My DIY SilPoly Tarp w/ Snap-On Doors

**WaffleBox** · 07-22-2015, 14:54

I'm totally fine without the cat cuts. That having been said, I've never had a tarp with cat cuts so maybe I just don't know what I am missing.

**SouthPaww** · 07-22-2015, 16:11

Sweet tarp! I'm looking to build one myself here shortly and was hoping you could drop some knowledge on me.

Any reason you put the reinforcements on the outside instead of the inside? I've seen it both done both ways on this forum, but it seems like it would be easier to waterproof if they were on the inside.

Are those loops on top of your ridgeline that your lash-it is running through? If so, for what reason?

Lastly, is that 5/8 grosgrain you're using for your tie-outs, or some other type of webbing?

Man, seeing your tarp get's me pumped to build my own! Thanks in advance.

**WaffleBox** · 07-22-2015, 16:45

The reinforcements are on the outside for purely aesthetic reasons. I wanted an interesting color contrast.

Yes I put a couple grosgrain loops on top of the tarp for the CRL to run through. Without them, the ridgeline took on a very strong curve once the tie outs had tension, and it severely reduced head room under the tarp. The loops hold the tarp closer to the CRL.

Yes, it is 5/8" grosgrain on the tie outs, with 3/4" d-rings.

Hope that helps! Good luck on your tarp.

**craige** · 07-22-2015, 16:58

Great looking tarp. Love the colour and the idea of snapping the doors on.

Have you had a chance to get it out in the wind yet? Interested to hear how the snaps hold up to a decent wind.

**WaffleBox** · 07-22-2015, 18:03

I had it hung up when a severe thunderstorm rolled through with quite a bit of wind. Three of the four stakes got pulled out of the ground pretty quickly, and I didn't feel like going out to re-stake the tarp given the weather, so I didn't get a chance to test the snap strength in wind.

For what it's worth, before I decided on snaps I read a post from somebody here who uses the same brand of snaps to close their doors - not attach them - and they said the snaps held in very, very heavy wind. I'll see if I can find the post for you,

**craige** · 07-22-2015, 18:50

Fair enough, it does seem like it should hold, I have a bunch of kam snaps too and they hold pretty securely when you pull across them (sheer) which, from the pics looks like the direction they'll be pulled most. My theory is often wrong though, hence my wondering

**xxl_hanger** · 07-22-2015, 19:58

I made the door kit of my hex tarp with Kam Snaps too. Pictures are shown here. I find the Kam Snaps solution much better than the Grizz beak design I have stolen before.

**hangs** · 07-22-2015, 21:34

WaffleBox, what size needle did you use? My stuff is all here but I figured I'd practice on some junk ripstop I had laying around before I destroyed all that pretty SilPoly. Good thing I did too. I can't keep my seems lined up and my fabric's bunching on me. I'm using a 70/10 microtex but it's not doing the job. Either that or I'm terrible at sewing

**LuvmyBonnet** · 07-22-2015, 21:51

Bravo! That is a sweet tarp! Love everything about it. The design and color are great. How much they selling for !?!

**T.Monk** · 07-23-2015, 03:51

New to the DIY, is there a blue print or steps that people follow for the hex design?( I have looked and searched the forum key words and cant seem to find any?)
I love how you can add or remove your doors, genius! How much fabric did you start out with to get the L x W?
Cheers, TY