Canvas restoration project

Rob_F

Active member
Awhile back I posted about a canvas tote. It was a test for a better project.....

Here is the tote before......



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Here is the tote after a weekend and two cycles through Oxyclean soaking (the marker is removed 100%, some light discoloration from the oil stains:

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I offered it to my spouse, but she seemed less than interested, so it will receive a paint job per Mr. Sanford's suggestion. I may also do a wax coat on the inside as I have a pan full from a trial coat waxing project.

But, to Mr. Pagliaroli's concerns regarding canvas, projects, and purpose, THIS is the target of my learning and desire:

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It was sold as a decoy bag with a variety of worthless decoys for $15. It seems closest to a #4 Duluth Pack: https://www.duluthpack.com/4-original.html I'm guessing Bob Wagner is rolling in his grave, the decoys are all in the trash, and I would prefer to remove his magic marker as the Oxyclean did on the tote:

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Any insight into managing the leather and/or cleaning the fabric are GREATLY APPRECIATED.

My thoughts have been to use an Oxyclean paste and wet it periodically with a spray bottle, or rub in with stiff bristle brush, rinse, repeat. My assumption being the old leather will not take kindly to a 2-3 day soak in Oxyclean. For what it's worth, my Oxyclean expectations were far exceeded for the tote.

For the leather, I'm thinking to give it liberal applications of boot oil. The flap straps are heavily cracked and checked, but still function and at least seem sound. The connections at the pack are solid, as are the shoulder straps. I do not have the tools or desire to get into removing/replacing stitching, so keeping the leather serviceable will be key.

I did a brief search on the Portage Pack Company Minneapolis, MN but only find fans of the product. Looks like they may have been around as late as the mid-80's. Duluth Pack is the surviving MAN company still making canvas and leather canoe packs, it appears. The modern era has replaced these pavks with nylyon and other 20th century fabrics.....

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