Un-tarring canvas?

[Dan Limb]

Hello,

I recently purchased a second hand tarred canvas haversack, and I need to remove the tarring in order to cover it again. The tar is in a perpetual state of melt down and I refuse to wear it in any weather.

I have been able to strip soem off manually, but as you can imagine it is slow, tediosu work.

Any advice you can give will be much appreciated.

Thank You,

Dan Limb
2nd Virginia Infantry, Co. F
"Winchester Riflemen"

[GrumpyDave]

Re: Un-tarring canvas?

You could try a "paint remover" that is labeled for latex paint. However, putting any solvent on cloth might just spell disaster. De-natured alcohol might work too but it might be hard on the cloth. I’d take it to a Laundromat, add extra soap, and in the hottest water the place has spend 55 cents and see what happens. Sometimes, that period “tarring” takes years to dry. And, really, what do you have to lose?

[Dan Limb]

Re: Un-tarring canvas?

I think the laundromat might take issue with a machine full of sticky tar! This stuff is nasty, leading my wife to banish it from the house.

So far I have tried soaking it in hot soapy water, but it has a good leather strap attached that I do not want to ruin. As of yet, the only thing that has helped remove the old tar is my fingernail, which I do not want to use any more lest I too get banished. The compound used on it seems the be a thick smattering of the same stuff you find clinging to pylons in New York Harbor.

I want to strip it off so I can recover it with a linseed oil/black paint mixture that i hope will dry much quicker, so I don't wan to ruin the canvas fabric. I thought maybe a heavy degreaser might soften it up to scrape off, but I have yet to try it.

Either way, I'd prefer not to taint the canvas wih something toxic, as I still plan to put food in it.

But, if worse comes to worst, I will salvange the leather strap and bone button.

Thanks for the ideas,

Dan Limb

[maillemaker]

Re: Un-tarring canvas?

It sounds to me like it would be so much effort to do you could either make a new one or in the time required to fix it earn enough money to buy another one.

[Matthew Semple]

Re: Un-tarring canvas?

Mr. Limb,

I have been coming back to this thread and thinking about possible remedies. Would it be possible to post pictures of one of the melting portions?

Thanks.

[cprljohnivey]

Re: Un-tarring canvas?

I agree with Steve. Cut The leather strap and button, measure the haversack's dimentions, get some new canvas (Its cheep!) and make yourself a new one. you can completely hand sew a haversack and strap in just a few hours. The tarring will take longer but you planned to do that anyway. Good luck!

[ACo.]

Re: Un-tarring canvas?

I agree with Steve. Cut The leather strap and button, measure the haversack's dimentions, get some new canvas (Its cheep!) and make yourself a new one. you can completely hand sew a haversack and strap in just a few hours. The tarring will take longer but you planned to do that anyway. Good luck!

That or buy a new one, you will never satisfactorily remove the old "tar".

[unclefrank]

Re: Un-tarring canvas?

Just getting another one is good advice.

[GrumpyDave]

Re: Un-tarring canvas?

I'm sayin' again, wash it in hot, hot, soapy water. And, a laundramat is your best option.

[Dan Limb]

Re: Un-tarring canvas?

Gentlemen,

My apologies for not responding sooner, but I was gone for the weekend at an event.

I have decided to remove the strap and button and get another haversack made. I hate quitting a project, and I still want to tinker with it, but for the time being I need a haversack that won't melt to my uniform.

Mr. Semple, in response to your question: I have scraped off the worst of the melting portions, but the overall surface is just as bad. The worst of it was beneath the flap. I don't have any pictures of it handy. If I can I will post some.

Thank you all for your advice and consideration.

Your ob't serv't,

2nd Lt. Dan Limb
Co. F, 2nd Virginia Inf.

[Curt Schmidt]

Re: Un-tarring canvas?

Hallo!

Just an aside...

In the world of reproduction haversacks and knapsacks, there are a number of so-called "tarred" finishes. Some are closer to the Civil war type formulae, others are "look-a-likes" that can range from modified formulae to modern leatex-based paint formulae to even spray can pruning cut sprays.

By and large, and just guessing, you likely, probably, have a paint based formula that would require paint remover or worse yet paint stripper which can be harsh if not destructive to the cloth beneath the paint.

Chances are, and just guessing on my part, but if you have a haversack that is just "painted" black, it might be lacking or suffering in other areas of "authenticity" and you may benefit from making a new one.

Curt

[Clsinclair]

Re: Un-tarring canvas?

Soak in very hot water for an hour or so and take some steel wool and scrub off all the loose coating. That is your only chance of getting it close to ready to refinish.

[Secesh]

Re: Un-tarring canvas?

Personally, for all the time and effort, plus materials....I would advise you to purchase a new one from a reputable maker or a used one crafted by a reputable maker...

[Johnny Lloyd]

Re: Un-tarring canvas?

Horse... dead... beaten again... ugh.

This thread has done run its course, ya'll. Thanks to everyone. ;)