Everything You Need to Know About Seasoning Your Canvas Swag

Any avid camper knows that taking care of your gear is of the utmost importance. Here at Tentworld, we want to ensure that you’re out and adventuring as much as possible. To do that, we need to provide you with quality gear that is durable and will last, and you need to be properly informed as to how to take care of that gear. 

The water resistance of your swag should be something you consider a priority when pulling the trigger and purchasing one. This small but mighty piece of equipment is supposed to protect you from the elements, and so you want something that is tried and tested. 

Once you find a swag that suits all of your needs, you can begin the process of seasoning the canvas material. This is a vital step that will improve the water resistance of the material and provide more reliable protection for you and your loved ones when camping. 

The primary objective of seasoning canvas is to swell the canvas fibres and close any small gaps in the stitching, making your swag more resistant to rain and moisture. It is important to note that even high-quality canvas products can have tiny holes and gaps around the seams where water can seep through - it’s just the nature of the porous fabric. By wetting and drying the swag, the canvas fibres expand which effectively seals these tiny openings.

Seasoning also helps to prevent mould and mildew. Canvas that hasn't been properly seasoned is more susceptible to retaining moisture, which can lead to mould growth, especially if the swag is stored away damp. Mould not only damages the material but can also pose health risks. By ensuring your swag is well-seasoned and properly dried, you minimise these risks, maintaining a clean and healthy camping environment.

Moreover, seasoning extends the overall lifespan of your swag. Canvas swags are known for their durability, but they still need proper care to stay in top condition. Regular seasoning helps to reinforce the fabric, making it more robust against wear and tear. This means you can enjoy your outdoor adventures with confidence, knowing your tent will provide reliable shelter for years to come.

The concept of seasoning is not only limited to swags. In fact, we recommend that you season any and all canvas products that you own. It is super simple and effective; you’ll wonder why you hadn’t done so sooner!

***

Step 1:

Set up the swag like you would if you were going to use it, however, you will want to remove any bedding from inside so that it doesn’t get wet.

Step 2:

Run the garden hose over the swag, ensuring that all of the canvas material is saturated. Wetting the canvas allows the porous material to absorb the water, which will cause the fibres to expand. This makes the space between fibres smaller. Also, be sure to get the inside of the swag, paying particular attention to the seams. Wherever you see stitching, you’ll want to focus the hose there to ensure all gaps between the thread and the fabric are filled.

Step 3:

Let the swag dry in the sun. The fabric must have a chance to fully absorb the water so that the fibres can dry in their expanded state.

Step 4:

Repeat steps 2-3 a couple of more times. For optimal results, we suggest completing the process 4 times initially, and then 1-2 times every 6 months or so depending on how regularly you use the swag. Please ensure that the swag is completely dry before packing it away. You don’t want to go to all that effort of seasoning the swag just for it to go mouldy!

You can watch a video about seasoning canvas here.

***

Now that your swag is seasoned, it is ready for the many adventures you are bound to have. Should you have any questions or concerns, please pop in-store or send us an email so that a Camping Expert may assist. 

Thank you, and Happy Camping!