Question on new canvas tent

[terasec]

I just bought a somewhat new kodiak flexbow,
1 yr old but never used and never been wet down,
Am eager to use it but would like to know the following,
If i dont wet it down ,
If it gets wet while camping will it naturally get wet/dry and seal itself up?
If i wet it in freezing temps will that hamper it sealing itself?
No warm sunny days expected for quite a while.
If i take it ice fishing how do i prevent the floor from freezing to the ice?
While eager to use it dont want to ruin it by not sealing it properly

[Phil_R]

Re: Question on new canvas tent

If i dont wet it down ,
If it gets wet while camping will it naturally get wet/dry and seal itself up?

Mine did... (Kodiak 10'x10') wet with dew in the morning, dry by noon, repeat over three or four days. When finally exposed to a real rain, the tent stayed dry inside.

[tplife]

Re: Question on new canvas tent

Your tent is made of treated canvas, much like a quality tent-trailer. It should stand up to many years of wet weather without issue. The sun and mold/mildew are its main enemies. A once-yearly treatment with this stuff (available at Cabela's) will prevent mildew and extend the life of your treated canvas products:

[05Kingquad700]

Re: Question on new canvas tent

I would not set it up and wet it down in freezing conditions. Don't know if it will damage it for sure, but I wouldn't chance it. The only thing I can think to keep the floor from freezing would be heating the tent.
As far as using products to retreat for waterproofing, Kodiak Canvas recommends a SILICONE based waterproofing such as Kiwi Camp Dry. I don't know if Canvak is silicone based or not.

[terasec]

Re: Question on new canvas tent

thanks for the replies
figured so,
but being eager to take it out, but not expecting time/weather to treat it properly had me wishing.
guess will just have to wait,

[tplife]

Re: Question on new canvas tent

I would not set it up and wet it down in freezing conditions. Don't know if it will damage it for sure, but I wouldn't chance it. The only thing I can think to keep the floor from freezing would be heating the tent.
As far as using products to retreat for waterproofing, Kodiak Canvas recommends a SILICONE based waterproofing such as Kiwi Camp Dry. I don't know if Canvak is silicone based or not.

You're correct, Canvak is solvent based and while it will waterproof the Kodiak, the factory recommends against it as it will remove the fabric's breathability.