How To Apply Fabsil To A Tent (Explained)

There are many things you can do to keep your tent in good shape, but one of the most important is applying Fabsil. 

Fabsil is a special fabric sealant that’s designed to protect your tent from moisture and prevent mold growth. 

It also helps absorb stains and odors so that you don’t have to worry about those things when you go camping again! 

The most common question I get is how long it takes for Fabsil to dry. The answer varies depending on the weather conditions, but usually within 24 hours it’s ready for use again.

How to rewaterproof a tent or camping equipment using fabsil
Takeaways
The article provides a detailed explanation of how to apply Fabsil to a tent.
It offers step-by-step instructions for the application process.
The importance of proper tent maintenance and waterproofing is highlighted.
Tips for preparing the tent before applying Fabsil are provided.
The benefits of using Fabsil for tent waterproofing are explained.
The article emphasizes the need for reproofing tents periodically to maintain their water resistance.
Common mistakes to avoid during the application process are mentioned.
Additional resources and FAQs related to tent maintenance and reproofing are provided.

How To Apply Fabsil To A Tent

If you’re looking to apply Fabsil to your tent, there are two ways you can do so. You can choose from the aerosol spray or the liquid form. We recommend using the aerosol spray for quick coverage and easy application. 

If you’re applying a small area, then it’s best to use the liquid form because it will be easier to control where it goes.

For either application method, once you’ve sprayed or poured on Fabsil (be sure not to get any on yourself or near your face!), wipe down every surface with a sponge or rag until they are evenly coated with Fabsil coating compound.

Is your EZ-Up canopy in need of repair? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. Check out our pro tips for fixing your EZ-Up canopy and get it back in top shape in no time!

What Is Fabsil?

Fabsil is a water repellent. It’s a chemical that bonds with the fabric of your tent and makes it waterproof. 

For example, if you were to spray on Fabsil onto a tent and then take a hose and spray water at it, the water would bead up and run off. 

That’s because Fabsil has bonded with the surface of the fabric, creating an invisible barrier over the entire area of your tent that stops water from seeping through.

This stuff is great for making sure that your tent stays dry when you’re out in all kinds of weather conditions, but it can also be used on tarps or tarps as well!

BrandTypeVolumeApplication
FabsilAerosol Spray400mlSpray-on
FabsilLiquid1LBrush-on
FabsilSilicone Proofer5LDip or brush
FabsilUniversal Cleaner1LSpray or sponge

Should I Seal My Tent Before I Go Camping?

The short answer is “it depends.”

If you’ve got a synthetic fabric tent, like one made of nylon or polyester, then sealing it will keep out water and stains better than not sealing it. 

This is because the main benefit of using Fabsil to seal your tent is that it produces an impermeable coating on the surface of the canvas that protects against water and dirt. 

If you don’t apply this coating to your tent’s fabric before going camping, then any rain that gets through can soak into your tent’s material and cause mildew or mold growth inside.

On the other hand, cotton canvas tents should never be sealed because applying Fabsil will cause them to shrink due to their natural absorbent qualities (this includes cotton duck).

Struggling to fold your pop-up canopy? We’ve got an easy guide to help you out. Learn the step-by-step process of folding a pop-up canopy and make your next camping trip hassle-free.

Preparing The Tent

First, make sure your tent is clean and dry before applying Fabsil. If it’s wet or damp, then wait until it’s completely dry before applying the product to the material.

This step is very important: do not apply Fabsil to a tent that hasn’t been properly cleaned first! If you try this without cleaning the canvas first, you’re going to end up with a sticky mess on your hands (and all over your face).

Preparation Step
Clean tent surface
Remove dirt and debris
Check for any damages
Repair any tears or holes
Ensure tent is fully dry
Remove old waterproofing
Apply seam sealer if necessary

Using Fabsil Aerosol Spray

The Fabsil aerosol spray is intended for use on tents and other fabric items. However, it’s important to note that it may not be suitable for all fabrics. Always test a small area of the tent first before applying any product.

Once you’ve determined that the material is safe to treat with Fabsil, apply an even coat of heat-activated adhesive spray to your tent. 

Let dry for at least 10 minutes before moving on to the next step in this process: another application of heat-activated adhesive spray (again, wait about 10 minutes between coatings). 

Finally, apply one more coating of heat-activated adhesive spray and let dry completely before storing your item away; we recommend using a window fan or small portable heater if possible during this process so as not to damage delicate materials while they’re drying out.)

BrandVolumeWaterproofingUV ProtectionApplication
Fabsil400mlExcellentYesSpray-on
Nikwax500mlGoodYesSpray-on
Granger’s600mlExcellentYesSpray-on
Scotchgard400mlGoodYesSpray-on
Atsko500mlExcellentYesSpray-on

Using A Sponge To Apply Fabsil Liquid

Congratulations! You’ve gotten the tent all cleaned up, and now it’s time to apply more Fabsil liquid. 

This is the fun part, where you get to use a sponge and spread around some Fabsil liquid like it’s icing on a cake. It’s also the part where you’re going to feel like an idiot because applying Fabsil liquid with a sponge is much harder than it seems at first glance.

For one thing, sponges absorb water from the air much more quickly than they do from water itself which means that if your sponge dries out before you want it too (and trust me when I say this will happen)

Then there will be no way for you to continue spreading Fabsil without getting it everywhere except where you want it! 

To avoid this problem altogether, make sure there are always plenty of extra sponges lying around; otherwise your tent will never look as good as new again!

Protecting your gazebo canopy is essential for its longevity. Discover our pro tips on treating a gazebo canopy and ensure it remains in great condition for years to come.

Reapplying Fabsil

You may need to reapply Fabsil. While you should be able to get away with using Fabsil once, it is always a good idea to check the tent for signs of wear and tear before your next camping trip. 

You should also reapply Fabsil if your tent has become dirty from exposure to harsh weather conditions, or if you find that the condition of your tent’s fabric has deteriorated over time.

How often should I reapply Fabsil?

The manufacturer does not specify how often this product needs to be applied (or even whether it can be used more than once), but there are some things that may indicate that you need to reapply it:

  • Your tent becomes damaged or dirty in some way while in use
  • Your tent gets exposed too much moisture while being stored outdoors
  • You notice any deterioration in its condition

Don’t let water ruin your camping experience. Learn how to easily seal a water tent with our helpful guide. Discover effective techniques for waterproofing your tent in our article on sealing a water tent and stay dry during your outdoor adventures.

Always Test On Fabric

It’s always a good idea to test your cleaning product on fabric in a well-ventilated area with no one else around. 

This way, if the Fabsil does not work as expected, you won’t ruin anything else and there are no witnesses.

Once you have tested and found that it works, then you can use it on your tent. But remember: Always check the label before using any cleaning product!

Curious about the lifespan of a canopy tent? We have the answers you need. Find out more about how long a canopy tent can last and the factors that affect its durability in our article on canopy tent lifespan.

Conclusion

Fabsil is a great way to make sure your tent stays waterproof, but it’s important to treat the fabric with care. 

The best thing to do is always test on fabric before applying the product directly onto it. If you have any questions about applying Fabsil or how the product works, please contact us! We’ll be happy to answer them for you.

Further Reading

Here are some additional resources that you may find helpful:

How to Reproof Your Tent with Granger’s Fabsil: Discover a detailed guide on how to effectively reproof your tent using Granger’s Fabsil waterproofing product.

Fabsil Solvent Waterproofer: Explore the features and benefits of Fabsil Solvent Waterproofer, a reliable product for enhancing the waterproofing capabilities of your tent.

When Should I Re-Proof My Tent?: Gain insights into determining the appropriate timing for reproofing your tent to maintain its water-resistance and extend its lifespan.

FAQs

Here are some frequently asked questions about tent maintenance and reproofing:

Q: How often should I reproof my tent?

A: The frequency of tent reproofing depends on various factors, including the tent’s material, usage, and exposure to harsh conditions. As a general guideline, it is recommended to reproof your tent every 1-2 years or when you notice a decline in its water repellency.

Q: Can I use Fabsil to reproof any type of tent?

A: Fabsil is compatible with a wide range of tent materials, including nylon, polyester, and canvas. However, it is essential to check the manufacturer’s recommendations and suitability for your specific tent before applying any waterproofing product.

Q: How do I prepare my tent for reproofing?

A: To prepare your tent for reproofing, ensure it is clean and dry. Remove any dirt or debris by gently wiping the surface or using a mild detergent if necessary. Allow the tent to dry completely before applying the waterproofing solution.

Q: Should I apply reproofing product to the entire tent or only specific areas?

A: It is generally recommended to apply reproofing product to the entire tent for uniform water repellency. However, pay extra attention to high-stress areas, seams, and points of potential water entry to provide additional protection.

Q: Can I reproof my tent while it is pitched?

A: It is typically recommended to reproof your tent while it is not pitched. This allows for easier access to all surfaces and ensures thorough coverage of the fabric. However, if reproofing while pitched is necessary, be cautious not to oversaturate the tent and pay attention to proper ventilation during the drying process.