How do I repair small holes in my tent?

Use our patch kits to repair small holes in your canvas roof/walls or vinyl floors using the instructions linked below. If more screen material is needed to patch holes in windows, our organizers are made out of the same material and can be cut to form a patch.

Cotton Canvas Repair:

For small holes or tears, up to 1.5 inches, we recommend gluing a patch. For holes 1 inch or bigger you can use a sandwich patch (one patch on the top, one on the bottom). Larger holes may require sewing and can be repaired by a local canvas shop.  

1) Use a patch size that will leave at least a half inch border around the hole.  

2) Position the patch over the hole on the tent and lightly mark the border with chalk or pencil.  

3) Apply a thin coat of Tear Mender glue to the area on the tent. Apply the glue with your finger (Yes, use your finger. The glue is nontoxic and will just ball up and roll off). Be sure to spread the glue out just barely past the border pencil marks—don’t go too far past, because the glue turns brown when it dries.  

4) Apply a thin even coat of glue on the patch.  

5) Allow glue to dry for a few minutes until it is tacky.  

6) Press the patch over hole and smooth. Apply pressure. Allow to dry for approx. 10 minutes.  

Screen Mesh Repair:

For small holes, sew shut with needle and thread. Larger holes may require mesh fabric. Sew the mesh fabric over the hole.  

Vinyl Floor Repair:

Small holes and or tears in the floor can easily be patched with a clear vinyl peel and stick patch that can be purchased on our website.  Larger holes can be patched with vinyl material and vinyl cement. You can reach out to customer service for some floor vinyl.   

1) The area you are going to repair needs to be clean and dry.  

2) Cut the patch so you have at least a half inch border around the hole.  

3) Using fine sandpaper or a file, slightly rough the area to help the glue bond. Also rough the patch.  

4) Clean with rubbing alcohol. Let dry.  

5) Apply a thin coat of vinyl cement on the tent floor.  

6) Apply a thin coat of glue on the patch.  

7) Allow glue to dry for a couple of minutes so it is tacky, not wet.  

8) Press patch over hole and smooth. Allow to dry for approx. 2 hours.