Canvas preservative , non toxic ?

[Kanu]

Just wondering if there exists such a thing as a non-toxic or less toxic canvas preservative than modern stuff? Seems like if it is toxic to living things then it would be toxic to humans as well.

Was wondering about plain old turpentine ? Not waterproof but I'm mainly looking at preventing mold.

Was borax ever used ?

 

[Many Klatch]

Paint works but it makes the canvas stiff and carboardy . Borax is more of a fireproofing than a mold preservative. The best way to fight mold is to always make sure that your tent is 100% dry even on the mud flaps before you put it away after camping. I have a tent that is 20 years old that is still without any mold marks.

Many Klatch

 

[Kanu]

Here on Vancouver Island moss grows on rolling stones! Untreated canvas lasts about as long as standing old growth timber.

Guess I will just accept having to replace it when necessary

 

[boar]

Heres one that came from Nesmusk's book,1800s. I have never used it, so can't say it works. 10oz lime-4oz alum put in 10qts water, let stand untill clear, put canvas in another vessel, pour on, let set for 12hrs, rinse in rainwater, hang to dry. You might have to make it bigger if you have large piece of canvas to treat. Dilly

 

[mmahlock]

Just wondering if there exists such a thing as a non-toxic or less toxic canvas preservative than modern stuff? Seems like if it is toxic to living things then it would be toxic to humans as well.

Was wondering about plain old turpentine ? Not waterproof but I'm mainly looking at preventing mold.

Was borax ever used ?

The best advise I can give living just south of you is to get it completely dry before folding it up for storage. :surrender:

 

[Kanu]

For sure it must be dry before storage and basements are not the best place either.

I should have specified the concern was for mildew forming while the tent was set up ... it stays damp basically from Nov to April around here.

 

[mmahlock]

For sure it must be dry before storage and basements are not the best place either.

I should have specified the concern was for mildew forming while the tent was set up ... it stays damp basically from Nov to April around here.

Tilex Mold & Mildew Remover :rotf: :hmm: dilute - spay - rinse :hmm:

 

[LRB]

I am not so sure that Borax would not help. It does well on deer hides keeping mold and bugs from eating it. I am in FL where 80% humidity is considered dry, and it is a fire retardant.
You might also look up "NIKWAX". This is a water proofing, but I think it also retards mold.