Frequently Asked Questions about tent fabric

Frequently Asked Questions about tent fabric + answers

These are the questions we are most frequently asked about tent fabric, along with our answers. As a market leader and specialist in tent fabrics, we are very often asked the same questions. For your convenience – and ours – we have listed them below. You will find the questions and answers, as well as links if you would like to know more about extending the life of your tent or determining the best tent fabric for your needs. If you cannot find a sufficient answer or explanation, we will be happy to assist you. Please feel free to contact us at any time for advice and further information. 
The topics include: use, maintenance, materials, cleaning, waterproofing treatments and water resistance in general.

Overview of the most frequently asked questions about tent fabric

Below is an overview of the questions we are most often asked. Scroll down for the answers. If anything remains unclear, we will gladly provide further clarification.

• What is the best tent fabric?
• Which tent fabric is the most waterproof?
• What is the most durable tent fabric?
• Is the term “tent fabric” also used for other applications?
• Can tent fabric be purchased by the metre from the roll?
• How do I prevent mould in tent fabric?
• If heavy mould has developed, can it still be removed?
• Can tent fabric be touched?
• May I clean tent fabric with a special cleaning product?
• Can I remove deep or stubborn stains from tent fabric?
• What is the best thread for tent fabric?
• How do I clean my tent?
• May I hang a towel over my tent?
• Can I cook inside a tent?
• I have bird droppings on my tent. How do I remove them?
• Is blowing soap bubbles harmful to tent fabric?
• How do I protect my tent against UV radiation?
• My new cotton camping tent leaks after pitching. Why?
• When should a tent be reproofed?
• How do I reproof or impregnate a tent?
• The seams of my tent are leaking. What should I do?
• What is the best fabric for a tent?
• When should I choose cotton and when nylon?
• Is it wiser to choose polyester or cotton?
• Is polycotton tent fabric suitable for backpacking?

Best Quality tent fabric

What is the best tent fabric?
High-quality woven fabric with consistent waterproofing treatment or coating. In 95% of cases, this means European quality. Examples include TenCate, EsvoTex, Docril, Sauleda and Mehler.
With these brands, you can be certain that the first metres on the roll are identical in quality to the last metres cut.
It is difficult to name one single “best” fabric, as there are various types of tent fabric, including:

• 100% cotton
• Polyester/cotton blends
• Nylon
• 100% polyester
• Coated polyester
• 65% polyester / 35% PVA blend
• 100% acrylic
• All available in different weights and coatings.

We are happy to advise you on the best fabric for your specific outdoor application.

Which tent fabric is the most waterproof?
PVC (used for tent groundsheets) is technically waterproof. The same applies to coated polyester (e.g. All Weather, All Season) and coated acrylic (used for canopies and boat covers). Nylon is also inherently waterproof. Cotton tent fabric is impregnated to be water-repellent. Rain will not penetrate it for many years, but technically speaking, it is not fully waterproof unless it has a heavy coating. Cotton tents are designed with sloping panels so rainwater runs off. Therefore, strong water repellency is entirely functional.

What is the most durable tent fabric?
This depends on use. For camping tents, coated polyester such as All Weather or All Season is technically the most durable. For other outdoor applications, coated acrylic can last even longer.
High-quality PVC (e.g. lorry curtain material) is also extremely durable if not constantly exposed to sunlight.

Is the term “tent fabric” used for other purposes?
Yes. Many people use the term when searching for fabric for patio canopies or similar applications. We supply various suitable fabrics, including All Weather, All Season and 100% acrylic canvas. Proper advice is essential before investing in custom-made products.

Can tent fabric be purchased by the metre?
Yes. You can purchase tent fabric by the metre, even in increments of 10 cm, and in various widths.

Caring for Tent Fabric

How do I prevent mould?
Cotton contains cellulose, which serves as a nutrient source for mould. Always ventilate your tent properly and store it completely dry. This also applies to polyester/cotton blends and even synthetic fabrics, as dirt particles encourage mould growth. Brush off dirt with a soft brush and allow the tent to dry thoroughly in sunlight before storage.

Can heavy mould be removed?
It is difficult. Commercial products are available but may damage the fabric.
A cheaper alternative is a mild chlorine solution (1:10 bleach to water). This may remove much of the mould. If water repellency is affected, the fabric can be reproofed afterwards.

Can tent fabric be touched?
If the tent is soaked through after rain, touching it roughly with your shoulder or arm is not a problem. However, pressing with a finger can cause moisture to penetrate temporarily.
Once dry, the tent regains its water resistance.
Avoid touching with greasy hands (e.g. sunscreen), as this can reduce waterproofing.
Do not place heavy objects against the tent to prevent abrasion.

May I clean tent fabric with special cleaning agents?
No. Products containing detergents or surfactants significantly reduce water resistance.
Even children’s soap bubbles may damage modern tent fabrics.

Can stubborn stains be removed?
Often, “better a stain than a leak” applies. Cleaning agents frequently reduce waterproofing or fabric strength. Use lukewarm water and a clean sponge (without soap residue). For bird droppings or tree resin, gently scrape off with a blunt scraper. Never use aggressive cleaning agents or scrub hard.

How do I clean my tent?
Let heavy rain do the initial cleaning. Afterwards, use clean tap water.
We do not recommend specialist cleaning agents, as they may reduce waterproofing.

May I hang towels over the tent?
No. Towels may contain detergent residues that affect water repellency.
For the same reason, never clean mud flaps or ground sheets with soapy water.

Can I cook inside a tent?
Preferably not. Modern tent fabrics no longer contain the heavy chemicals once used, making them more sensitive to grease and fumes.

Bird droppings – how do I remove them?
Remove as soon as possible after drying using a blunt scraper (e.g. a car ice scraper). Bird droppings contain acids that damage fabric and cause stains.

Are soap bubbles harmful?
Yes. Soap can damage modern tent fabric.

What is the best sewing thread for tent fabric?
A polyester/cotton blend thread (size 50 or 35). The cotton component swells when wet, sealing needle holes. Standard tent thread can be used on a household sewing machine. A flat-felled seam provides a strong and waterproof result.

Lifespan and UV Protection

How do I protect my tent from UV radiation?
UV rays reduce the lifespan of fabric. Water droplets can act like magnifying glasses in sunlight.
For full-season camping, coated polyester (All Weather or All Season) is recommended, as it lasts longer under prolonged UV exposure than cotton.

Water Repellency and Reproofing

Why does my new cotton tent leak?
New cotton must first get thoroughly wet. The fibres swell, sealing the weave and seams.

When should I reproof a tent?
Factory impregnation lasts many years. Reproof when rain no longer beads and rolls off evenly.

How do I reproof or impregnate a tent?
Ensure the tent is clean and completely dry.
Pitch it tightly.
Use a modern PFAS-free tent proofer.
Apply evenly with a sponge or spray, following the manufacturer’s recommended quantity.
Do not apply too sparingly.
Background information: when you buy a new tent you don't need to impregnate it right away, this has already been done in the weaving factory. However, with polyester, cotton or cotton/polyester camping tents there are some things you need to take into consideration.
When you need to re-impregnate your tent it varies from situation to situation. The longer your camping vacation is, the sooner you will need to impregnate your camping tent. Factors such as UV radiation, dryness, dirt and household pollution affect the waterproofing of the roof tent. In general, we stick to the rule of impregnating once every 3 to 4 years. It is important to stay ahead of leaks, when your camping tent starts leaking you are actually already too late. But don't worry, there are plenty of solutions. By impregnating every 3 to 4 years you will prevent further problems and keep your tent in good condition. Always make sure you clean and impregnate the entire tent to prevent local leaks. In fact, if you treat one spot, another might start leaking. You also prevent color differences in the tent fabric.
Again, important info: Have you cleaned the tent once with special tent cloth cleaner? Then you should always re-impregnate the rooftoptent. This is because detergent affects the waterproofing of your tent. Furthermore, it is important to look at what material your tent is made of.

My seams are leaking – what should I do?
Use a seam sealant designed for tent seams. It will be absorbed into the stitching thread and restore waterproofing.

What Is the Best Fabric for a Tent?
Each type has advantages and disadvantages.
Consider:
Climate and comfort
Colour fastness and weather resistance
Lifespan and usage intensity
Appearance and presentation

Cotton as Tent Fabric
Cotton is strong (even stronger when wet), breathable and comfortable.
Advantages:
Excellent ventilation
Good condensation control
Long lifespan (especially heavier weights)
Reproofable
Disadvantages:
Sensitive to mould if stored damp
Moderately UV resistant (lighter weights less durable)
Always store completely dry.

Coated Polyester
Examples include All Weather and All Season (PVA-based).
Advantages:
Waterproof coating
Stronger than cotton
UV resistant
Mould does not affect fibre strength
Suitable for intensive seasonal use
Keep clean and avoid chemicals.

Nylon (Polyamide)
“Nylon” is a brand name that became generic.
Advantages:
Lightweight
Strong
Dries quickly
Does not absorb water
Disadvantages:
UV sensitive
Requires coating for waterproofing
Stretches when wet
Ideal for lightweight and backpacking tents.

Cotton or Nylon?
Choose cotton for:
Longer seasonal use
Greater comfort
Durability
Stationary or holiday camping
Choose nylon or polyester for:
Lightweight backpacking
Wet packing convenience

Polyester or Cotton?
Cotton:
More breathable
Better condensation control
Longer lifespan
Reproofable
More comfortable in hot climates
Polyester/Nylon:
Lightweight
Easier to pack wet
More UV sensitive
Shorter lifespan in strong sun

Is Polycotton Suitable for Backpacking?
No. Nylon or lightweight polyester are much lighter.
Polycotton and lightweight cotton absorb moisture and weigh more when damp.

Do You Have Another Question?
As an international market leader and specialist in tent fabrics, we are happy to provide further information.
We offer a wide range of fabrics, weights and colours, cut to length (from 10 cm increments) and delivered within three working days.
You are always welcome to contact us for advice.