when you are on a camping trip, in any extreme of weather. In the summer, it keeps the tent at a cool temperatureand on thecolder days, itretains heat.

Camping with our bell tents can be an amazing experience, but keeping the tents in the same pristine condition can be rather difficult. You need to look after your tent to keep their amazing look, but also to ensure you get a longer life on the tents.

Tents can last you a number of years, but if you follow our little tips to your tent care and aftercare routine you will be able to extend the life of your tent.

Learn how to heat your tentHERE!

Boutique Camping tents: Looking after your canvas tent (1)

We understand thatBoutique Campingbell tents are a long-terminvestment, therefore we wanted for our customers to keep them as long as possible. This is why we have changed our fabric from 100% cotton canvas to Polycotton.

The Polycotton tentshave the benefits of cotton canvas. But it also has the added durability and ease of care associated with Polyester. The Polycotton tents are more durable and less likely to rip than cotton.

These tents are more mildew-resistant than acotton tent. Fully breathable just like a cotton canvas but with added benefits. The tents are quick-drying and hold colourbetter. The Polycotton tents feeljust like a traditional cotton canvas, but they are less prone to creasing.

Boutique Camping tents: Looking after your canvas tent (2)

Prep, prep, prep

As soon as you get your packagewith your tent,make sure you have received everything. Then make sure you practice pitching the tent before going on your first trip. Make sure you lay everything out, and make sure you do not over tighten the guy ropes. Try to do this every so often, or if you have packed the tent away for the winter, make sure before your first trip you have checked the tent for any signs of wear and tear. Check the tent, the poles, the guys and pegs to avoid any issue whilst your away. Also, ensure your tent is bone dry before packing away.

set up the tent properly

The set up of your bell tent is crucial, you need to ensure that you follow the instructions exactly. Also, make sure the ground you’re setting up on is even (or as even as can be). This can cause issues with the stressing fabric, by over-tighteningof the guy ropes.

Groundsheet protector

Boutique Camping tents: Looking after your canvas tent (3)

Abell tent groundsheet protectorcan save lives. Well, perhaps not lives, but it can prolong the lifespan of your bell tent.

We have them available from 4m – 7m, and it’s suitable to be used with our tents. They help fight against dirt, uneven surfaces, tears, and excessive water.

It comes with a drawstring bag, and we have several colours. The classic Sandstone colour, our amazing Purple rain, andcolourful Aztec design.

Zipper care

In order to limit damage to the zippers,make sure you, close all thezippers before setting up your tent.Handle the zippers with care. Zips are essential for your tent, treat them with care.

Things to do: Zip door closed when tightening tent. Not to over stress, dry out your tent completely.

Bell tent cover

Ourbell tent protector coverisgreat for your bell tent to be used all year round. It’s ideal for protection against the elements like the sun, rain, and wind. You can prolong the lifespan of your bell tent with the protector covers.

Boutique Camping tents: Looking after your canvas tent (4)

They are made from 100% polyester, it’s very hardwearing against the elements, light, and quick to dry. The protector cover can also add another layer of insulation for your bell tent in lower temperatures. The best part is that it can be used as a super handy freestanding tarp or shelter, all you need is poles!

Weathering, rain caps, and stains

Canvas when new, let some air through and leak around the seams. After the canvas has been wet once this will no longer happen because of the cotton expanding, this is method is called weathering.

Mildew can grow onto your canvas caused by moisture and condensation. This is why it’s important to store your tent dry, to avoid mildew growing onto your tent. When cleaning your tent use a soft brush or sponge and a lot of fresh water, to get it cleaned.

You can also use specialised tentcleaning productsto remove difficult stains, as other chemical products can cause the cotton to leak. You should get your tent reproofed, withNikwaxor Fabsil.

Packing away

If you don’t have any space to dry out your tent outside, hang your tentup indoors so that air can circulate. After airing your tent and making sure its dry. It’s best to store your tent in a dry cool and well-ventilated place. If you pack away a cotton tent whenits still damp, mildew start forming immediately.

Also, keep pegs in their ownbag so you don’t lose them, and check on their condition, if they are damaged make sure to replace them and the guy ropes.

Boutique Camping tents: Looking after your canvas tent (2024)

FAQs

Should I treat my canvas tent? ›

Cleaning and re-treating your canvas tent regularly will keep your tent looking new by fending off both UV damage and the potential for any mold. We recommend cleaning (and re-treating) your tent after 10 to 12 weeks of use; the harsher the environment, the more frequent we recommend cleaning and re-treating.

Do canvas tents need to be seasoned? ›

Natural Water Repellence: Tent Seasoning

Seasoning can be easily done at home in your outside using a garden hose or during the first rain. Tent seasoning is a simple and natural way to make an untreated canvas tent water-resistant.

How often should you waterproof a canvas tent? ›

This is the only way to ensure full long term canvas tent waterproofing. Some canvases need seasoning once a year, while in other situations you may need to do it again after the first time, two or three months later. It really depends on where you're taking the camper.

What is the best canvas tent waterproofer? ›

Some waterproofing products for canvas tents that we recommend include: 303 Fabric Guard. STAR BRITE Waterproofing Spray.

What happens if you don't season a canvas tent? ›

Cotton canvas used in most canvas tents is not naturally waterproof, and without seasoning, water can seep through the canvas, causing leaks and damaging the fabric. Cotton is a thick fabric of little strings bound together, and there are holes between these strings.

How do you maintain canvas? ›

Some canvas items should be washed in cold water to prevent shrinkage. Wash with like colors and fabrics only. Cotton and linen can generally withstand tumble drying with high heat; however, canvas items (such as tote bags and sneakers) are best line-dried to preserve shape.

How long will a canvas tent last? ›

Canvas Tents normally last 15-30 years depending upon on how well it is taken care of and how much the tent is used.. The main reasons canvas tents are ruined: Putting the canvas tent away wet. Regardless of the water & mildew treatment on tents the canvas will get rot and mold if put away wet.

Do canvas tents get mildew? ›

A wet, packed up tent creates the best conditions for mold to grow. If you must pack it up damp, dry your tent out within a few days so that you don't need to read further down in this article. Organic material left on your tent, such as leaves or grass, can also lead to mold growth.

How do I stop my canvas tent from smelling? ›

Ideally, you will need to remove the failing PU coating to put a stop to the bad smells. Begin by filling a tub or container with enough warm water to submerge the item. Add about 5 drops of liquid soap. Submerge the tent and soak for 2-3 hours.

Why is my canvas tent wet inside? ›

Moisture in a tent comes from three places: The existing moisture level in the air itself (humidity) Moisture added to your inner airspace by each breath you take at night. Moisture added by any wet items you might have inside your tent.

How do you permanently waterproof a canvas? ›

To waterproof natural fabric like cotton, denim, or canvas, give it a thorough rubdown with a bar of Otter Wax. The wax won't leave any residue, but will stiffen and darken the fabric to give it a rugged appearance: We recommend denim shirts, work jackets, and old canvas weekenders.

Should I spray my tent with waterproof? ›

Tent waterproofing can be seen as a preventative measure, not just a solution to a problem. Because it's so easy and affordable to spray on a waterproof treatment, you may feel that you should do it each year at the start of a new camping season. That's fine to do, but it's not usually necessary.

Can I put a tarp over my tent? ›

Hammock rain fly: A tarp can act as a rain fly above your tent or open hammock to protect you and your gear from heavy rain and other extreme weather conditions.

Do you have to treat canvas? ›

It depends on the canvas. Raw canvas can be prepped with gesso primer - or you can paint directly on the raw canvas. In most cases though, when you buy rolled or stretched canvas and it is white, then it is already prepped - it is primed with multiple coats of gesso, and in that case it is primed and ready to paint.

How long will a canvas tent last outside? ›

Canvas Tents normally last 15-30 years depending upon on how well it is taken care of and how much the tent is used..

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