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Thread: seam seal

  1. #1
    Senior Member FireFlyburns's Avatar
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    seam seal

    Does it matter if it's water based or silicon based for a tarp?
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    Last edited by FireFlyburns; 04-22-2010 at 15:58.
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    Senior Member ZMad2000's Avatar
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    Never thought of asking that question.

    I was told that it depended on the type of tarp. PU or Silicone.

  3. #3
    Senior Member SmokeBait's Avatar
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    If the material is silnylon, then you want to use a silicone based seam sealer. I've never used a water based seam sealer and don't think I'd want to. I wish I could remember who to give the credit to for the idea of using Permatex Flowable Silicone Windshield Sealer. That stuff is fantastic. Just get the seam level so it doesn't run all over the place.

    SmokeBait

  4. #4
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    I use the same stuff as SmokeBait, and it is great, much better than everything else that I have used, and alot cheaper!

  5. #5
    Senior Member hiker_DC's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by SmokeBait View Post
    If the material is silnylon, then you want to use a silicone based seam sealer. I've never used a water based seam sealer and don't think I'd want to. I wish I could remember who to give the credit to for the idea of using Permatex Flowable Silicone Windshield Sealer. That stuff is fantastic. Just get the seam level so it doesn't run all over the place.

    SmokeBait
    I used the same stuff too. Went to the backyard to seal on a nice sunny day. As it was drying the clouds came in. Just under three hours after I finished the seams we had a down pour (BUCKETS) that lasted at least 15 minutes. When it stopped raining I went out to inspect the damage. The underside of the tarp had no moisture and the ground beneath the the tarp was bone dry while the surrounding grass was swampy. Permatex is definitly my seam sealer of choice now.

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  6. #6
    Senior Member MAD777's Avatar
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    For silnylon tents & tarps, I use GE brand Silicone II sealer mixed 1 part silicone to 4 parts mineral spirits (the kind that doesn't smell so bad).

    The GE Silicone II comes in a big tube from Walmart, Home Depot, etc.

  7. #7
    Senior Member JohnSawyer's Avatar
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    that permatex stuff is $3. at my local auto parts store. Awesome!

    Can it be brushed on?

  8. #8
    Senior Member SmokeBait's Avatar
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    Yes, can be brushed on. It will still flow somewhat even after brushing on. Again, I don't remember who to give credit to for the idea, but flux brushes in the plumbing aisle at the home supply store work really good and are cheap throwaways.

    Quote Originally Posted by JohnSawyer View Post
    that permatex stuff is $3. at my local auto parts store. Awesome!

    Can it be brushed on?

  9. #9
    Senior Member bigbamaguy's Avatar
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    I will be a third vote for the Permatex clear window sealer.........I used less than one tube to do my Clark RX-200 tarp and BWDD WD tarp.

    John Sawyer:
    I used my finger to run the seam.........string the tarp up tight and put some on your index finger and run it down the seam. If you keep the other hand on the under side of the seam and the pad of your index finger covered in sealer it will make a seal just a bit bigger than the ridge seam itself.........

    I hope this helps, I think its clear!!!!!!!!!!!!
    Par Si Vis Pace Para Bellum

  10. #10
    Senior Member hiker_DC's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by SmokeBait View Post
    Yes, can be brushed on. It will still flow somewhat even after brushing on. Again, I don't remember who to give credit to for the idea, but flux brushes in the plumbing aisle at the home supply store work really good and are cheap throwaways.
    Mine didn't flow. It went on like thin-ish toothpaste. It brushed on easily with an old toothbrush. I think the key is to cut as small of a hole as possible in the applicator. Worked very well for me.
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