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How To Waterproof a Canvas

by: John Morris

There are times that we can never curb the forces of nature. This just goes to show that nature is, indeed, powerful and can destroy anything and everything. So, the only way we can do is to provide protection from the raging effects of nature.

One way to do this is through waterproofing. It has been a great technique in preventing the penetration of water to any material.

Whenever you waterproof a material, you apply a certain waterproof matter that is designed to provide utmost protection against the imminent effect of water. This, in turn, serves as a wall between the material and water.

There are many types of waterproofing. One of them is canvas waterproofing. This method is used particularly on materials made of canvas.

In most instances, the typical type of cotton canvas is already a waterproof material. Therefore, it does not need any waterproofing. Its fibers puff up whenever they are exposed to water, thus, it closes the knits of the canvas.

However, because of the canvas� vulnerability to mildew and �bird droppings,� it is still subjected to canvas waterproofing. This is because canvas waterproofing does not only protect the canvas from water alone but also from other substance that can cause damage on the item.

So, for those who want to know canvas waterproofing, here are some pointers you need to know:

1. Do not use silicone-based canvas waterproofing.

Never attempt to use silicone-based canvas waterproofing on acrylic canvas. Silicone is clashing to the original application.

Normally, acrylic canvas primarily contains a canvas waterproofing chemical known as fluorocarbon, which in turn, repels the silicone material when applied. If this happens, it will result into an erratic treatment. Silicon can also eliminate the �stain-resistance� substance in the acrylic canvas.

2. Use a product with fluoropolymer.

When doing a canvas waterproofing, it is best that you use a fluoropolymer-based substance. This type of canvas waterproofing is compatible with the acrylic canvas. Hence, it will result into a more durable and sturdy acrylic canvas.

3. Use a waterproof material that contains petroleum.

Petroleum-based material has long been proven to be effective when doing a canvas waterproofing. It is very compatible with acrylic canvas. Petroleum-based substances work best in canvas waterproofing than those substances that are water-based.

The best way to identify a petroleum-based substance to be used in canvas waterproofing is to through its pungent smell.

4. When performing a canvas waterproofing, do it outdoors.

It is best that you do canvas waterproofing outside the house because of the substance�s very strong odor. You might get suffocated once you do it inside the house. Therefore, it is best that you do canvas waterproofing where there is proper ventilation.

Besides, these strong substances used in canvas waterproofing can also damage your furniture made of plastics. So, it is a must that you take extra care when doing canvas waterproofing.

5. Use protective covers for sensitive furniture.

If you will do a canvas waterproofing on a canvas dodger, it is best that you protect your plastic furniture first before you start with the process. You can do this by placing foil over the plastic materials.

6. Do a spot test first.

It is best that before you start the process, do a spot test first. This is to know whether the substance used in canvas waterproofing will not discolour your canvas or cause further damage.

7. Remove the canvas from the boat.

It is best that before you start waterproofing, you should first remove the canvas from the boat. This is to ensure that the hard surfaces will not slick. Also, there are waterproofing substances that can cause a damaging reaction against gelcoat.

However, if you find this tedious and very unworkable, try to protect all areas vulnerable to �overspray� instead.

8. Let it dry first.

After waterproofing, let the canvas dry first before reinstalling it. In this manner, the pungent smell will soon be eliminated.

However, experts strongly suggest that after the canvas has been dried, it would be better to apply a second dose of waterproofing. This is to ensure durability on the material. It is still safe to do this and will not affect the fabric�s overall condition.

9. Reapply when necessary.

Repeat the process whenever the canvas is exposed in callous condition. Though, experts say that after doing a waterproofing, the protection is guaranteed for one year at the least.

So, now that you know how to do canvas waterproofing, you can be assured that your canvas will always stay in top condition. As they say, it is better to prevent damage than to cure it.

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A Guide to Good Furniture Care
by: Holly Linington

During my long career in the furniture business I�ve often been asked, �What is the proper way to care for my fabric?� After all, you�ve purchased your dream furniture piece but you�re terrified to use it out of fear of damaging it. But you don�t have to live in fear! After extensive research and testing I have found the following guidelines and suggestions to be helpful.

Upholstered Furniture

Because of the wide variety of fabrics and fiber combinations, there is no guarantee that these methods will be completely successful and I recommend that a professional upholstery cleaner be contacted in particular cases. However, these simple solutions will keep your new upholstery crisp and clean for years!

� Vacuum at least once a week to remove grit that can cause abrasion, and be sure to dust vacuum the top surfaces as often as possible. Professional cleaning is the best way to make a slightly soiled sofa look new again, but weekly vacuuming will make professional cleaning a less frequent event. (Never brush any fabric with a stiff fiber or metal brush, since they�re destructive to the fibers. Instead, use your vacuum attachments like the upholstery brush or the attachment for dusting draperies and furniture. The latter brush has longer bristles and is less abrasive to your upholstery fabric. It may be your best option if your fabric deserves a softer brushing.)

� Reverse the cushions each week after vacuuming. Rearrange the furniture occasionally to ensure even wear of the cushions and other areas.

Cushions and pillows filled with down or similar cushioning material should be hand-fluffed and reversed regularly to retain their original softness and resiliency.

� Protect fabrics from the sun. Fabrics should not be placed in direct sunlight because the ultraviolet light will cause the fibers to degenerate and colors to fade. Occasionally dyes can fade from impurities in the air as well, but protection from the sun is a good way to prevent premature loss of color.

� Keep pets off the furniture. Pet urine and pet body oil can be difficult to remove.

� Use proper care with structural weave fabrics (where the design is created by the weave) to protect against snags. These fabrics may be cleaned by sprinkling dry powder cleaner over the fabric, spreading it uniformly and letting it stand for the recommended period before vacuuming with gentle suction. (However, I do recommend professional cleaning with stains on a woven fabric.)

� Caution those wearing clothing with transferable dyes, such as blue jeans, that the dye could transfer onto light-colored furniture.

Fabric Cleaning Guide

Today�s new fabric treatments improve the chances of your fabric�s survival. Fabric protection products are usually applied by the retail store for an additional cost. Most of the various brands work the same way by causing spills and soil to sit on the surface of the fiber instead of migrating to the fiber�s interior.

Today�s fiber protection products are free of ozone damaging chemicals, and most are hypoallergenic and invisible to the eye. Some even provide additional UV protection from color fading caused by intense light. One of the greatest benefits of fabric protection products is that they come with specific written warranties that provide peace of mind.

Whether your new upholstery has been fabric protected or not, you should follow the same basic guidelines in cleaning liquid spills or surface soil that can�t be brushed off (such as newspaper ink).

Fabric Cleaning Codes

Before attempting to clean a spill or spot on your furniture, you should identify the fabric and the correct cleaning method recommended by the manufacturer. This information is represented by a cleaning code (W, S, WS, or X) often found under a cushion, on the bottom of the furniture or on the manufacturer�s tag. If you cannot find this information, contact your salesperson at the furniture store where the item was purchased.

W � Spot clean only with water-based shampoo or foam upholstery cleaner.

S � Spot clean only with water-free cleaning solvent. Do not overwet. DO NOT USE WATER.

WS � Spot clean with upholstery shampoo, foam from a mild detergent, or a mild dry cleaning solvent. Do not overwet.

X � Clean only by vacuuming or light brushing with a non-metallic brush. DO NOT USE WATER OR DRY CLEANING SOLVENTS. Do not use a foam or liquid cleaner of any type.

Never apply cleaning solutions to visible areas of your upholstery fabric without first testing on areas that are not visible. It is important to pretest for color loss and fabric compatibility.

Cleaning Instructions

As a general rule, when a spill occurs, it is important to clean the fabric immediately. The longer a spot remains, the harder it is to remove. It may even become permanent.

Blot, don�t rub. If the spill is still �fresh�, use a clean, dry and very absorbent 100% cotton cloth. Should you have to use paper towels to blot out spills, be sure the paper towel (or cloth) is white, as colors in the towel may, when applied to a wet surface, fade onto the upholstery. Color from one fabric can rub off onto another fabric, even when dry -- a process known in the industry as �crocking�.

If blotting with a dry cloth doesn�t quite finish the job and you have cleaning directions from the furniture manufacturer, follow those. If none are available, use the instructions provided here.

I hope this information has been insightful. Use these tools when necessary, but most importantly, enjoy your upholstered piece -- it was meant to be used!

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