Canvas gear turns useless fast when it soaks through at the first steady rain. This homemade fabric waterproofer gives outdoor canvas a simple oil-based coating that helps shed water on tents, bags, and patio pieces that still have plenty of life left in them (because replacing all of it gets old fast).
A store-bought water-repellent spray for outdoor fabric can run about $14.99 for a 13-ounce can, so treating large canvas items adds up in a hurry. This mix uses just two ingredients, and you control the application thickness and coverage instead of relying on a light aerosol coat.
You only need 2 materials for this batch: soybean oil and turpentine. The mixture makes one batch, and you’ll need a container for mixing plus a brush or paint applicator to coat the outer surface evenly.
- 🧰 Materials You'll Need
- 🔧 Tools/Equipment
- 🛠️ How to Make Fabric Waterproofer
- 🛠️ How to Use It
- 🎨 Customization Ideas
- 🛡️ Safety Information
- 📦 Storage
- 💸 Cost Breakdown
- 🛍️ Need Help Finding Everything?
- ❓ Frequently Asked Questions about Homemade Fabric Waterproofer for Canvas
- 📌 Love this Homemade Fabric Waterproofer for Canvas? Pin it!
- 🖨️ Print-Friendly How-To: Homemade Fabric Waterproofer for Canvas
Materials You’ll Need
- 3 cups soybean oil
- 1 1/2 cups turpentine
Tools/Equipment
- Mixing container
- Brush or paint applicator
How to Make Fabric Waterproofer
- Combine the soybean oil and turpentine in a mixing container.
- Stir until the mixture looks evenly blended.
- Paint the mixture onto the outer surface of the canvas item.
- Allow the coated fabric to dry completely before using the item outdoors.
Canvas Fabric Waterproofer
3 cups soybean oil
1 1/2 cups turpentine
Mix and paint on outer surface. Allow to dry.
Meant for Outdoor Furniture Items only (ex. canvas tents, canvas bags, etc)
How to Use It
Use this waterproofer on outdoor canvas items such as canvas tents, canvas bags, and outdoor furniture fabric. Apply it to the exterior only so the weather-facing side gets the protective coating where it does the most good.
If the fabric is dirty first, clean it and let it dry fully before coating it. If you wash canvas gear regularly, a homemade cleaner such as Gentle Fabric Soap can help you freshen the material before reapplying a protective finish.
Customization Ideas
- For tents: Brush on a thin, even coat and focus on the weather-facing panels.
- For canvas bags: Apply a lighter coat so the bag doesn’t feel overly heavy.
- For patio canvas: Coat the exposed outer side of cushions, covers, or similar fabric pieces used outdoors.
- For older gear: Test a small hidden area first to check the final look before coating the whole item.
Safety Information
Use this mixture outdoors or in a well-ventilated work area, and keep it away from open flame, pilot lights, sparks, and smoking materials. Since this project combines oil and solvent, handle any used rags carefully. The National Fire Protection Association notes that oily rags can ignite if heat builds up as they dry, so don’t leave applicators or rags wadded in a pile.
This formula is meant for outdoor furniture items only and similar outdoor canvas gear. Do not use it on indoor upholstery, delicate fashion fabric, or items that are not meant for solvent-based coatings.
Storage
If you have leftover mixture, keep it in a tightly closed container labeled for the contents and store it out of reach of children and pets. Store it in a cool area away from direct heat or flame.
Let coated items dry completely before folding, stacking, or storing them. If you use rags during application, dry them flat outdoors and dispose of them properly once they’re fully dry.
Cost Breakdown
This batch uses common bulk materials, so the per-project cost is usually lower than buying multiple cans of outdoor fabric spray. Based on current comparable retail pricing, one store-bought 13-ounce outdoor water shield spray costs about $14.99, and heavier canvas often needs more than one can for full coverage.
Because product prices and container sizes for soybean oil and turpentine vary widely by brand and region, this project cost works best as a practical estimate rather than a fixed number. See the printable How-To below for the estimated consumable cost used for this batch.
🛍️ Need Help Finding Everything?
- Soybean oil at Walmart
- Soybean oil on Amazon
- Turpentine at Walmart
- Turpentine on Amazon
- Gentle Fabric Soap if you want to clean canvas before recoating it
Frequently Asked Questions about Homemade Fabric Waterproofer for Canvas
No. This formula is meant for outdoor canvas-type items only, such as tents, canvas bags, and outdoor furniture fabric. Skip delicate fabrics, indoor upholstery, and anything that isn’t suited to an oil-and-solvent coating.
Apply it to the outer surface. That’s the stated method, and it keeps the weather-facing side protected without adding more coating than you need.
Let it dry completely before you use the item. Drying time will vary with temperature, airflow, humidity, and how heavily you applied it, so don’t rush it just because the top feels dry.
The method given here is to mix and paint it on. Brushing gives you better control on heavy canvas and helps you work the coating into the outer surface evenly.
Yes. Start with clean, dry fabric so the coating can contact the canvas evenly. Dirt, dust, or damp spots can interfere with a smooth application.
No. Keep it for outdoor canvas gear and outdoor furniture items only. Clothing and indoor furnishings call for products designed for those materials and that kind of use.
Don’t wad them up and leave them in a pile. Lay them out so they can dry completely, then dispose of them according to your local rules. That’s one of those small steps that matters a lot.
It can. Oil-based coatings may deepen the color slightly or change the hand of the fabric, which is why testing a small hidden area first is a smart move.
Yes, if you keep it in a tightly closed, clearly labeled container away from heat and flame. Give it a stir before reuse if it has been sitting for a while.
📌 Love this Homemade Fabric Waterproofer for Canvas? Pin it!
Did you try this project? Tell me what you waterproofed and whether you used it on a tent, bag, or patio canvas.
🖨️ Print-Friendly How-To: Homemade Fabric Waterproofer for Canvas
Homemade Fabric Waterproofer for Canvas
Equipment
Materials
- 3 cups soybean oil
- 1 ½ cups turpentine
Instructions
- Combine the soybean oil and turpentine in a mixing container.
- Stir until evenly blended.
- Paint the mixture onto the outer surface of the canvas item.
- Allow the coated fabric to dry completely before use.
- For outdoor furniture items only, including canvas tents and canvas bags.
- Apply to the outer surface only.
- Use in a well-ventilated area away from flame, sparks, and heat.
- Do not leave oily rags piled together after use.
- Estimated cost is based on consumable materials only and will vary by brand and region.
