Jump to content

Clean Canvas


Recommended Posts

hi

got a beige canvas on my boat (bad move)

i made it from scratch and within the year it had started to go mouldy and as i didn't even look at the boat last year i can only imagine how bad it is now.

yes it is proper boat material bought from a good quality boat supplier who is local

what is the best way to clean the mould, dirt, bird poo, tree sap etc off the canvas?

and what is the best waterproofer or protector to use to try and keep her cleaner in future please

Link to comment
Share on other sites

You can use the various canvas cleaners (for boats or cars) on the market, some do include bleach so watch out for the stitching. We tend to use Fabsil to waterproof our canopy, I prefer to brush this on or spread it with a sponge and leave it to dry. Fabsil is available in 1 litre & 5 litre tins or in a spay can.

Regards

Alan

  • Like 3
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Whatever you do DON'T pressure wash it.. It kills canopies quicker than you can believe! but many people say to do it.. 

It really is a case of washing up liquid only and a sponge, then allow to dry and then waterproof straight away. Nothing more.. (You should do this every year and they will live for years).  Sadly if is has gone really mouldy then it's a case of a new cover and washing up liquid no longer works then it's a new cover.... like mine :huh: :52_fearful:

  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Just now, smitch6 said:

thanks for the replys

i'll get it off once the sun comes out maybe the weekend or next week and give it a go

can i use a scrubbing brush with the washing up liquid or will that be too harsh?

You don't want to open the stitch of the fabric up as thats where mould grows into and it then breaks up the protected survace (which is actually on the reverse).. So a soft brush is ok not a yard brush.. go gentle though.. if you need to put lots of effort into it then it's probably dead sadly.. certainly worth a try.

  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

There's a canvas canopy cleaner available called wet'n'forget that kills off mildew and leaves a coating to stop it coming back, it has a picture of a boat on the tub so it's expensive, b&q do stuff called patio magic for cleaning concrete that has the same ingredients much cheaper, I'll tell you if it works when I look at the tattered remains of my disolved canopy next visit as we tried it last weekend, don't do it over water as it makes the fish taste funny but they are easy to pick off the surface when they float up.

I've been told it works very well but I've been lied to before......

  • Like 5
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Just now, Dilligaf said:

There's a canvas canopy cleaner available called wet'n'forget that kills off mildew and leaves a coating to stop it coming back, it has a picture of a boat on the tub so it's expensive, b&q do stuff called patio magic for cleaning concrete that has the same ingredients much cheaper, I'll tell you if it works when I look at the tattered remains of my disolved canopy next visit as we tried it last weekend, don't do it over water as it makes the fish taste funny but they are easy to pick off the surface when they float up.

I've been told it works very well but I've been lied to before......

lol yes let me know if you still have a canopy or not

Link to comment
Share on other sites

well i tried most things and ended up jet washing it.

as it's only 18months old it handled it fine.

but it still hasn't got the embedded dirt out, it got the top green etc but spoke to Richard at snuggtopz

and he suggested a cup full of bleach in a warm bucket so will try that tomorrow once it's dried off

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I have used cilit bang mould and mildew remover,  carefully.  Don't leave it on very long and lightly agitate it with a soft brush then rinse off straight away with lots of water,  away from the river.  Dry and reseal.  It a very good but needs respect. 

It is also great on textured areas of gelcoat but be careful of where the rinse water goes. 

  • Like 2
Link to comment
Share on other sites

4 hours ago, smitch6 said:

well i tried most things and ended up jet washing it.

as it's only 18months old it handled it fine.

but it still hasn't got the embedded dirt out, it got the top green etc but spoke to Richard at snuggtopz

and he suggested a cup full of bleach in a warm bucket so will try that tomorrow once it's dried off

I would try only a cap full of bleach, I feel a cupful is far too much.

Regards

Alan

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I did our canvas canopy over the winter with bleach amongst other things.

I used 8 fl oz chlorine bleach (domestos) mixed with 2 fl oz fairy liquid to 1 gallon of water, I did this a few times and it did improve the green staining however our canopy is very mold stained on the top and even after breaking out the big guns designed for patio cleaning nothing i found has managed to remove it all.  I think when the mold really gets a hold in the canvas im not sure it can be removed, vinyl may be different. 

Be aware that this combination and probably also the power washing wasnt kind to the stitching, i had thought It would probably need a restitch before i started as it wasnt in great condition, this process will finish old or worn stitching off! 

Still when all said and done it does look better and even with the £60 full restitch (its not a small canopy either so I was happy with that!) and a tin of fabsil ive probably done a comparable job to the proffessionals at a fraction of the cost......im sure one well known norfolk maker quoted about £360 to clean and refurb it a few years back!

 

 

 

 

  • Like 4
Link to comment
Share on other sites

I just watched the link Frank posted (mowjo).. Whats mentioned in that is really it.  Boat covers can last for many many years (up to 10), like everything on boats they need annual maintenance. If you use correct products (and I know we all like a deal but cover fabric and threads are specialised and new covers aren't quick and easy to make so thus cost lots of money ). Most covers we repair at Trimnet are being repaired because they haven't been maintained, again they need annual washing with the right products.

Whatever you do, DON'T pressure wash it unless you want it to only last a year... Don't use bleach again unless you want to kill it.. use the correct products.

We (www.trimnet.co.uk - sales@trimnet.co.uk - 01634 244 844) can replace windows from £40 and restitch. We are busy so we would need to book this work in, but we can collect and we can courier back.  But honestly save yourself lots of money by annual care with the right products.

I'm sure these products are available from all good chandlers. Obviously (swap hats) another NBN sponsor, Brian Wards offer 10% discount when mentioning NBN.

Embeded link as Frank posted:

 

  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

5 hours ago, brandenjg said:

I forgot about the NBN discount, I've been in and out of Brian wards countless times in the past few months.

Branden

Hello Branden,

Have a word with Tanya or Nick regarding the discount or open an account with them and automatically get your discounted rate on all of your purchases.

Regards

Alan

  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Just now, smitch6 said:

oh well the bleach solution didn't touch it.

i'll just have to leave it as it'll last another year or so and then do another one in the vinyl rather than the canvas and it will be red and not beige :40_rage:

Vinyl sweats like a pig in a sauna - whatever the colour !

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Restore formatting

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.

  • Sponsors

    Norfolk Broads Network is run by volunteers - You can help us run it by making a donation

×
×
  • Create New...

Important Information

For details of our Guidelines, please take a look at the Terms of Use here.