sunbrella

[yipster]

oopS...

my sunbrella tent shrunk about 3 inches; too much to get the framing in again and reach the push buttons on the deck.

reason for the shrink probably was the ironing after using a anti leak chemical in the washing machine that mentioned it had to be ironed after applying, before the fit was perfect but had some drip thrue after a mild wash.

i should have used anti wet spray like ive done before! did i blew it this time and have to place a stroke in? or is there a way out?
what to do?

yipster

[gonzo]

The problem was the washing machine. The fibers in the fabric tend to straighten up which shortens the overall length of the material.

[yipster]

so i blew it? sized again and 3 inches short it is. no way to stretch the material again? do i really have to cut up the tent cover to put extra material in? luckely i have another tent but that one is out for new windows, meanwhile use the toneau / flattop cover but thats for storage not semi live-aboard

[gonzo]

I think so. Can you add material to the sides?

[edneu]

I used to make a sort of low tech sailboat cockpit awning from sunbrealla which attached to the lifelines and used bent PVC poles, It was designed in such a way that shrikage really didn't matter, just made the awning smaller. The Sunbrealla Care instructions are copied below:

When cleaning Sunbrella fabrics, it is important to observe the following:

1. Always use a natural soap. Never detergent.
2. Water should be cold to lukewarm. Never more than 100 degrees.
3. Air dry only. Never apply heat to Sunbrella fabrics.

If you are cleaning Sunbrella while still on a frame or on a boat, follow these simple steps:

1. Brush off loose dirt.
2. Hose down.
3. Prepare a cleaning mixture of water and mild, natural soap (no detergents).
4. Use a soft bristle brush to clean.
5. Allow soap to soak in.
6. Rinse thoroughly.
7. Air dry.


If stubborn stains persist, you can use a diluted chlorine bleach/soap mixture for spot cleaning of mildew, roof run-off and other similar stains.

Prepare a special cleaning mixture:

Four ounces (half cup) of chlorine bleach.
Two ounces (one-fourth cup) of natural soap.
One gallon of water.
Clean with soft bristle brush.
Allow mixture to soak for up to 20 minutes.
Rinse thoroughly.
Air dry.
Repeat if necessary.

[yipster]

Caution in washing tents! Can go wrong easely and you'll regret washing! Thanks for the advice and Sunbrella Care Instructions, got mine sawn in again. That tent is looking good again but was quit some work adding various patern pieces, started a bigger one i can slide into the bar.