Best Way To Waterproof a Canvas Haversack?

[MikeC]

What is a good traditional method to waterproof a a canvas haversack and possibly darken it a bit at the same time?

 

[flintlock75]

The military often Painted the canvas to waterproof it. A mixture of Linseed oil thined with alcohal will work also. I have used Thompsons water seal on canvas tents and it works very well. On my haversak i just used commecial spray on canvas waterproofing, It does not change the color of the canvas.

 

[Dirk Perry]

Beeswax. it will darken with use.

 

[Chilidog]

To darken it just soak it with a handful of tea bags overnite. The soaking with also tighten up the weave a mite. Then if you want you could apply any of the commercial sealers.

 

[MikeC]

Thanks all for the replies. :hatsoff:

I have some beeswax and tea, will soak first, then apply the beeswax after it dries.

 

[wayne1967]

I second the wax. Heat it to a liquid and paint it on quickly with a brush. It will be stiff at first but work it really well and it will get softer again. :thumbsup:

 

[Birdman]

Mike first off there ain't no way to "waterproof" a woven product, just like there isn't anyway to "water proof" mocs. You can make it more "water-repelent" but whatever ya got inside will eventually get wet if your out in the rain a couple days.Wax is an option as well as a watered down paint, shove some crinkled up newspapers inside the bag when your applying what ever ya decide on useing, that way the front n back don't become one as the wax/paint seeps through n dries. Even with the wax or paint treatments the bag will soak up some dampness inside. You can double your luck by also placeing your gear into well greased bags inside your haversack, that way the damp has two layers to get through. That n just dry stuff out come evening sitting around the fire.

 

[AeroncaTAL]

I did a painted canvas haversack using boiled linseed oil. I didn't have any powdered pigment on hand so used artist oil paint. I had this haversack with me today at our club shoot (it rained pretty good) and it repels water fairly good...

Scott

 

[Black Hand]

Traditional would be using linseed oil or linseed oil-based paint. Beeswax was expensive and harder to get on this continent.