My Tadpole Seam Leaked

[begleysm]

I posted a detailed thread in the Weather Protection forum if anyone thinks they might be able to share some knowledge with me.

http://www.hammockforums.net/forum/showthread.php?p=748364#post748364

Thanks,
Sean

[Backtrack]

I think WL offers a seam sealer that is for their silnylon. I would be afraid to use any other brand.

[Bubba]

For silnylon I'd recommend a silicone sealant. McNett's Silnet or Permatex flowable silicone are two that I have seen recommended around here. I have personally used the Permatex stuff with great success.

[Hobbit]

I have seam sealed many tarps and tents over the years using the method described by Henry Shires at TarpTent. I used this on my Tadpole with great success.

Henry's explaination from his website:

"Silicone is the only material that will stick to the fabric. Urethane sealer will flake off. An inexpensive product that works well is GE Silicone II clear sealer/glue. It is available as a squeeze tube in most US hardware stores or in the Tarptent Store. Set up the tent ouside in a well-ventilated location. Mix about a tablespoon of silicone with a couple of tablespoons of mineral spirits(paint thinner) and then apply the solution with a small foam brush. Add more mineral spirits if the solution gets too thick. The goal is heavy olive oil consistency. Avoid skin contact and breathing fumes".

He also has a video of how he does it.

http://tarptent.com/ttvideos.html#seamseal

I use the sponge but put it on about the same width as the sewn seam and never had to wipe any off. Being diluted it soaks the threads nicely.

[rip waverly]

get some mcnetts. works great. finger smudged my tadpole ridge seam... and held solid in the PNW winter rain. dry as a bone.

some have said the french seam doesn't need it, but marty won't guarantee it.... so i added the 1/2 oz. of assurance.