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I have reproofed alot of things including tents, 1st thing is to  find out what Outwell recommend themselves to reproof it and then go and find it, usually it a type of silicone waterproof spray (sometimes found in aldi for €2.50 here in Ireland). You have to be able then when spray to get it on evenly and not go over the same area too much and do it in 2 different directions to get even distribution. I usually reproof everthing with the can I get from Aldi as it as good as any other type I have used before eg. Quechua Novadry spray & alike.

nb# make sure tent is clean and dry when doing it and set yourself up so you can do it without having to move the tent once you start reproofing it.Once you get used to doing it you will do jackets, shoes etc..

Best of luck Olan.

Count up the length of time you've used the tent and where. If you're coming up to six months of cumulative use and some of this has been in a sunnier climate than the UK ie France, then your tent has probably come to the end of its lifespan and frankly reproofing it will be a bit of a waste of time and money. If the inside of the flysheet is looking streaky or the flysheet feels a bit stiff or crunchy then it's started to delaminate due to UV exposure and no amount of Fabsil is going to rectify that. New tent time!

First though, do as others have suggested, pitch it and give it a good hose down. Check the seams for leakage...you can reseal seams very easily and cheaply so it's worth doing if you suspect this might be the cause. And yes, check that it wasn't just condensation. You're going to have to hose it down anyway to clean it if you do decide to go ahead and reproof so this isn't a waste of time.

Quote: Originally posted by sunvalleysue on 24/6/2011

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You should never have to reproof a Polyester tent.The usually over have a few years life span,depending on how many times it has been used.
What happens over time is the waterproof coating breaks down due to the sun etc.
This is usually an indication that it is on its last legs

A canvas tent/polycotton tents is different and will have (if looked after) a life span of up to 20/30 years and can be reproofed with Fabsil etc.

Obviously its your choice and you can but try to extend the lifespan of it

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If the tent is no good without reproofing then whats the harm , as you are only going to get rid of it anyway. If its perished and milky as you call it then the fabric is probably no good and will tear/rip soon . Condensation does build up though as I found out in a Vango storm 300 but thanks to  waterproof  inner lining all was well !

Some tent dont have the lifespan you would expect for the price !

I love those tipee/wigwam ones theyre cool  and are made of cotton I think  so life span will be good once taken care of..

Best of luck if you are to purchase.