Here's a break down of the most effective seam sealers available today, in addition to what to try to find before you acquire.
What to Try to find in a Tent Joint Sealant
Prior to ordering the initial item you see, it's worth recognizing a few essential aspects. Not all seam sealers work with all outdoor tents materials. Silicone-treated fabrics (silnylon, silpoly) need a silicone-based sealant, while polyurethane-coated textiles need a urethane-based product. Making use of the incorrect kind won't bond correctly and can really harm your outdoor tents.
You'll also want to think about drying out time, adaptability as soon as cured, and whether the sealer is meant for interior or outside application. A great joint sealant need to remain flexible after drying so it does not crack when your tent moves in the wind.
Top Joint Sealers for Waterproof Tents
1. Equipment Help Joint Grasp WP
Gear Aid's Seam Grip WP (Waterproof) is probably the most trusted seam sealer on the market and the go-to option for a lot of campers and backpackers. It works with polyurethane-coated fabrics and bonds extremely well to nylon, canvas, and polyester. The formula dries versatile, is extremely resilient, and can deal with sustained exposure to rain without peeling or splitting.
The disadvantage? It takes around 8 to 12 hours to totally heal, so you'll require to intend ahead before your next trip. A small tube goes a long way, and it's terrific for patching existing failings in addition to preventative therapy on brand-new outdoor tents joints.
2. Gear Aid Seam Grasp SIL
For silicone-treated tents-- significantly prominent among ultralight backpackers-- the basic Seam Grip WP will not suffice. Equipment Help's Seam Hold SIL is specifically formulated for silnylon and silpoly materials. It bonds directly to the silicone covering, creating a waterproof barrier that moves with the fabric rather than against it.
It dries clear and remains pliable even in cool temperature levels, which matters if you're camping in shoulder periods or alpine conditions. Mix it with odorless mineral spirits to thin it out for simpler application across long seam runs.
3. McNett Silnet Silicone Seam Sealant
An additional solid contender for silicone materials, Silnet has made its credibility amongst ultralight treking communities. It uses smoothly, dries out to a clear coating, and uses superb waterproofing for both cuben fiber and silnylon shelters. It's slightly thinner than Seam Grasp SIL, that makes it easier to work into limited joint folds.
One coat is usually enough for new tents, though older or greatly utilized gear might take advantage of a second application after the initial has actually completely dried out.
4. Atsko Sno-Seal Beeswax Waterproofing
If you like an even more natural alternative, Atsko's beeswax-based formula is superb for canvas outdoors tents and cotton-blend fabrics. It's not perfect for contemporary synthetic sanctuaries, but also for wall surface camping tents, canvas outfitter setups, or conventional canvas tarpaulins, it delivers trusted waterproofing while keeping the textile breathable.
How to Apply Seam Sealant Properly
Application matters equally as long as the item itself. Begin by setting up your outdoor tents in a dry, well-ventilated location. Clean the seams with rubbing alcohol and let them completely dry entirely. Use the sealer with a small brush or the applicator idea, working it delicately into the stitch holes. Run a slim, even bead along the whole length of each seam as opposed to dabbing in areas.
Let it treat fully before packing the camping tent away. Folding or pressing the camping tent prior to the sealer has established can trigger it to bond to itself or cure unevenly.
Final Ideas
Seam sealing is a small financial investment of time tent for 8 persons and money that pays huge rewards in comfort and gear long life. Treat your camping tent prior to your first major journey, reapply every season or after hefty usage, and keep your outdoor tents dry. Suit the sealant to your camping tent's finish product, and you'll discover that remaining completely dry in a rainstorm is far less an issue of luck-- and a lot more an issue of preparation.
