Derek mentioned the problems with waterproofing canvas (makes the canvas unbreathable and makes the upstairs of the camper pretty clammy), and reiterated that canvas is naturally waterproof. For those who are wondering why, here's the answer from back in my boy scout days... Canvas is actually a very, very fine mesh of fibers. When canvas is dry, there are small spaces (the mesh) between the fibers, hence canvas is breathable. When canvas gets wet, the fibers swell and close up the mesh, keeping water (and air) from passing thru. If you poke firmly on the side of a wet canvas sheet, you will stretch a small area of the fibers, opening up the mesh and causing a leak. If oil, waterproofing or water repellency stuff, or even a lot of dirt gets on canvas, it can keep the fibers from swelling up when wet, so it's a good idea to keep the canvas clean, using water and a mild soap if necessary, but be sure to rinse thoroughly. When canvas gets very, very old, it might not swell up when wet. Your choices then are to replace it, or waterproof it and accept the problems pointed out by Derek. - Scott 91 Camper ============= Scott Sminkey email: sasminkey@eng.xyplex.com Software Sustaining Engineering voice: 508 952-4792 Xyplex, Inc. fax: 508 952-4887 295 Foster St. (Opinions, comments, etc. are mine, Littleton, MA 01460 not Xyplex's...) "Ollie ollie oxen-free! Pass it along." - Swami Bill
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