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  1. #1
    Senior Member mountainlaura's Avatar
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    Are mineral spirits essential in DIY seam-sealer?

    Hey guys,
    A couple weeks ago I attended a very rainy hang and my Superfly tarp was leaking on me through the tie-outs. I thought I had already sealed them when I got the tarp a couple years ago but I can't remember for sure.

    My 1st question is... do I need to seal it with a mineral spirits/silicone mix or should I use just plain silicone? I thought Brandon recommended plain silicone but it sounds like a lot of people on here use a mix with mineral spirits. Is one better than the other?

    My 2nd question... if the sealer that includes mineral spirits IS the better one, which kind should I buy? Our local Lowes sells a "fast to dissolve" one and a "slow to dissolve" one. I'm assuming I'd want the "fast" one? Just want to make sure I do this right.

  2. #2
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    Use a mix th ure of silicone and no smell mineral spirits to about the consistency of maple syrup. Stretch the tie-outs and work the mixture into the OUTSIDE seams. Make sure you rub in good with your finger so the thread is saturated.

    Sent from my SM-G955U1 using Tapatalk

  3. #3
    Senior Member goobie's Avatar
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    From Warbonnet's website:

    Seam sealing:

    All our tarps incorporate low stretch polyester edge binding on the Ridgeseam, this means the ridge does not need any seam sealer, however if your tarp has panel pulls (SF, MJ, CB, GT) then you will want to seal the 4 panel pulls. You’ll want a suitable silicone (like GE Silicone II from the hardware store). Set up the tarp where you can leave it pitched for about 8 hours or so. Apply the thinnest possible layer of silicone (your finger works well) to the stitches (to the stitches only) on the underside of each panel pull (underside of tarp only), and leave the tarp setup till dry (4-12 hours depending on temperature).

  4. #4
    Senior Member Otter1's Avatar
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    It's not ESSENTIAL to thin the sealer, but if you do it will not be a thick, gloppy, sloppy mess - it will almost be invisible which I prefer.

  5. #5
    Senior Member TrailSlug's Avatar
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    I used this video and these easily obtainable items from Walmart to make my seam sealer. Worked great and was very thin and applied well.
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MC-KftF39J8

  6. #6
    Senior Member Bubba's Avatar
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    Another option is you could just get some Permatex flowable silicone. It's used by many people here on their silnylon, gets in the seams well and is fairly cheap.
    https://www.walmart.com/ip/Permatex-...ealer/21153075
    Don't let life get in the way of living.

  7. #7
    Senior Member GadgetUK437's Avatar
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    The mineral spirit serves only as a thinner. It does not affect function of the silicone, just makes it more liquidy to apply, it evaporates off as the silicone sets.
    A silcone rich mix will not run and will make a thicker layer, but may not bond as well to the material. With more thinners in, it will penetrate the material more, but the silcone seal will be thinner, will spread further, but will be less visible.

    --
    Gadget

  8. #8
    Senior Member hutzelbein's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Bubba View Post
    Another option is you could just get some Permatex flowable silicone. It's used by many people here on their silnylon, gets in the seams well and is fairly cheap.
    +1

    Much less messy than other solutions.

  9. #9
    Senior Member TrailSlug's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Bubba View Post
    Another option is you could just get some Permatex flowable silicone. It's used by many people here on their silnylon, gets in the seams well and is fairly cheap.
    https://www.walmart.com/ip/Permatex-...ealer/21153075
    Yes, this combined with the one inch sponge brush works really well. The brush is the key as it allows for a very nice neat application.

  10. #10
    Senior Member mountainlaura's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by GadgetUK437 View Post
    The mineral spirit serves only as a thinner. It does not affect function of the silicone, just makes it more liquidy to apply, it evaporates off as the silicone sets.
    A silcone rich mix will not run and will make a thicker layer, but may not bond as well to the material. With more thinners in, it will penetrate the material more, but the silcone seal will be thinner, will spread further, but will be less visible.

    --
    Gadget
    Ahh, thank you! That answers my question. That makes a lot of sense!

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