Keeping Old Canvas Alive

[KnotConnected]

Good morning!

I have a full camper canvas enclosure for the '94 Cabrio that I can only assume is original. The screen on the aft side curtains is tearing and the isinglass is cloudy and dirty. Quotes for a complete replacement canvas, however, come in at $5,000 - $6,000 so this is a job I may have to put off a year or so.

I can put up with cloudy isinglass and try to trim the shredded screen completely out so it doesn't look so ratty, but if the canvas itself starts leaking we're in trouble. Has anyone applied a tent or camper waterproofing product to their marine canvas to stop leaks? Would it be advisable to apply such a product now, before it starts to leak, to be proactive? Would there be any potential harm in doing so?

Looking for any insight or help I can get!

 

[JoLin]

No harm in trying to be proactive. The good stuff like 303 protectant won't harm anything and might buy you some time. Also, a shop can replace just screens and and isinglass, if the canvas is still in good shape. Have you tried any of the products to remove the cloudiness in the 'glass'?

 

[Bondo]

Ayuh,.... When I had a sunbrella top, I sprayed it 'bout every year with Tent Dry spray, til I figured out it's just 100% sillycone spray,....

After that, I bought it at my local auto parts house cheaper, 'n sprayed the canvas with that,....

 

[airdvr1227]

You can get rid of some of the cloudiness with Pledge furniture polish.

 

[crazy charlie]

Excellent and affordable waterproofing can be bought at Walmart camping dept.The aerosol can has an orange cap and is about $4 a can.I highly recommend.If your canvas is as old as it sounds,you are waaaaay ahead of the game if it is not already leaking.Your price quote sounds like total replacement.You can replace windows or screens only for a couple of hundred dollars.Let us know what you are thinking of doing.Charlie

 

[keith2k455]

I just bought some starbrite waterproof for my covers and Bimini. It had good reviews and is on sale at iboats.