After cleaning your tent, you should leave the fabric for at least 24 to 48 hours Allow it to dry before you can waterproof it. In damp or cloudy weather, this can take up to 72 hours or longer. The fabric must be completely dry, right down to the fibres, as moisture prevents the waterproofing agent from working properly. In this article, we answer the most frequently asked questions about the right time and the best conditions for waterproofing tent fabric.
How long does tent fabric need to dry before impregnation?
Tent fabric must be left to dry for at least 24 to 48 hours after cleaning before you can start waterproofing it. If in doubt, wait a little longer. The exact drying time depends on the material, the thickness of the fabric and the weather conditions. Canvas takes longer to dry than polyester or nylon, as the fibres are thicker and retain more moisture.
The rule of thumb is simple: the fabric must not only feel dry on the outside, but must also be completely dry from the inside out. If you can still feel any coolness or dampness on the inside or in the seams, it is too early. Seams and reinforced edges are the areas that remain damp for the longest, so pay extra attention to these when checking.
A warm, sunny day with a light breeze is ideal. On such a day, an average awning or dome tent will dry completely within 24 hours. In cloudy, windless weather, the same tent may take two to three times as long to dry.
What happens if you impregnate too early?
If you waterproof the fabric too early, the waterproofing agent will not adhere properly to the fibres of the fabric. The moisture in the material forms a barrier that prevents the active ingredients from penetrating deeply enough. The result is an uneven or weak water-repellent layer that wears off quickly.
In practical terms, this means you’ll have to do the job all over again. You’ll have wasted the waterproofing agent and your tent still won’t be properly protected. In the worst-case scenario, the waterproofing agent will soak into the fabric along with the remaining moisture, which can lead to stains or a sticky surface that is difficult to rectify.
In short: rushing the impregnation process costs you time and money, and produces a poorer result than if you simply allow for the necessary drying time.
Is it possible to leave a tent too long without waterproofing it?
Yes, waiting can take too long, but the consequences are less immediate than if you waterproof it too early. Once your tent is completely dry, you can, in principle, wait for days on end without the quality of the waterproofing suffering. The risk lies in what happens to the tent in the meantime.
If the tent is left outside or stored without being waterproofed, new dirt, grime or moisture can become trapped in the fibres. This means you’ll have to clean the fabric again before you can waterproof it, which creates extra work. Furthermore, a cleaned fabric without a water-repellent coating loses its protection against the elements more quickly.
A handy tip: schedule the waterproofing treatment immediately after the drying period, so that the fabric is clean and has an open weave. A tent that has just been cleaned absorbs the waterproofing agent best.
Does it make a difference whether you leave it to dry outside or inside?
Yes, where you dry the canvas makes a clear difference, both in terms of speed and quality. Drying outdoors is quicker thanks to the wind and sun, but drying indoors has the advantage that you can control the conditions and avoid exposing the canvas to further dirt or precipitation.
Drying outdoors
Drying outdoors is the quickest method, provided the weather is on your side. A combination of sun and wind will dry even a heavy canvas awning within a day. Do make sure you stretch the awning out fully so that all parts can air properly. Do not fold the fabric in half, as any folded sections will not dry properly.
Dry indoors
Drying indoors takes longer, but is a good option in changeable weather. Ensure there is adequate ventilation, as in an enclosed space with no air circulation, the fabric will dry slowly and mould may form. Hang the tent as spaciously as possible and open windows or use a fan to encourage air circulation.
How do you know if your tent is dry enough to be waterproofed?
A tent is dry enough to be waterproofed if the fabric feels dry to the touch everywhere – including seams, corners and double layers – and does not feel cool to the touch. Run the flat of your hand over the entire surface, including the inside. A cool sensation is a sign of residual evaporation and therefore of moisture.
A second method is the colour check. A wet or damp cloth has a darker shade than a completely dry one. If the colour is even and light across the entire surface, that’s a good sign. Pay particular attention to:
- Seams and rows of stitching retain moisture for the longest time
- Sewn-in reinforcements and corner pieces
- Areas where the fabric is doubled over or has pleated edges
- The inside of the tent, which is less exposed to the wind and sun
If in doubt, wait another half a day. It won’t take you much extra time and will save you from having to go through the impregnation process all over again.
What are the ideal conditions for waterproofing tent fabric?
The ideal conditions for waterproofing tent fabric are a dry day with a temperature of between 15 and 25 degrees Celsius, no direct, strong sunlight, and a light breeze. Under these conditions, the waterproofing agent adheres well to the fabric and dries evenly without evaporating too quickly or taking too long to dry.
Avoid the following situations:
- Rain or high humidity: moisture in the air interferes with the adhesion of the impregnating agent
- Temperatures below 10 degrees: the impregnating agent is absorbed too slowly and does not adhere as well
- Direct, blazing sunshine: the product dries too quickly, causing it to be applied unevenly
- Strong wind: this causes uneven evaporation and may blow dirt onto the fresh impregnating agent
A cloudy but dry day in spring or autumn is often ideal in practice. The temperature is pleasant, there is no harsh sunlight and the air is dry enough to ensure good adhesion. Also make sure you leave the fabric to dry undisturbed for at least an hour after applying the waterproofing agent before packing it away or storing it.
How Rokimi helps with waterproofing your tent
We understand that looking after your tent fabric can sometimes raise more questions than it seems. When should you waterproof it? Which product should you use for which material? And what if the fabric needs a really thorough clean first? These are precisely the questions we had in mind when we developed our products.
Our range offers a complete solution for cleaning and waterproofing tent fabric:
- Hood & Tent Shampoo: for regular cleaning of green deposits and surface dirt from canvas, polyester and nylon
- Heavy Duty Cleaner: for stubborn stains, mud and ingrained dirt that has penetrated deeper into the fibres
- Hood and Tent Protection: the most effective waterproofing treatment of its kind, which makes the cleaned fabric water-repellent and protects it against rain and damp
All products are ready to use, do not need to be diluted and are suitable for the most common types of fabric. They have been developed to work together as a complete care cycle, ensuring that your tent is optimally protected for the new season after treatment.
View our full product range, find out which applications find out which of our products are suitable, or go straight to the Rokimi website for more information.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to clean my tent again if I’ve forgotten to waterproof it after washing it?
If your tent has been left outside or stored without being waterproofed after cleaning, there is a good chance that dust, dirt or moisture has been drawn back into the fibres. In that case, it is advisable to clean the fabric again first using a suitable tent shampoo before waterproofing it. This is because a clean, open fibre structure absorbs the waterproofing agent much more effectively than a fabric that has already become slightly soiled.
How often should I waterproof my tent?
As a rule of thumb, you should waterproof your tent at least once a season, but with intensive use or after a wet camping trip, it’s a good idea to waterproof it more often. A good way to check whether it’s necessary is the water droplet test: splash a bit of water onto the fabric and see if it forms beads and rolls off. If the water soaks into the fabric instead of rolling off, it’s time to waterproof it again.
Can I apply wood preservative using a standard garden sprayer, or do I need special equipment?
A standard plant sprayer or pressure sprayer works perfectly well for applying waterproofing agent to tent fabric, as long as you can create an even, fine mist. Make sure you apply the treatment in overlapping passes so that no dry patches remain, and gently rub it in with a soft brush or sponge if necessary. Specialised equipment isn’t required, but a sprayer with an adjustable nozzle gives you more control over the distribution.
What should I do if stains or white streaks have appeared on the fabric after waterproofing?
Stains or white streaks after waterproofing are usually caused by the product being applied unevenly or drying too quickly, for example due to strong sunshine or strong winds. In many cases, these stains will disappear once the fabric has fully cured and the first few rain showers have passed over it. If the stains persist, you can gently clean the fabric again using a mild tent shampoo and repeat the waterproofing process under better conditions.
Is the waterproofing treatment suitable for all types of tent fabric, including canvas awnings?
Most high-quality waterproofing treatments, including Rokimi’s Hood & Tent Protection, are suitable for common types of fabric such as canvas, polyester and nylon. Canvas awnings do, however, require a slightly longer application time because the fibres are thicker and more absorbent than those in thinner synthetic fabrics. Always check the product description of the waterproofing agent and, if in doubt about compatibility, test it first on a small, inconspicuous patch of fabric.
Can I waterproof a tent whilst it’s pitched, or do I need to lay it flat?
In most cases, waterproofing the tent whilst it is pitched is the best approach, as the fabric is then fully taut and you can reach every part of it easily. What’s more, you’ll prevent the waterproofing agent from accumulating in creases or folded edges, which can result in uneven protection. Do make sure the tent is securely anchored so that it doesn’t move whilst you’re applying the treatment, and work systematically from top to bottom to prevent drips.
What is the best way to store my tent after waterproofing it, so that it remains protected for as long as possible?
After waterproofing, always store your tent completely dry and loosely rolled up or folded in a well-ventilated area, preferably in a breathable storage bag rather than a sealed plastic bag. Moisture and prolonged storage in a sealed environment are the biggest enemies of both the fabric and the waterproofing. At the start of each new season, check your tent’s water-repellency using the drop test, so that you know in good time whether a new treatment is needed.