Protect your boat's marine canvas using a standard deck sealant.
While cleaning up your boat after a weeklong sailing trip, you might notice that your canvas tarp has become very stiff. Upon closer inspection, you will likely notice the beginnings of several small cracks along the outer seams of the tarp. When unprotected canvas is exposed to the elements without proper protection, it can degrade quickly. This makes it brittle and prone to cracks, tears and loose seams. A standard deck sealant, available at any hardware store, will serve as an effective waterproofing agent to keep your canvas tarps in use longer.
Instructions
1. Spray off the tarp thoroughly with a hose to remove dirt, debris and any salt deposits. Be sure to use cool water. For stains and tough scuffs, use a scrub brush with a mild laundry detergent. Allow the canvas to air dry for a day.
2. Fill the paint sprayer's tank with deck sealant and attach the hose and spraying nozzle. Depending on the size of your tank, you may be able to pour in the entire can. Also put on your gloves, safety goggles and face mask.
3. Hang the canvas from a clothesline or, if you are waterproofing marine canvas, allow it to hang freely from the mast. If hanging the canvas is inconvenient, spread it out on a firm, flat surface and treat one side at a time. Allow a day for the sealant to dry before treating the other side.
4. Spray vertical coats of sealer onto one side of the canvas, overlapping each pass slightly. Allow this coat to dry several hours, then make a horizontal coat. Repeat for the other side of the canvas. Add more deck sealant to the sprayer's tank if necessary.
5. Allow the canvas to dry for a day, or for the time suggested on the can of deck sealant. Reinstall the canvas.
6. Reapply the sealant after a year of use.
Tips Warnings
If you are coating the canvas while it hangs on your boat, use aluminum foil to cover up any windows or sensitive materials to protect them from overspray.
Work in a well-ventilated area, preferably outdoors. Deck sealant contains harsh chemicals with noxious odors.
Avoid silicone-based deck sealants, as these may damage and discolor the canvas.
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