Can I use Flex Seal on canvas? (5+ benefits)
In this blog post, we will answer the following question: Can I use Flex Seal on canvas? We will explain the benefits of Flex Seal for repairing trailer canvas. We will also discuss what is the best sealant for the roof, windows or canvas of a pop-up camper.
Can I use Flex Seal on a trailer canvas?
Yes, you can use Flex Seal on the canvas of your tent-trailer, hybrid camper or pop-up camper. Flex Seal will adhere to almost any surface including wood, metal, aluminium, plastic, fibreglass, rubber, or vinyl or just about any dry surface ( or even wet). It works best on dry surfaces, but if you are dealing with a leak in rainy weather, you can still stop the leak.
Flex Seal Sealer, allows to stop liquid or gas leaks in roofs, drains, skylights, ventilation systems, ducts, trailers, among others. It can be used on wet or dry surfaces. It is made with black liquid rubber that helps cover fissures, cracks and holes from any angle.
Here are just a few of the benefits of Flex Seal:
- Extremely flexible and durable
- Ideal for stop bars, guardrails, stepped flashings or metal edging
- Durable and UV resistant; will not crack, crack, chip
- Maximum seal clearance capacity of ± 25%
- Adheres to many types of substrates, including metal, copper, concrete, wood, SBS, APP, EPDM, TPO, PVC, as well as multilayer substrates and asphalt shingles.
- Can be painted.
How to repair a trailer canvas with Flex Seal
Nothing can be more frustrating than being on the road for a camping adventure and being disrupted with water or other weather damaging your pop-up camper or tent trailer. Leaky ceilings and cracked windows are not a joy for anyone.
Learn to temporarily repair damage while away from home, as well as to make permanent repairs when time permits. Proper maintenance will ensure that you enjoy your pop-up camper for many years to come.
Sealing the seams of a pop-up camper is easy. There is nothing more annoying than camper seams that aren’t waterproof. Treat the seams of your canvas before you go on vacation. All you need is a powerful impregnator and a few simple steps.
- Make sure the camper is dry.
- Set up the canvas (so as to open the sewing hole)
- Spray the seams with Flex Seal. If necessary, scrub with a brush or paintbrush.
- Let the camper canvas dry.
- Test with water.
- If necessary, spray once more with the impregnation product.
Note: By using Flex Seal, you not only protect the seams but also the canvas of the camper.
When should you reseal your trailer canvas?
After buying a new pop-up camper, it should stay waterproof for a long time, I would say several seasons of camping. But after a while, you will notice seepage around the roof and seams. It is high time to do something.
The waterproofness of your pop-up camper does not last forever. Eventually, it deteriorates, especially when the camper is treated with silicone which will suffer from kinks and cracks. It will take time, I’ll grant you, but it will happen eventually.
If you are in doubt before you go, because you noticed water inside the last time you used it, then you should take a test. The best way to test the waterproofness of your camper is to sprinkle it with water, at the very least use a spray bottle if you don’t have a garden hose.
If you see water coming through the seams or any part of the fabric, go through the waterproofing and sealing step, mentioned above. Otherwise, you can move to the following.
The importance of inspection and maintenance of trailer canvas
Before presenting the various sealants best suited for use on a trailer canvas, we thought we would present to you the various advantages of adequate caulking on this type of vehicle. This will convince you of the importance of inspecting your RV’s gaskets and repairing damaged ones as quickly as possible.
To protect your trailer from damage caused by water infiltration:
- Caulking joints made with the correct sealant create a tight seal that prevents water from seeping into cracks and openings in your canvas. If the water gets in, it can cause a lot of damage that is often costly to repair and accelerate the deterioration of some parts.
- Caulking around plumbing fixtures also prevents water from damaging the floors, walls and cabinets of trailers, caravans and other RVs.
- Effective caulking of your trailer canvas can also prevent air exchange between the interior and exterior, which can reduce your energy consumption. Indeed, when hot or cold air (depending on whether you are using heating or air conditioning) escapes through poorly sealed interstices, your fuel or electricity consumption automatically increases.
- Effective sealant gaskets will also protect you from the wind and dust it carries. And if you and the bugs don’t mix well, know that caulking your trailer canvas will help you keep those unwanted people out.
What is the best sealant for a trailer canvas?
Trailer canvas is constantly subject to changes in temperature and elements such as dust, rain, and UV rays. It is, therefore, necessary to choose a product suitable for outdoor use.
Also, since campers are designed to be moved and are not 100% rigid, it can happen that the roof joints expand and contract on the road and even when parked. It is therefore important to choose a sealant that is as flexible as possible and which resists tearing well.
Finally, for an easy application, it is preferable to opt for a self-levelling sealer which will allow you to avoid the shaping step. It should also be able to firmly adhere to the different materials of your camper.
In this sense, the best sealant for a trailer or RV roof is Adseal 4550SL Self-Leveling Neutral Silicone Sealant. Designed specifically for sealing vehicles, it is your best option. However, be aware that this sealer cannot be painted.
If you want to paint your sealant, however, you have another option that can be very effective: Adthane 1800 series polyurethane adhesive sealant. Paintable, this elastomeric adhesive sealant forms a highly elastic, tear-resistant and weather-resistant seal.
What is the best sealant for trailer windows?
Doors and windows in recreational vehicles are not that different from those in buildings. Like these, they should be caulked with a sealant that offers excellent resistance to the elements, that is, it will not lose its flexibility or bulk under their action.
The preferred sealant for trailer windows must also adhere securely to materials such as glass, metals, fibreglass and painted surfaces.
For us, the best sealant for doors and windows in trailers and other RVs is Adseal DWS 4580 Series Neutral Silicone Sealing Adhesive Sealant. It has all the characteristics and physical properties to provide superior performance and durability for this use.
Conclusions
In short, no matter what type of seal you choose for the canvas of your camper, make sure you know how to prevent and maintain it first. It is possible to repair canvas on a tent trailer or pop-up camper with a Flex Seal, as long as the damage is not too big to interrupt your trip.
With the right materials and a little guidance, the canvas can be detached and holes can be patched and grommets replaced. The fixed canvas can be placed back on the tent trailer. You will then be able to be back on the road for the camping trip in virtually no time.
Please feel free to let us know if you have any questions, comments or thoughts about the content.
FAQ on Can I use Flex Seal on canvas?
Can I use Flex Seal on my RV roof?
Yes, you can safely use Flex Seal on your RV roof. Flex Seal Sealer, allows to stop liquid or gas leaks in roofs, drains, skylights, ventilation systems, ducts, trailers, among others. It can be used on wet or dry surfaces. It is made with black liquid rubber that helps cover fissures, cracks and holes from any angle.
How to fix a hole in a canvas?
Here’s how to fix a hole in a canvas:
- You must first take care of the REAR PART of the tear.
- Clean the surfaces to be glued by removing dust.
- Using a brush, paste the contours of the tear on a surface equal to the strip you are going to position.
- Lay the fabric strip to cover the tear.
How to repair an awning canvas?
To repair an awning canvas, gently rub the small area around the tear using VERY fine sandpaper (minimum 1000 grit) around the tear in the awning for better adhesion. You just need to rub to get a rough surface without weighing so as not to damage the canvas in depth.
How do you seal a pop-up camper seam?
To seal a pop-up camper seam you must, thus, waterproof them. Waterproofing the seams of a pop-up camper canvas is very easy. You don’t need a special seam sealer. This often only gives rise to stains.
How to clean and maintain a camper awning?
Here’s how to clean and maintain a camper awning:
- Always use mild soap.
- Water should be cold to lukewarm. Never over 38 ° c / 100 ° F.
- Rinse thoroughly to remove all soap residue.
- Let them air dry only.
