Canvas patching

[varsity07840]

I just bought some 10 oz canvas from Big Duck. Should I wash it before using it. If so, how many times?

Thanks in advance,

Duane

[Daryl]

I wash all the material I buy for patching, twice. Once with soap/detergent, then a complete cycle without soap,
then I dry it in the dryer on high heat.  This usually tightens the weave a bit making the material(usually denim)
and thickens the patches .001" to .002" OVER what they measure in the yard goods store with the calipers.

[Hawg]

You need to wash it to get the stiffener out of it.

[Daryl]

Yes, washing is necessary to get the "sizing" out. Drying in a hot dryer will often tighten (shrinks) the weave and increases the thickness by a thou. or 2
depending on the cloth.
This makes the cloth tougher as well.

[Hawg]

Yes, washing is necessary to get the "sizing" out. Drying in a hot dryer will often tighten (shrinks) the weave and increases the thickness by a thou. or 2
depending on the cloth.
This makes the cloth tougher as well.

Yeah sizing. I dunno where I came up with stiffener. That's used for starched collars and such.

[Daryl]

NP - I figured so.
Just remembered something about the canvas I bought. It was white & .022" in the store and .022" AFTER I washed it. Tight weave and harder to load than
the 10 ounce denim I bought at the same time. Now, the denim only went .021", but the canvas was much stiffer, even after washing. It shot just fine in the
.50 Rice Gun Maker's barrel 44", with a .495" ball and 85gr. 2F GOEX. It was just a wee bit draggier on the rod when going down the tube. Shot just as cleanly
and as accurately as any other patch material I use.