Buying canvas for dojo
 

Hi,

Does anyone have any information on where I could source canvas material for covering the mats in our dojo?

I have someone who would be able to machine stitch and put eyelets in etc. if I had the material; if not a complete constructed mat then just the material would be sufficient.

My knowledge of canvas is limited so I'm unsure of what type/weight of canvas is appropriate and as such when Googling I'm finding lots of art supplies and various of types of canvas but am still somewhat confused as to what is suitable.

If anyone has any advice/suggestions I'd be most grateful.

I'm based in the UK.

Thanks in advance
Rich

Re: Buying canvas for dojo
 

Art supply canvas, even the heaviest weight/tightest weave, is generally not as wide as you'd want - at least 2 dojo I can think of offhand buy theirs as sailboat sail canvas from marine supply companies.

Re: Buying canvas for dojo
 

We've got someone in our org who does this for a living and has sourced it for many of our dojo's. Let me see if I can get you some info.

Re: Buying canvas for dojo
 

You might try a tent and awning company....

Re: Buying canvas for dojo
 

There's a tarpaulin cover company based in Stourbridge, West Midlands which did a canvas for us a few years ago.

Can't remeber their name but basically do lorry cargo covers as there main business.

Re: Buying canvas for dojo
 

Upholstery shops usually do canvas work too.

Re: Buying canvas for dojo
 

That's definitely the way to go.

You'll want to look for marine grade. It has a sort of vinyl covering and comes in many colors. The company I dealt with called it RS 18, but I have no idea if that is industry wide or just that store's numbering.

Re: Buying canvas for dojo
 

Thanks for the replies so far, I'll return to the almighty Google and see if I can refine my searching a bit more.

Does anyone who's sourced canvas in the past recall what weight it was that they purchased? I guess I could cut a square out of the old canvas and weigh it but I'm not sure that'd make me overly popular... :D

Re: Buying canvas for dojo
 

here's the website for the firm I mentioned before

http://netandcoverservices.co.uk/default.aspx

Re: Buying canvas for dojo
 

Resurrecting an old thread because I have the same question. I'm in Canada, haven't found anywhere with anything wider than 60", so for a 20x20 mat you're looking at at least 4 strips

Any thoughts?

Thanks

Re: Buying canvas for dojo
 

Again suggest marine canvas (sails) as they are made considerably wider - I believe you can get up to twice that wide for commercial uses.

Re: Buying canvas for dojo
 

Marine canvas is a good idea. In fact, I just had my sailmaker make a new canvas for my dojo. It came out very well.

You might check in to companies that make custom awnings and/or covers for trucks (large trucks!). They can probably handle the job.

Re: Buying canvas for dojo
 

Great ideas. What weight works ? I've seen 10oz, 12oz, 18oz, thicker too.
Coated or not?
Anyone used vinyl?

Thanks

Re: Buying canvas for dojo
 

I was a sailmaker many years ago and I've made a few mat covers over the years.

I think that the last couple I've made I've used 10oz canvas. If you're not sure what weight you want to use ask for samples. You will find that the biggest difference between the weights is the number of threads per inch, with the heavier weights having fewer threads per inch. So the heavier you go the coarser the texture, and the worse the mat burn factor. The 10 oz seems like the heaviest you can go without having something with a surface like sandpaper. The one we have now has been on about ten years or more and is holding up very well.

If you find the right supplier you should be able to get 8, 10 or 12 foot wide canvas, so you can work out what will fit with the least waste and fewest seams.

Personally, I would not use a coated canvas because I like the appearance and feel of the surface that natural canvas gives. People that are used to other surfaces sometimes comment that it seems slippery, but I think it is all in what you get used to.

Brian