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Thread: Seam Sealing

  1. #1
    Senior Member traftonm's Avatar
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    Seam Sealing

    I have a Hennasey Ultra light ,a nd I want to make a larger cover to replace the one it came with. Problem is no mater what I do it has seams. I have used Silicon to seal seam in the past but never look very good. Anyone have a good way to seal the seams.

  2. #2
    Senior Member MrToot's Avatar
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    I asked the same of Brian of OES tarp fame the same thing about sealing. His tarps always have a perfectly neat seal. His choice of applicator is one of his fingers. I started doing it this way and low and behold my seams look just like his. It does take some getting used to. Good luck.

  3. #3
    Senior Member Darby's Avatar
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    The best way I have found is to thin the silicone with mineral spirits (paint thinner) to a thin consistency. Only mix enough for one coat at a time as it will start to set up fairly quickly. I use a small 1/2" paint brush (disposable) to paint the seams, and I usually do two coats. DO NOT fold or stuff the tarp until the silicone is completely dry. I use corn starch powder after curing to get rid of the tackiness.

    Cheers, Dale
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    Senior Member Quoddy's Avatar
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    I believe it was Ron Bell at MLD that first mentioned using my finger to apply Seam Seal and Seam Grip. I've done many pieces of gear since then and they all look great. When using a foam brush I had to have the tent or tarp set up, but I now either hang the material from the beams in my basement and apply, or else just do it on a flat surface while moving the material along. For some materials Seam Grip, applied full strength, is the best. Spinntex and cuben are among them. As well as waterproofing, it adds a degree of strength to the seam.
    I my Warbonnet

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    I made a DYI tarp out of Sil-nylon and I used 'Silicone Water-Guard Waterproofing Spray" to seal the seams and increase the waterproofness of the sil and it has worked great for me.

  6. #6
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    Start with the best product, Permatex 100% Silicone Windshield Sealant. Use a small plumber's flux brush (available in any plumbing department) dipped in a little thinnner. Cut the hole nice and small in the end of the applicator that comes with the tube. DO NOT USE MCNETT's SEALER, it is DESIGNED to waste the product, so you'll buy another overpriced tube.

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    Quote Originally Posted by Darby View Post
    The best way I have found is to thin the silicone with mineral spirits (paint thinner) to a thin consistency. Only mix enough for one coat at a time as it will start to set up fairly quickly. I use a small 1/2" paint brush (disposable) to paint the seams, and I usually do two coats. DO NOT fold or stuff the tarp until the silicone is completely dry. I use corn starch powder after curing to get rid of the tackiness.

    Cheers, Dale
    This is how I've done it as well.

    In theory (in my head at least) you should have a tarp set up as tightly as you would normally pitch it when you apply sealant. By doing that, you pull open any thread holes, weak spots, etc. that will leak later, thus allowing the sealant to get into all of those places.

    Doing it on a flat surface would probably work too.

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