Canvas Care
About Canvas Tents
The "Finished size" of a tent is the size after it is sewn together. Canvas is 100% cotton and cotton shrinks. You should expect your tent to be marginally smaller after the tent has been preconditioned.
Shrinkage
All tents made from natural fibres, like cotton, will shrink and this will affect the "finished size" measurements of the tent. The exact amount of shrinkage is marginal but impossible to predict.
Freestanding Frames
Because of the unpredictability of fabric as to shrinkage, it is almost impossible to get an exact fit on any tent frame. The same is true of European manufactured frame tents. Our years of experience with fabrics have however given us an "average" shrinkage factor. This average is what we use when figuring what measurements to use when making frames. However, there are still times when some adjustment of your framework will be necessary to get a good fit. The best time to decide if adjustment is necessary is after the tent has been set up on the frame, wet down and dried thoroughly. If wet be sure to allow your tent to dry thoroughly on the frame before putting it away.
NEVER PUT A DAMP TENT INTO STORAGE.
Mildew
One of the most common problems that occur in canvas or other fabrics is mildew. Even if the tent is made of a fabric that is mildew resistant, it will mildew if left damp. Mildew is very destructive to cotton fabrics as well as other materials. Mildew usually forms when tents are put in storage when damp but it can start while set up for no apparent reason. Mildew can start in a very short time and under certain conditions of humidity and temperature. If mildew has started to grow, it can be stopped from spreading by thoroughly drying the tent, preferably in the hot sun and applying a Cleaner. After any treatment has been applied, make sure the tent dries completely before putting into storage. If the tent is left up for an extended period of time it is important to occasionally air out the tent so that the humidity inside the tent, from cooking, bodies, etc, can dry. Keeping grass and weeds trimmed around the bottom of the tent is also important since dampness clings to foliage and does not allow air to get to the fabric. Do not delay in drying your tent!!!
Wood Burning Stoves/Patio Heaters etc
Never use anything with a live flame in your tent. Even flame retardant fabrics will burn when in contact with a flame source.
Winds
Intense winds can cause extensive damage to your tent and frames. Be sure to set your tent up using all the stakes and ropes provided, even if using a freestanding frame. In windy conditions it will be necessary to also guy the tent out front and back using the grommets provided in the ends of the ridge. Frequently checking the stakes and tightening the guy ropes if they loosen during periods of high winds will keep things together.
Proper use and care of your tent will ensure many seasons of tenting pleasure.
