Star-Gazing tarp

**Syrrka** · 07-25-2014, 19:16

Thanks to the encouragement and links of ppl on this forum, I was able to make a heat-shrink (polycryo) clear tarp. This is the first prototype, It is out in my backyard being tested over the weekend. The second tarp will be made out of PEVA, which is a clear shower curtain that you can get at Wally World for a few bucks. This one cost about $10.00. The hardest part about this was keeping the plastic tight enough so that it could be taped without wrinkles. I was not very successful at this.

I used Gorilla black and clear tape and the double-sided tape that came in the heat-shrink kit. It was the biggest kit (72 inches x 120 inches) from Frost King and I got it at Lowes. I used the double-sided tape to make a folded hem all the way around the tarp as well as hooking the two pieces (5x7 ft) together. I ran a line of clear Gorilla tape along the ridge line. There is a 3 ft piece of plastic from the kit left over.

I hope this lasts through the summer.

The polycryo tarp is 10x7 and weighs 12.7 oz.

20140725_141212.jpg
Corner tie-out
20140725_141148.jpg
ridge-line connection. The line runs under the tarp and comes out the ends at the holes which are reinforced with pop can tabs
20140725_141103.jpg
Corner and side tie-outs
20140725_141038.jpg
Full view
20140725_115649.jpg
I couldn't find any washers or grommets, so I used a pop can tab. This is on the ridge-line.

**hawg777** · 07-25-2014, 22:16

That is a really cool tarp. I think I might have to go to Lowes tomorrow.

**southern9** · 07-25-2014, 22:18

Your tag line says it all.
I love this idea, but it looks very frail, as if a falling pine cone will put a hole in it. Keep us posted on its durability, and keep up the good work.

**Rolloff** · 07-25-2014, 23:19

Originally Posted by southern9

Your tag line says it all.
I love this idea, but it looks very frail, as if a falling pine cone will put a hole in it. Keep us posted on its durability, and keep up the good work.

They take a duct tape field repair pretty well for most small punctures and tears. You can also use Polycro to fabricate a nice foul weather beak for one or both ends of your hammock. Pack away so small you'll forget you have them until you need em.

**kayak4water** · 07-25-2014, 23:59

i like it!

I made a 7x10 with shrink film from Duck Brand. I think it weighed under 7 oz with tie outs and ridgeline. I used it on the coast on bugless nights in April and was so blown away by the stars, that I didn't sleep much--nor did I miss the sleep. Awesome. You're gonna love it.

At replacement time: thicker polycro from Ace Hardware dot com. 1.2 mil vs. my 0.7 mil duck brand.

**Syrrka** · 07-26-2014, 23:08

Originally Posted by kayak4water

i like it!

I made a 7x10 with shrink film from Duck Brand. I think it weighed under 7 oz with tie outs and ridgeline. I used it on the coast on bugless nights in April and was so blown away by the stars, that I didn't sleep much--nor did I miss the sleep. Awesome. You're gonna love it.

At replacement time: thicker polycro from Ace Hardware dot com. 1.2 mil vs. my 0.7 mil duck brand.

Cool!,,,I don't even know what the mil is on mine, i just grabbed the box and tape. What kind of tape did you use?

**Syrrka** · 07-26-2014, 23:11

Originally Posted by southern9

Your tag line says it all.
I love this idea, but it looks very frail, as if a falling pine cone will put a hole in it. Keep us posted on its durability, and keep up the good work.

It does look frail, but i believe it is stronger than it looks. Ive had it out side now for a couple of nights with wind and rain and a thunderstorm. NOne of them big ones, but it is holding up nicely. It even survived an encounter with a curious
2 yr old…..

**Syrrka** · 07-26-2014, 23:13

Originally Posted by Rolloff

They take a duct tape field repair pretty well for most small punctures and tears. You can also use Polycro to fabricate a nice foul weather beak for one or both ends of your hammock. Pack away so small you'll forget you have them until you need em.

Foul weather beak? Like an extension on the tarp?

**kayak4water** · 07-27-2014, 05:52

Originally Posted by Syrrka

Cool!,,,I don't even know what the mil is on mine, i just grabbed the box and tape. What kind of tape did you use?

I used a 3M Scotch Transparent Duct Tape, 1.88-Inch by 20-Yard (2120-A) Light and tough.

Originally Posted by Syrrka

Foul weather beak? Like an extension on the tarp?

Yes, like an extension, but it's a two part extension consisting of two triangles cut so that when sewn, the pointed end will be lower than the peak of the tarp. look here. I don't like them sewn because they inhibit access to the underside of the tarp. A zipper with weather flap would improve use.