What\'s With Those Brown Tents! More new pics...

[Lugorix]

Resurrecting this old thread, if you don't mind.
 
I recently got the nerve to paint our shade fly based on the various threads about staining tents to something brown.
 
 
Here's how ours differed:
 
1) Shade fly. This meant that both sides needed colorant.
 
2) The specific stain that others had used on Roman tents is no longer available in my area.
 
3) Decision made to use opaque stain, as in "deck stain" or "fence stain".
 
 
The stain I used is BEHR Solid Color Waterproofing Wood Stain, color: Russet. It's water-based.
 

 
I used a power sprayer and diluted the stain to 3 part water to 1 part stain. The canvas was laid flat across the yard and expected to walk on it to reach all areas for full coverage.
 
 
Once the stain is on, it pools a little but never soaks through. This allowed me to use a push broom as a giant paint brush to even it out.
 

Next day: repeat the process on the other side with a lighter color. Touch ups on the edges was the only place it needed it, and I used a small disposable foam brush. Since it's opaque it covered any spots where needed like paint.
The result is a shade fly that lets NO light through and does not seem heavier than before it was stained.
 


 
Now I kinda want more canvas for our areas since this turned out so good.