Tom,

Most books recommend #10 15 ounce canvas. That may be where the confusion lies. # 10 canvas is heavier than #12, but most people understand weight, not the number. 10 oz canvas is quite light for this application. 10 oz polyester or nylon would be fine, but canvas is not as strong. I would also be hesitant to use canvas that has already been used for another application, the previous coating may cause problems with adhearance of the paint. Also canvas tends to weaken with age, from both moisture and UV exposure. It sounds like you are considering an inferior product, with an unknown coating, that has probably weakened over time. You could use it, but I would be extremely careful. Stay VERY close to shore, wear immersion protection, be ready to swim, and sacrifice all of the work you put into the kayak.

You did not say what you intended use of the kayak would be. It might be fine for a shallow warm pond with a sandy bottom. I would not want to use it on a rocky or strick-strewn beach, with cold deep water and waves. You also did not say what you plan to coat the fabric with. Some coatings actually weaken fabrics, as I have found out testing samples for my own skin on frame kayaks.

I have used both #10 15 oz canvas, and 10 oz polyester duck. The polyester is stronger lighterm absorbs less paint, and is more abrasion & tear resistant. New 10 oz canvas requires much care to use, stepping into the kayak, you may find your foot going through the bottom. 26 oz nylon is bombproof. 9 oz nylon or polyester, and 15 oz canvas are adequate for most applications.

Mike

: Is it possible to use canvas awning material (used) for a skin? It is large
: sheets, but it will need to be sewn together or tacked in key locations.
: It has also seen a few years of sunlight and may have been treated with a
: fungicide in the past. Am I wasting my time with this, should I just buy
: new canvas? I've seen both 10 and 15 oz canvas discussed, which one is
: appropriate?