Patching canvas question

[Stephaw]

We’re reno’ing a 1998 Coleman Santa Fe that sat closed in a side yard did 12 years. The mice found it in that time and now I have canvas to patch. Is this the way to go?

Complete Repair Kit for Canvas Tents, Pop-Up Campers, Tarps, Marine and Boat Covers | with 6oz Tear Mender Glue, Speedy Stitcher Sewing Awl/Needles, Over 6 Sq Ft of Canvas and 30 Yards of Waxed Thread https://a.co/d/gwGkseD

I see some people say they just used the adhesive. Is it best to do both? The canvas doesn’t seem too brittle yet, and I just want to be sure I can get a few seasons out of it before we replace the canvas.

 

[Sjm9911]

I think it depends on the rups and where they are. Adheasive may work on non corners and seams. Larger holes need sewing and Adheasive maybe. Same witth seams.

 

[Stephaw]

All holes are over the smaller bunk. Biggest one is about 3” around, most of the other ones are small, like under an inch. None involve seams. Seems like this kit is the way to go since it has adhesive and stuff to sew it up. Thanks!

Also open to any hints about patching it up. Hoping to get started on it this weekend.

 

[J Starsky]

I did some hand sewing with a sewing ahl. Do some practicing on jeans! It worked out to be a pretty good seam repair, and added some clear sealant to waterproof the repaired area.

 

[Snow]

Depending on the number of patches you have to sew, the cost of the repair kits (supplies) and what you value your time at , it might be simpler to contact Bearcreek Canvas or Canvas Replacement and buy new Canvas for the entire pup.

 

[Stephaw]

Depending on the number of patches you have to sew, the cost of the repair kits (supplies) and what you value your time at , it might be simpler to contact Bearcreek Canvas or Canvas Replacement and buy new Canvas for the entire pup.

Repair kit was $60 and I have more time than money at this point! We inherited this pup for free and are hoping to fix it up a little at a time and take her out this Spring.

 

[MApopupreno]

Repair kit was $60 and I have more time than money at this point! We inherited this pup for free and are hoping to fix it up a little at a time and take her out this Spring.

I would suggest sanitizing it in a tub of bleach or vinegar or any other solution you can find online to get rid of the mouse smell. I know I wouldn’t be able to fall asleep with that stink! That was my plan but I decided to get a new canvas from bear creek instead

 

[rsdata]

Depends a lot on the mold/mildew and the general feel of the canvas.

Try spraying the canvas/vinyl with Mold Armor from Home Depot. This stuff has a lot of bleach which will clean and whiten plus sanitize. I use this on all types of fabrics and vinyl with great results.

 

[bigm23]

We’re reno’ing a 1998 Coleman Santa Fe that sat closed in a side yard did 12 years. The mice found it in that time and now I have canvas to patch. Is this the way to go?

Complete Repair Kit for Canvas Tents, Pop-Up Campers, Tarps, Marine and Boat Covers | with 6oz Tear Mender Glue, Speedy Stitcher Sewing Awl/Needles, Over 6 Sq Ft of Canvas and 30 Yards of Waxed Thread https://a.co/d/gwGkseD

I see some people say they just used the adhesive. Is it best to do both? The canvas doesn’t seem too brittle yet, and I just want to be sure I can get a few seasons out of it before we replace the canvas.

I used that kit to make repairs on mine. The adhesive is useless and you will see most reviews say as such. The sewing and fabric works great from that, but it won't stop light coming through. It works good and much cheaper then replacing as to replace can cost thousand of dollars and require to send in old canvas for them to replicate. If you are lucky to get the adhesive to stick then great but do stiches as well.

 

[Stephaw]

Depends a lot on the mold/mildew and the general feel of the canvas.

Try spraying the canvas/vinyl with Mold Armor from Home Depot. This stuff has a lot of bleach which will clean and whiten plus sanitize. I use this on all types of fabrics and vinyl with great results. View attachment 88116

This is what we used on the vinyl. Do you scrub it into the canvas or spray and wipe?

 

[Carl Schwarz]

I used the sewing awl to replace a vertical strip of canvas on a window, i.e. the short edge and not the long edge using the sewing awl. It worked very well ... but at 2 hours per run ... It's a time consuming process!! I was also going to replace a much larger section of window that had several thin spots that turned into holes but it was going to take many hours to do, so I just glued patches over the holes and it has worked great.
I carry spare canvas and glue with me whenever we travel.

 

[Jimbow]

Since you have time, sew them all and waterproof seal the areas. You have all winter. Good luck! Post pictures.

 

[CampingDad]

I used that kit to make repairs on mine. The adhesive is useless and you will see most reviews say as such. The sewing and fabric works great from that, but it won't stop light coming through. It works good and much cheaper then replacing as to replace can cost thousand of dollars and require to send in old canvas for them to replicate. If you are lucky to get the adhesive to stick then great but do stiches as well.

It can cost around $1,300 for complete new canvas, plus shipping . The most popular replacement company, out of Wisconsin does not need the original for most replacement canvas, including the referenced Coleman. It is a 4-6 month timeframe though.

 

[Jenkamus]

I have patched holes, rips and dry rotted / thinning areas in our canvas with tear mender and duck canvas. It's held up strong over 3 years. I keep some in the camper for any emergency repairs that may come up.

 

[jmkay1]

I had used patches as well with success. I only had issues with the glue holding on a seam. I followed the instructions on my patch kit to a T. The patches work best if you cut them in a circle as it offers no edges to lift up over time. My kit included something called tear mender which worked Great and held the patch for many seasons. So if your patch kit did not come with the good glue you can buy tear mender separately.