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I have my truck running!!! I now have 20 miles on it and I am getting it drabbed up for its first show in a couple of weeks. Because it has been a garage ornament for many years, the canvas needed some attention. I scrubbed the top with dish soap to loosen and be able to wash off all the STUFF that had settled on it. Then I rinsed it off with my power washer. even though it was cold water, the canvas rinsed off some of the OD green. The top has visible streaks, that I would like to recolor. I had gotten a gallon of Canvak to apply, but wanted it clean first. I am afraid if I put the canvak on it might seal in the streaks and not accept re-coloring The canvas has not been in the sun for any extended periods, and is in very good condition.
I have not found much on the care and maintenance of canvas, so thought the dish soap would be ok. Maybe I am wrong, and if so I am wide open to scorn and ridicule.

Hi D,

No scorn or ridicule here...........everyone's made mistakes at one time or another.........it's how we learn. I've cleaned some OD canvas with Woolite and warm water in a big bucket, stirring it occasionally and then rinsing with clean water. You didn't post a pic, but I suspect what you think is washed off OD green is more likely roughed up canvas from the power washer. I recently had my Mom visiting and I was power washing two indoor/outdoor carpets we use on our deck. I did the first one, then handed the gun over to Mom and went and did something else. My carpet came out nice and clean. Mom's has streaks in it from using just a bit too much pressure, which roughed up the fibers in parts of the carpet and made those areas streak and look lighter. So her's came out all streaky...........but you can't criticize your Mom. But I do smile every time I look down at the carpet she cleaned.

If I'm right and you've roughed up the surface, causing the streaks, your shit out of luck. You can either live with it or power wash the rest of it to match. I've never used Canvak, so I don't know what that is......but I'm guessing it's a sealer or waterproofer? If so you'd want to recolor the canvas BEFORE you apply the sealer, as a sealer will lock in the streaks. I'd say re-dye it and see what happens. It might turn out just fine. If those streaks are roughed up canvas they might just absorb more dye than the other areas and come out looking good.

Sorry I can't be of more help.

regards,
bob

You'r correct Bob the Canvak is a canvas preservative, also it helps improve the water resistance. It is clear, and maybe a similar product to "Camp Dry" for tents. I tried it in an area that had some streaking, but after sitting overnight, the color variations were visible. There must be an original dye that is used to make it OD Green to begin with? I wonder where I can get some of that?

Ask and ye shall receive:

http://coccraftingsupplies.ecrater.com/ ... r-reactive


Most arts and craft stores also sell liquid dyes for canvas.......it's called Liquid Acid Dye. I've never used it myself, but I'm interested in hearing how it goes.

regards,
bob

Thanks Bob - I'll swing by Hobby Lobby on my way home after work and see if they have either of these. I'll let you know what I learn.

I used this on a top in the same condition and it worked. It takes a half gallon with a brush to do a M37 top, and two coats, be liberal with it each coat, brush In the same direction.
Before and after on a top I sold and a pic of the can. If you cant find it I can send the half a can I have left. Its green in color, can says Olive Drab.

DCook wrote:Thanks Bob - I'll swing by Hobby Lobby on my way home after work and see if they have either of these. I'll let you know what I learn.

Just a suggestion .... Why don,t call one of the EXPERT od canvas vendors. I use Wee Bee Webbing
Google them for their phone number. His name is David Pizzoferoto. He will surely have some
suggestions to help you.
Tell him I sent you.
Jerry Bubolz
Gilbert, Az

Beautiful truck Jay.

Canvak is clear but it can be tinted. They use to sell a tinted version but it is no longer available. Use color pigment and test in a spot that you wont see and if it's the right color brush or spray it on the canvas and let dry. Good luck with your top.

That truck is so cool, it made the kid pass out!

carolinamv,

Where can you get the can of Weather Master you have pictured? Who makes it? And most important, does it have the sweet aroma of military canvas once it's applied?

Also, can you provide a better picture of the can?

Thanks

Kevin