Flex Seal, a good tarp sealer?

[Cedar1974]

I'm sure you have all seen the ads on TV where the guy does out in a rowboat with the screen door on the bottom, and now they have a clear version, so I am wondering if anyone has tried this stuff to seal their tarp seams or the whole rain fly. I'm sure it would work, but how does it effect the fabric?

[FoulHooked]

Not sure that it would work on silnylon at all. Probably not the best tool for the job in general, but might be worth investigating.

[SirMarkos]

Never used it but most folks either buy the material pre-coated i.e. Sil-net or they make they're own silicone concoction. I prefer to make my own.

1 5 gallon bucket
1 10oz. tube of clear silicone
2 quarts of mineral spirits

Stir well with a drill and pain stir and then dip the entire tarp in the mixture.

Here's a video that shows you step by step:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-UTZPllgqSc

[Cedar1974]

Never used it but most folks either buy the material pre-coated i.e. Sil-net or they make they're own silicone concoction. I prefer to make my own.

1 5 gallon bucket
1 10oz. tube of clear silicone
2 quarts of mineral spirits

Stir well with a drill and pain stir and then dip the entire tarp in the mixture.

Here's a video that shows you step by step:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-UTZPllgqSc

Thanks for the recipe. This means I can buy some Non coated cheaper then seal the whol tarp myself. Think I should try and vac seal it to help the Silicone impregnate the Nylon? Also, I already have some of the Flex Seal in Black. I may try and get a small scrap of Nylon and see if it will work.

[OneClick]

"Leaky roof? Don't call a repair man, that'll cost you THAWWWSANDS!"

[gargoyle]

After the price of extra ingredients, and the added mess and labor, its best to buy a fabric that is known to perform.
Buy some silnylon and be done with it.

[boulderv7]

After the price of extra ingredients, and the added mess and labor, its best to buy a fabric that is known to perform.
Buy some silnylon and be done with it.

I agree. While diy sil has worked for some, the cost and time seems to outweigh the benefits. For all the effort, your tarp may not end up waterproof everywhere. And if concerned about weight, there is no way to ensure a consistent coating throughout the material. That means your tarp may wind up considerably heavier than a tarp made of commercially impregnated sil. YMMV. Just my 2 cents.

[CanoeJoe]

Never used Flex Seal, but I would think that it would be a bit thick once applied. Kinda like putting a mud flap on a torn shirt sleeve.

[gmcttr]

Never used Flex Seal, but I would think that it would be a bit thick once applied. Kinda like putting a mud flap on a torn shirt sleeve.

This pretty well sums up my thoughts.

[Cedar1974]

Never used Flex Seal, but I would think that it would be a bit thick once applied. Kinda like putting a mud flap on a torn shirt sleeve.

So, might be good for a tent floor, but not a tarp, got it.