Seam Sealing polyester tarp seam

[kitsapcowboy]

When I did the outside, I have to say, it was not ugly at all. You couldn't even tell. People must be making a mess with their finger or brush if that's the case. Otherwise, just lay down a thin trail of sealant like you're caulking a tub or whatever. Obviously it only needs to be about 2x wide as the thread. How wide is thread? Exactly.

I don't have them with me or else I would take a photo to share.

I would like to see photos of your technique and your results. Video would be even better.

I dilute the sealer with mineral spirits for better penetration, so "caulking" is not an option for me since it's already out of tube. Even if I did have a means reload this runny, marginally viscous snot into some sort of an applicator, I doubt I personally have the skill to lay a laser-line bead of it that is only as wide as a thread, especially when I'm laid out over a 6-foot tautly pitched monster tarp panel trying to reach the ridge line without falling into it or dripping sealer anywhere I shouldn't.

If you only lay down a bead of undiluted seam sealer as thick as thread, how to you get it to adhere and penetrate the thread holes without using a brush or secondary mechanical means of spreading? I'd be concerned that a tiny tubular bead like that would be vulnerable to breaking or rubbing off when a shear force is applied.

[OneClick]

I use the tube, which allows you to cut just enough for a fine stream. I keep saying I'll get a pic when I see these threads, but never remember!

[elcolombianito]

Thanks,
sealed the outside, not pretty but should work.

Slack

Slackdaddy, a few questions if I may.

How did your sealing turn out? Did it work by applying the sealer only on the outside? Did you remove the existing tape eventhough you applied the sealer on the other side?
I just bought some SeamGrip to seal my 10 year old HH poly hex tarp and instructions say to apply on the inside of the seam. I was planning on applying only on the outside till I saw the instrucctions of the product.

[Seadug]

I also use the silicone thinned out with mineral spirits. Paint it on with a small brush.

[zukiguy]

Does silicone bond to the PU coated tarp very well? I seem to get varying reports in various threads. I've been using the flowable silicone from the parts store for my sil tarps and it works just fine. However, I've got a pair of Kelty Noah's 12 tarps. The older one has started to "ooze" from under the seam tape along the ridgeline. Therefore, sealing the underside isn't much of an option. I'll probably get a tube of seam grip and use that.

I wonder if I could re-tape that seam by heating it with an iron. Anyone given that a try?

[professrh]

I found my way here because my new (three nights used) Kelty Noah 12' leaked this weekend in a long, cold rain. Questions remaining to answer:
1) Does flowable silicone work on PU-coated poly tarps?
2) Does (whatever type) seam sealant adhere well, over time, if applied to the non-PU-coated side of the tarp?
3) Any special seam-sealing techniques you all swear by?
4) Is there actually a way to re-tape or re-seal around failed seam tape? (Asking for a poncho).

Thanks!

[MikekiM]

I use Silnet diluted with mineral spirits to the consistency of olive oil... Applied with a craft brush.


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