If you’ve got high-grade canvas on your 4×4 freestanding awning, you’re going to need to season it.
In fact the more you get it wet, the better it will perform for you.
Don’t be afraid to get your awning canvas wet, in fact, we recommend the first thing you do after installing it, is to open it and absolutely soak it on top to season it.
In this blog, you’ll learn the steps to seasoning your awning canvas like a pro so the Australian-made canvas performs better for you now, and well into the future.
What does seasoning your awning canvas do?
If you’ve ever googled the question, “what does seasoning your awning do”, read on.
When your awning is made with high-grade Australian canvas, you’ll notice it’s thicker and feels different to other awning canvas materials used. It’s better quality and you’ll feel that when you touch it.
fI you’ve never had an Aussie-made canvas awning before, you may not have had to season it.
Wetting or soaking the canvas, then letting it dry in the sun, is known as “seasoning”.
You might have done this with a canvas swag or tent, or even a Driza-Bone jacket.
High-quality canvas products, including your awning, need a little bit of special care to maintain their weatherproofing qualities.
When you season the canvas on your awning, it will help the canvas stretch and retract, and in the process seal the tiny needle holes where the canvas has been stitched together to make it water-tight.
How to season your awning canvas
Step 1: Open your awning completely.
Step 2: Grab your hose and connector that allows for a wide spray, and a ladder (if you think you may need one).
Step 3: Entirely soak the top of your canvas on the awning. No need to wet under the awning.
Step 4: Let it dry naturally in the sun.
Step 5: Once dry, wet it again and dry before closing.
You’ll start to notice that the canvas becomes tighter making it look more taut, which is what you want. A tight awning canvas means no pooling when it rains.
Seasoning the canvas will make sure your free standing 4×4 awning can handle the elements and last many years into the future.
Watch the full video and see how Rafa season’s his new Destination4WD awning canvas.
Ready to upgrade your 4WD awning?
At Destination4WD, we use Aussie materials and labour, and our 4WD awnings, including the awning canvas, and our accessories are 100 per cent made and assembled in Australia.
You can never have enough shade and protection from the elements when you’re out and about – and the Destination4WD D270 and D180 free standing 4WD awnings will always have you covered.
You will only ever buy once and buy right with our D270 and D180 awnings and accessories.
If you’re ready to get out there and experience more adventures and need a freestanding 4WD awning, we’ve got your covered. Read our Destination4WD customer reviews here and our gallery page here.
And if you ever have any questions, please get in touch. We are always here to help and answer any questions you have. Plus, we have plenty of info and videos on our Instagram, Facebook and YouTube pages.