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My old (15+ years) cheap 3 man dome tent (Lichfield Apache) is not waterproof anymore. Tbh I'm not sure I'd trust it for anything overnight really anyway. However it is useful for the kids to play in, in the garden in the summer. It's been very useful just last half term at the beach to keep out of the rain showers ... Although the puddles that gathered inside were impressive.
Do I bother getting some reproofer, and if so which? Or do it accept it's a sun and wind shade only and pick up another cheap tent to introduce the kids to actually camping overnight?
You want Fabsil Gold in a big tub like this:
I used it to reproof two ancient tents that I had inherited from my old grandad. Painted it on and we were able to sleep in the tent (in our garden) for a week, despite the rain.
You can also get it in spray cans which is slightly easier to apply but not as economical. Plus I liked painting it on because you get good coverage and can target seams and critical areas.
Fabsil here too.
And buy the bigger tin as pictured above, its better economically. And proofs other things not just tents. The spray half of it blows away in the wind 😉
What do you use to apply it? A fence paint brush?
I just used a normal broad emulsion brush plus a couple of jay cloths to wipe down any excess.
It's quite satisfying painting a tent 😀
Oh and make sure the tent is clean before you start, otherwise it won't bond as well or you may end up locking in the grime!
Thanks, I'll get some. It's kinda clean.... After 3 wet and windy days at West wittering beach it was covered in, and full of, sand. I have hosed it down and had our on the line to dry but still seems quite sandy. I assume the easiest way to apply the fabsil is to the erect tent? In which case another brush to get remaining sand off first and it should be fairly clean I think... Hope!
Does Fabsil work for a tent groundsheet too?
Fabsil, I use a a paint roller on the 8 man family tent for no better reason than painting a tent is fun and even more fun with the roller and a pole to get to the hard to reach top bits.
More evidence for the neighbours about the crazy man next door.
I assume the easiest way to apply the fabsil is to the erect tent?
Definitely! A roller is probably a good shout for a larger tent. Paintbrush is fine for a smaller one. Or you could probably just wipe on with a cloth.
Particularly target seams, drip edges, and anything that is under tension.
Does Fabsil work for a tent groundsheet too?
Not something I've ever tried, but can't imagine it would do any harm as it is basically a silicone coating.
Fabsil, I use a a paint roller on the 8 man family tent for no better reason than painting a tent is fun and even more fun with the roller and a pole to get to the hard to reach top bits.
Good tip! I also have a mahoosive family tent and was wondering how to reach the middle.