A very specific question making sil-nylon tarps.

**Kattelyn** · 09-15-2014, 17:22

I've made tarps before and they turned out beautifully except for one problem. When we dipped the tarp, the little pockets at the corners that I had sewn to stick the cords into got stuck together. Is there something I can stick in the pocket or something I can do to keep that fabric pocket from sticking together so I have a cord pouch at the corners of my tarp?

Thanks!

P.S. I did do a search, but was unable to find this specific question answered. We had a lot of fun making tarps and got lots of great advice. Just this one weird little question stymied me. After a while of searching, just thought I'd ask instead of beating my head against the wall any more.

**dave.macluskie** · 09-15-2014, 17:30

Can you explain what "dipped the tarp" means? I'm getting lost at that part.

**Kattelyn** · 09-15-2014, 17:33

I buy unimpregnated plain 1.1 ripstop nylon. I make the tarp, and then dip the whole sewn project in a mixture of 1 tube of clear silicone to 2 quarts mineral spirits, and then hang to dry. This means that all seams are sealed at once. The mineral spirits evaporate leaving the silicone behind.

Problem being it wants to stick to itself when drying.

The best thought we've had so far was to stick a piece of plastic wrap in the pocket to keep it open, but I don't want plastic wrap stuck in the pocket.

**dave.macluskie** · 09-15-2014, 17:44

Ah. I've only made tarps of pre-siliconed nylon (silnylon) so that wasn't an issue. I'm at a loss!

**Junebugdawn** · 09-15-2014, 18:01

What about using wax paper or parchment paper inside the pocket? Then peal it off when dry. Maybe do a test on a scrap piece.

**Flatliner** · 09-15-2014, 18:02

Since the pockets are at the very edge of the tarp, why not sew them after sealing the tarp.

**gunner76** · 09-15-2014, 18:29

Since the pockets are at the very edge of the tarp, why not sew them after sealing the tarp.

That's what I was thinking

**Hammonkey** · 09-15-2014, 19:05

slide a piece of wax paper intbetween

**Kattelyn** · 09-15-2014, 21:55

Originally Posted by Hammonkey

slide a piece of wax paper intbetween

Think this is what I'm going to go with. Looks to be the best idea I've come across.

I'd rather not have possible weep-holes in a brand new tarp.

**Rat** · 09-16-2014, 18:26

I would try propping it open with a Q-tip or something similar. try using a little Vaseline on the Q-tip to keep it from sticking during the drying process.