Do you scorch you canvas before filling?

[Cajun]

Hi guys

First time canvassing here.
Cedar plank canoe
#10 duck canvas.
I saw a tutorial that showed to singe the canvas with a Torah prior to filling and it will help get a Smith finish.

I need to apply a clear preservative to the canvas.
So I thought I would singe the canvas then apply the preservative.

Thoughts?

 

[Woodpile]

Not one of the experts on the subject but if you buy canvas from Rollin Thurlow of North Woods Canoe Co. his instructions say "The standard NWCC canvas has a mildewcide treatment. DO NOT burn the canvas nap of this treated canvas. I would take this to imply it's OK to burn an untreated canvas but not a treated canvas.

 

[Dave Osborn]

I see no advantage to singe the canvas. I've done 3-4 that way, but for the other hundred canoes I've just left as it was, then filled.
I'd do it if someone could tell me why it is better for the canoe.....

 

[ginkgo-canoe]

If two gurus say "don't burn it" we have to stop doing it
"don't waste You time" (R@)
but that was such a funny process..ehhhh

ps: thanks for this good question and so good replies!