DOH! Seam sealer help??

**flashbang009** · 11-20-2011, 13:56

Sooo... Definitely just seam sealed the outside of my DIY black cat tarp with Sil-Net. I was sealing the inside but I had the tarp pitched upside down. GR!... Any suggestions on removal? I'm thinking the only way is mechanical? I don't want to see the seam sealer on the outside.

I applied it an hour ago so i've still got some room to work until it's completely cured but it's already set pretty well... Help?!

**flashbang009** · 11-20-2011, 15:29

I guess I'm just going to try to even up the sealer lines so that it looks decent from the outside. Tried mechanical removal and it simply wasn't effective (Gear Aid makes a great product

) I'm just gonna live with it. Can't believe I did that!

**photohiker** · 11-20-2011, 16:04

I wouldn't worry about it.

In fact, for important seams like a ridge, I seal both sides anyway.

**danfromnb** · 11-21-2011, 11:44

You could trying running a piece of masking tape down either side of the seam. When it's nearly dry carefully remove the tape leaving nice straight edges. It's hard to explain but for best results don't pull up on the tape, pull in the direction you are moving. (Think holding your jacket's zipper kept tight to the teeth and pulled straight down rather than pulling out and down; works smoother right?)

**gunner76** · 11-21-2011, 13:06

running a piece of masking tape down either side of the seam

exellent idea, wish I had thought of it when I sealed my last tarp

**flashbang009** · 11-21-2011, 13:36

I don't know if I just have magical silnylon or what... but I've tried literally everything but gorilla tape and nothing will stick to the tarp. I'm attempting to stick it on just the tarp and not the silicone, and it simply won't stick. I've tried masking tape, duct tape, scotch, packing, and nothing seems to stick. I saw a video online of someone using masking tape but i'm at a loss.

**danfromnb** · 11-21-2011, 19:57

Originally Posted by flashbang009

I don't know if I just have magical silnylon or what... but I've tried literally everything but gorilla tape and nothing will stick to the tarp. I'm attempting to stick it on just the tarp and not the silicone, and it simply won't stick. I've tried masking tape, duct tape, scotch, packing, and nothing seems to stick. I saw a video online of someone using masking tape but i'm at a loss.

It's probably the silicone that won't let the tape stick to it. I hadn't thought of that, but I guess it will work on some tarps.

**TinaLouise** · 11-23-2011, 08:08

Originally Posted by flashbang009

Sooo... Definitely just seam sealed the outside of my DIY black cat tarp with Sil-Net. I was sealing the inside but I had the tarp pitched upside down. GR!... Any suggestions on removal? I'm thinking the only way is mechanical? I don't want to see the seam sealer on the outside.

I applied it an hour ago so i've still got some room to work until it's completely cured but it's already set pretty well... Help?!

I always seal the outside seams of my tarps. I've not used "Sil-Net" though, I use 100% sylicone chaulk from Lowes and a papertowel to wipe it off, if I get to much on the seams. Could you have also tried a papertowel when you first discovered that you didn't like it on the outside?? I know it's to late now. But maybe try putting this Sil-Net on another seam and wipe it with a papertowel to see how it does?

TinaLouise