How to clean tonneau cover & re-waterproof?

[benbaron]

Hi guys,
whats best to shift the built up algae and then give the canvas covers a water proofing? looking green and not very repellant anymore
cheers
Ben

[jokaboat]

Probably the same as the older canvas tents. A mixture of detergent and warm water worked in with a brush. A good hosing off then treat with a tent re-proofer, available from all good camping stores. Nikwax and Fabsil used to be the dogs doodahs.

[betty boop]

as JB said but there used to be a cheap solution called thomson water seal (was the same as fabsil but 70% cheaper) BUT they changed it to a water base make up a few years ago, I never looked to find if the solvent based one is still available (always meant too) since I bought 5 litres of the usless water based one. easy to spot if you read the label (wickes do one as well) ones clear the others cloudy.

[ian h]

a good brush over with stiff broom and detergent as others have said.
I then use liberal coating of Fabsil. paint it on with a paint brush. used about 2 litres on Tonneau but water just runs off. Look on ebay some good prices on there.
Found that brushing works better than spraying as not soaks in with spray.

[markanddawn]

Despite advice to the contrary. I am going to throw my cover in the washing machine and try reproofing. The rationale being that a new cover will be needed soon anyway, so the risk is minimal. I have so far only washed the cover that goes over the framework encasing the Bimini part when not in use and it came out so clean, so I think it is a risk worth taking. Plan then is to completely soak in a waterproofer and lubricate all zips to see if another season or two can be had for minimal expense.

On a brighter note, we move house next week with a large drive and a garage big enough for three cars. At last, I can drag the boat home during the off season and tinker without needing to visit the marina each week to empty dehumidifier and top up electricity bollard. However, I have no tow vehicle and no trailer and while I can buy an old Disco or the like for a grand or so, a trailer looks like it could be several grand - touchy subject in our household

[Matt13]

a good brush over with stiff broom and detergent as others have said.
I then use liberal coating of Fabsil. paint it on with a paint brush. used about 2 litres on Tonneau but water just runs off. Look on ebay some good prices on there.
Found that brushing works better than spraying as not soaks in with spray.

Can It be brushed on while it is in situ on the boat ?

[ian h]

Must admit i have not tried that.
I did mine at home on the Patio.
Put the camper covers up while Tonneau was off

[Centaur]

I tried Fabsil on my old Maxum's canvas but wasn't very impressed with the results. I know it's important to get the canvas absolutely clean before re-proofing, so that may have been the problem. However, 303 Products do some great cleaner (Fabric & Vinyl Cleaner) and re-proofing agents (Fabric Guard) and their Aerospace Protectant is great stuff for all about the boat. You can get the smaller trigger sprays from Cleanyourcar.co.uk or 5+ litre sizes from Thepolishingcompany.co.uk - I've used both companies and they are very quick on despatch.

[snuggtopz]

Despite advice to the contrary. I am going to throw my cover in the washing machine and try reproofing.

ARE YOU NUTS... heheh

Ok i'm going to let you into a little secret.

If you really really have to put your cover in a washing machine DO NOT WASH IT HOT. . you may get lucky but
there is a good chance it will shrink.

Now, proofing you can go a few different ways with proofing Fabsil .. Hummm not that great

Storm which is better and I stock it
I also have a wash in version, a two bottle cleaner and wash in proofer which might be your option

and the secret..

The really cheap and nasty option is Brick sealer from a builders merchants, DO NOT USE it on good canvas
I would only ever tell anyone to use brick sealer on knackered canvas that just needs to last another year really.

In the USA they clean everything with Chlorine Bleach even the canvas, the algae on a cover is only there
because it has something to feed on, the same with mould. Acrylic canvas has nothing in it that is food
for microbes. Usually pollen gets stuck in the weave of the fabric and that is the food source.
Using a Chloride bleach and soap solution will clean and kill the food source which slows down the
growth of new mould or algae.
Only use chlorine bleach and soft soap if you know for sure it won't remove the colour in your fabric.
always test a small area first and avoid contact with interior fabrics. U do so at your own risk


Rich

[baasboat1]

Rich

How much Storm paint on would I need for my 22ft searay tonneau then please? and do we get a superb discount for forumites as well at all??????????

Regards

Baasboat

[snuggtopz]

hiya

it does depend a bit on how much you slop on but I would think at least
2ltrs if not 3.

Discounting on the water proofer is difficult as the post goes mad once you go over 2kg
and 2 bottles cost almost £10 to post, I'll have a work with the long haired general ( wife )
and see what we can do and let you know.

Rich

[baasboat1]

hiya

it does depend a bit on how much you slop on but I would think at least
2ltrs if not 3.

Discounting on the water proofer is difficult as the post goes mad once you go over 2kg
and 2 bottles cost almost £10 to post, I'll have a work with the long haired general ( wife )
and see what we can do and let you know.

Rich

many thanks, i'll grovell if it helps!

[betty boop]

[quote="snuggtopz] The really cheap and nasty option is Brick sealer from a builders merchants, DO NOT USE it on good canvas
I would only ever tell anyone to use brick sealer on knackered canvas that just needs to last another year really.

[/quote]

I'll go with cheap but not nasty- boat covers that is not the owner - in my defence - I've used it on both the factory canvas covers and the cheap winter acrylic canvas cover and it worked a treat on both, with the forma still in tip top condition 7 years on and the later sun bleached to death for 6 years and rotten thru all over but it was still water proof to the day it died. I wouldnt have specifically used it but it is recomended as canvas proofer on the tin.