How to Season a Canvas Tent

If you have recently purchased a canvas tent, you need to season it before using it in the great outdoors. Seasoning, or weathering, happens when you add water to your tent before it is actually used. This is a good idea because it helps to prevent you from getting wet during an unexpected rainstorm while camping. Canvas tents automatically get seasoned through use, but doing this first closes tiny holes created by the manufacturing process, which will help keep you comfortable during your trip.

Things You'll Need

  • Water hose
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Instructions

    • 1

      Set you tent up in an outdoor area where it will not be disturbed. Use all of the poles, pegs and equipment that it came with to set it up.

    • 2

      Contact your local city government to check on water restrictions in your area. If you are not supposed to water your lawn regularly during the summer months, you will need to follow those guidelines when seasoning your tent.

    • 3

      Close all the windows and doors of the tent to make sure it is secure. Use your garden hose to wet down the entire tent thoroughly. This should take from three to five minutes.

    • 4

      Hose down the areas that have been stitched for a few extra minutes. This will ensure that these areas are wet enough to swell, which will close tiny holes in your canvas tent.

    • 5

      Allow the tent to dry completely. Repeat this up to three times over the next few days. Once the tent is completely dry, pack it up and use it for camping.