Water seeps into your tent despite being waterproofed because the waterproofing agent does not adhere properly to a dirty or damaged fabric. The water-repellent layer can only work if the fibres of the fabric are clean and free from dirt, mould or old impregnation residue. In this article, we answer the most frequently asked questions about why impregnation sometimes doesn\u2019t work and how to do it properly.<\/p>\n\n
Impregnation works by applying a water-repellent layer to and within the fibres of the fabric. The impregnating agent penetrates deep into the structure of the material and ensures that water droplets are not absorbed but roll off the surface. This effect is also known as the lotus effect.<\/p>\n
When impregnating canvas, the treatment bonds to the individual fibres of the fabric. With polyester and nylon, the principle is similar, but the chemical composition of the impregnating agent is tailored to the specific properties of each material. After application and drying, an invisible protective layer forms which repels water, dirt and, in some cases, UV radiation.<\/p>\n
It is important to understand that a waterproofing agent is not a waterproof coating. It treats the fabric so that it becomes water-repellent, but the fabric\u2019s structure remains breathable. That is precisely why the quality of the preparation is so crucial to the end result.<\/p>\n\n
If you impregnate a dirty cloth, the impregnating agent adheres to the dirt rather than to the fibres. Green deposits, dust, grease and old residues of impregnating agent form a barrier between the impregnating agent and the cloth. The result is a treatment that looks good but offers hardly any protection and wears off quickly.<\/p>\n
This is the most common reason why campers are disappointed after waterproofing their tent. They apply the product carefully, but forget that preparation is just as important as the treatment itself. Dirt literally blocks the path to the fibres.<\/p>\n
Green deposits are a particularly stubborn problem. The algae and moss that become embedded in the fabric are not only visible dirt, but also damage the fibre structure. Standard cleaning is therefore not always sufficient. For light soiling, a good tent fabric shampoo will do the trick, but for deeply ingrained green deposits or mould, you\u2019ll need a more powerful product that penetrates right into the fibres before you can even begin the waterproofing process.<\/p>\n\n
As well as a dirty fabric, there are four other common reasons why water might still seep in after a tent has been waterproofed. The protective coating may have worn away, the waterproofing agent may have been applied incorrectly, the seams may be leaking, or the fabric may be physically damaged.<\/p>\n
It\u2019s worth giving your tent a thorough check for all these issues before waterproofing it. You should repair the seams separately using a seam sealer, and you can patch up any small tears with a repair patch before treating the fabric.<\/p>\n\n
Water-repellent means that water droplets roll off the surface without being absorbed. Waterproof means that water under pressure does not penetrate the material. An impregnated tent fabric is water-repellent, but its waterproofness is determined by the construction of the fabric itself and the quality of the seams.<\/p>\n
This distinction is crucial to understanding why impregnation alone is not always enough. Impregnating a fabric with a tent impregnation spray significantly improves its water repellency, but if the fabric itself is worn out or the seams are leaking, it will still let water through in heavy rain or prolonged rainfall.<\/p>\n
Manufacturers express waterproofing in millimetres of water column. A fabric with a water column rating of 1500 mm is more waterproof than one with a rating of 1000 mm. Impregnation can help maintain effective waterproofing by preventing the outer layer from becoming saturated, but it is no substitute for structural waterproofing. If the fabric itself becomes saturated with water, moisture will begin to seep through even a technically waterproof fabric.<\/p>\n\n
Properly waterproofing a tent always starts with a thorough clean. Next, apply the waterproofing agent to a clean, slightly damp cloth, ensure it is spread evenly, and allow it to dry completely before storing or using the tent. Do not skip any steps, as each step depends on the previous one.<\/p>\n
Follow these steps for the best results:<\/p>\n
Tip: test the result with a few drops of water. If the drops roll off smoothly and form beads, the waterproofing has been successful. If the water is absorbed, repeat the treatment.<\/p>\n\n
A tent needs to be re-waterproofed as soon as water no longer beads up on the fabric but soaks in. In practical terms, this means that most tents need re-waterproofing after one to two seasons of intensive use, although this varies depending on how often the tent is used, the material it is made of and the weather conditions.<\/p>\n
There are clear signs that it is time for a new course of treatment:<\/p>\n
Seasonal maintenance is a good routine to follow. At the start of the camping season in spring, a thorough clean and waterproofing treatment are standard maintenance tasks. After a busy summer or before storing the tent away for the winter, a second treatment is advisable, especially if the tent has been exposed to a lot of rain, sun and temperature fluctuations.<\/p>\n
Canvas tents generally require more frequent treatment than polyester or nylon tents, as the material absorbs more moisture and is more susceptible to biological growth such as green deposits and mould.<\/p>\n\n
At Rokimi, we have developed a comprehensive range of products specifically designed for the care of tent fabric and other outdoor textiles. Our products work together as a system: first clean, then waterproof, for a result that really stands the test of time.<\/p>\n
All products are ready to use, do not need to be diluted and are suitable for both experienced campers and beginners. View our full product range<\/a> or find out which applications<\/a> our products are suitable for. Ready to protect your tent properly? Go to rokimi.com<\/a> and take the first step towards a dry and well-maintained tent.<\/p>\n \n Only if the tent is brand new and completely clean can you waterproof it straight away. In all other cases, washing is an absolute must. Even a tent that looks clean to the naked eye may contain invisible greasy residues, dust or old layers of waterproofing agent that will completely prevent the new treatment from adhering properly. Never skip the cleaning step if you want the treatment to actually work. <\/p>\n <\/div>\n \n Most waterproofing agents are touch-dry after two to four hours, but full activation and bonding to the fibres usually takes 24 hours. It is best not to use the tent until it has been left to dry completely for a full day. Drying in the sun speeds up the process and improves adhesion, as heat helps the waterproofing agent to set into the fibres. <\/p>\n <\/div>\n \n First, check whether the leak is coming from the fabric itself or from the seams, as waterproofing won\u2019t fix a leak at the seams. Carry out the water droplet test on the fabric: if the droplets roll off smoothly, the problem lies in the seams and you\u2019ll need seam sealant. If the water does not roll off but is absorbed, the fabric was probably not clean enough for the treatment and you will need to repeat the steps: clean it thoroughly again and then re-waterproof it. <\/p>\n <\/div>\n \n This is strongly discouraged. Water-repellent treatments for clothing are formulated for lighter materials and smaller surfaces, and do not provide the level of protection that tent fabric requires. Tent fabric is exposed to persistent rain, UV radiation and mechanical stress that are far more severe than what clothing typically has to endure. Always use a waterproofing agent specifically developed for tents or heavy-duty outdoor textiles to ensure a long-lasting and reliable result. <\/p>\n <\/div>\n \n No, you do not waterproof the inside of a tent. The waterproofing treatment is applied exclusively to the outer layer of the tent fabric, as this forms the first line of defence against rain and moisture. The inner tent is usually made of breathable material that is designed to wick moisture away from the inside to the outside. Impregnating the inside would disrupt this moisture regulation and could exacerbate condensation problems. <\/p>\n <\/div>\n \n Always ensure that the tent is completely dry before storing it, as storing it whilst damp can lead to mould growth, which will damage the protective coating that has just been applied. Store the tent loosely in a dry, well-ventilated area and avoid long-term storage in a tightly compressed bag, as constant pressure can damage the fibre structure and the protective coating. Store the tent out of direct sunlight and away from extreme temperatures to maximise the lifespan of both the fabric and the waterproofing treatment. <\/p>\n <\/div>\n \n A good waterproofing agent helps to prevent mould and green deposits by reducing the amount of moisture the fabric absorbs, and moisture is precisely what provides the ideal breeding ground for biological growth. However, the waterproofing agent does not remove existing mould or green deposits: you must first remove these thoroughly with a suitable cleaner before waterproofing will be effective. So regard waterproofing as a preventative measure, not as a solution for biological contamination that is already present. <\/p>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Waterproofing won\u2019t work if your fabric is dirty. Find out why \u2013 and how to do it properly.<\/p>","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":1853,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[50],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-1740","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-impregimpregneertechnieken"],"yoast_head":"\nFrequently Asked Questions<\/h2>\n
\n Can I waterproof my tent without washing it first? <\/h3>\n
\n How long does it take for a wood preservative to dry completely and become effective? <\/h3>\n
\n What should I do if my tent is still leaking after I\u2019ve waterproofed it? <\/h3>\n
\n Can I use a waterproofing treatment for clothes on my tent as well? <\/h3>\n
\n Should I also impregnate the inside of my tent? <\/h3>\n
\n How should I store my tent after waterproofing it so that the protection lasts as long as possible? <\/h3>\n
\n Does impregnation also help prevent mould and green deposits? <\/h3>\n