Washing Tyvek

**dukedante** · 08-11-2011, 12:44

Wash Tyvek before or after making a tarp? Seems like it would be easier to handle and cut (though noisier) before washing.
I'm not making any seams, so no worries of tape coming loose (though it sounds like nothing can loosen the tape).

I know it shrinks a bit, does it shrink uniformly or oddly? Meaning, if I make my tarp a little bigger on the ridgeline, will the shrinkage pull one way and not the other? I can't make it any wider, because I only have a 7' wide piece.

Experts, weigh in!
Thanks!

**Strung out** · 08-11-2011, 16:00

make the tarp first.

The tape will be fine, forever.

**MAD777** · 08-11-2011, 21:27

I prefer to wash it first. Not that it doesn't uniformly shrink. It's just that it is more maneuverable for me once it's washed.

**dukedante** · 08-12-2011, 18:54

I ended up cutting the tarp first. I think it was much easier to do this way because it was very flat and not crinkly. For those using this as advice in the future, that's what I'd do again.

**JohnSawyer** · 08-12-2011, 20:37

Originally Posted by dukedante

I ended up cutting the tarp first. I think it was much easier to do this way because it was very flat and not crinkly. For those using this as advice in the future, that's what I'd do again.

Glad you did it that way... I washed mine first... never again.

**ljcsov** · 08-13-2011, 20:00

what are the advantages of tyvek over sil?

**dukedante** · 08-13-2011, 22:03

Originally Posted by ljcsov

what are the advantages of tyvek over sil?

Tyvek is generally free (gotten from a construction site) or very cheap compared to sil. I've heard of getting 9 x 9 sheets from ebay for $20.

No sewing involved, as it is a wider material ( 7 or 9 ft wide).

Weight is about 40% more than sil- 1.7 to 1.9oz/yd^2.

My tyvek tarp is about the same side as the WB edge tarp, weights 14 oz and was free.

**Silverhill Forge** · 08-15-2011, 14:13

I don't know if this is any help, but here in the UK the forces were (and possibly still are) producing an IPK kit. The IPK (Individual Protection Kit) consists of a green 8' x 5' Tyvek sheet, some pegs and some cord. The green Tyvek seems to be ideal for general waterproof use so if you were looking for some they should be easy enough to find. If I remember correctly they only cost about £5 each per kit.