Need help with first DIY Tarp

**sclittlefield** · 03-18-2010, 14:50

Knotty - looks great. I really like the gross grain rolled into the hems and the tie-outs. Very nice. You should be proud!

If you can - weigh it before and after you apply the coating. Those numbers would be interesting to know.

I look forward to seeing after you silify it.

**Shug** · 03-18-2010, 15:05

Originally Posted by Albert Skye

As it appears to me, a round patch distributes stress more evenly around the perimeter (due to minimal angular change and equidistance from the attachment point).

For more strength, I'd make it bigger (to distribute stress over a larger area), adding (smaller and concentric) layers as necessary, to feather the force as it were.

Have you had trouble with yours?

None what-so-ever. Next time I will go bigger..... just 'cause.

[QUOTE=Knotty;226280]Completed the sewing but haven't sil'd the tarp yet.

Ended up changing the process from my original drawing. Sewed each half of the tarp before putting them together. Folded grosgrain ribbon into all the rolled hems, for strength, and didn't use reinforcement patches at the tie outs. Added mosquito net line pockets on the underside of the tie out points.

Very nice looking Knotty!

**SmokeHouse** · 03-18-2010, 15:21

Great job,,, looks awesome...

**Trout** · 03-18-2010, 15:43

I'm liking the tarp! Great job. Looking forward to the weight numbers before and after siliconing the tarp. Question: What was your final measurements of the tarp and how deep were your cat cuts?

**JerryW** · 03-18-2010, 15:59

Looks good Knotty! Let us know how the silicone treatment goes and include some final pics.

Tinker

**Frawg** · 03-18-2010, 16:16

Most impressive job, Knotty!!

**TZBrown** · 03-18-2010, 19:16

Knotty, Thats one fine looking tarp.. Good job

**Knotty** · 03-18-2010, 20:14

Thanks everyone. Not sure it would receive such praise under closer scrutiny. I haven't pulled it tight yet but initially it looks like there are wrinkles which I had hoped to avoid with the cat cut.

The deed is done. Waterproofed it tonight by dunking it in a mix of GE 100% clear silicone and odorless mineral spirits. The contents of one tube is 300g so I mixed it with 900g of spirits. Used a bent rod in a drill to mix the solution. Dipped and kneaded the tarp in the solution until it was all soaked. Hung one end of rigeline tie out to my hammock stand and then slid hands down the tarp as it came out of the bucket, squeezing out the solution. It's hanging out to dry. Will provide update tomorrow.

By the way, it weighs 13.8oz before sil.

**Running Feather** · 03-18-2010, 20:40

That's great Ron. Came out really well. Great pics. It's too funny, I picked up the same guy line adjusters for my tarp too. Fingers crossed for the water test....Oooooommm