Great article on BPL - Sealing Silnylon Seams

[NCPatrick]

Here's the article on backpackinglight.com. I don't think you have to be a member to read it.

[stoikurt]

Here's the article on backpackinglight.com. I don't think you have to be a member to read it.

Yes you do, I just tried and couldn't get to it.

But I just found out something real interesting about Silnylon last night. Even pine tar won't stick to it. My hammock and Blackcat tarp were set up in the back yard this weekend. Late last night I went out to take it all down and saw several drips if pine tar on the tarp. I got a paper towel to wipe the drips off. The wet pine tar smear just a little but under the wet tar it was already drying to the tarp. As I rubbed it the pine tar just popped off. How cool is that!

[NCPatrick]

In essence, it gives tools you need, and I quote:

• McNett’s SilNet Silicone Seam Sealer (other silicone sealers are commercially available, but have not been tested with mineral spirits)
• Mineral spirits, odorless (from the paint section of any hardware store)
• 1-inch-wide foam paint brush
• Mason jar or other container
• Paint stirring stick
• Latex gloves

Then goes on to say that you should "add approximately 1 part SilNet to two to three parts mineral spirits" and apply with the foam brush.

Edit to add: I do think this info is public knowlege though, just thought I'd bring the article to everyone's attention. This membership stuff makes things difficult though, doesn't it?

[headchange4u]

Yeah, nothing stick to sil very easily. When I am cutting ripstop and other fabrics I will sometimes tape the fabric down to the work surface to keep it from moving around. I tried that with sil with no luck. I tried Duct tape, masking tape, double sided tape, etc and it just wouldn't stick.

[slowhike]

another note i added to the comments following the article at BPL.com was that because it takes time to allow the seam sealer to cure (how long depends on temp, humidity, etc) & even when it feels dry to touch, it can still stick to it's self when packed.
so if you need to pack it soon after it's been sealed, brush baby or talcum powder on the new seam sealer (both sides). no stick!
i've never had a problem w/ animals coming to smell my tarp after doing this, but at least i don't live in grizz country

[Peter_pan]

Recognizing the value of deluting the SILNET if you have a lot to cover, I reiterate that SILNET is designed for use straight out of the tube.... That is McNett's recommended use also.... Tarps that I sealed 4 years ago with this approach are still in great shape....a tube generously applied, over threads and sealing the lapped edge, get about 22-28 feet of coverage (at least two tarp ridgelines) for me... YMMV.

Pan