DIY Tarp

**opie984** · 01-16-2010, 11:15

I am thinking of just buying some uncoated ripstop and treating it myself to make a waterproof tarp. Has anyone tried this before?

**opie** · 01-16-2010, 11:29

Hey Opie!!

What would you treat it with? Ive had good luck with the silicone sprays like Camp Dry.. But it is something you have to stay on top of.

**PuckerFactor** · 01-16-2010, 11:43

There's a few people that have done it to good effect, although I can't think of their names right now.
It's generally done with clear silicone caulking diluted with mineral spirits down to a thick slurry.

Hth,
Acer

**tight-wad** · 01-16-2010, 11:57

http://www.hammockforums.net/forum/s...ead.php?t=2011

yep - I've made my own and it works well. Why? Colors and price

. The color choices for store bought sil are limited, and, at the time, you could buy ripstop at Wally's World for $1 per yard.

Sad to say, you can't hardly find any $1 fabric anymore, but you do have a lot more choices in ripstop colors and patterns than you do with sil.

**opie984** · 01-16-2010, 12:09

Thanks for the link tight wad.

Opie, how often do you re-apply the camp dry?

**opie** · 01-16-2010, 12:32

Originally Posted by opie984

Thanks for the link tight wad.

Opie, how often do you re-apply the camp dry?

First Ill say the link tight-wad posted would be the ideal way to do it. Messy... probably if its your first go round with trying it.

The things I use Camp Dry on I usually hit 2-3 times a year. Hats, jackets etc. You can tell when its wearing off because water will start to not bead on the surface... Much like your car as the wax starts to wear off.

**sclittlefield** · 01-16-2010, 14:27

If you've already got the material, or are getting a specific color that silnylon is not available in, or getting the material extremely inexpensively - go for it.

If not... for $3.00/yd at Noah Lamport (call, their website is useless) you can make a real silnylon tarp. After cut fee and shipping you're looking at more like $4/yd - cheaper than most places have 1.1 uncoated seconds.

Be sure to post your results with pictures.

**opie984** · 01-17-2010, 13:41

Originally Posted by sclittlefield

If you've already got the material, or are getting a specific color that silnylon is not available in, or getting the material extremely inexpensively - go for it.

If not... for $3.00/yd at Noah Lamport (call, their website is useless) you can make a real silnylon tarp. After cut fee and shipping you're looking at more like $4/yd - cheaper than most places have 1.1 uncoated seconds.

Be sure to post your results with pictures.

Will be sure to do so!