Seam sealing a Superfly

**myles to go** · 12-13-2011, 20:27

Originally Posted by Jsaults

Permatex Flowable windshield silicone. Works like a charm. Thanks to those who recommended it on this forum.

Jim

Can you give a little detail on what part of the pull out that you sealed( inside, outside, threads only?) and how you applied it. pics of the finished job would be great as I am ready to do mine and I want to keep it as neat as possible

**Hawk-eye** · 12-13-2011, 20:33

You can just rub it in the seams ... stiching ... dust with talc after it dries to get rid of the sticky or tacky touch of the stuff ... but that last step isn't really necessary. I only seal the inside or underside of the tarp. Doesn't need it on the outside but either or both will work. Doing it on the inside keeps the outside cleaner looking. IMHO

**Porloff94** · 12-14-2011, 13:35

Thanks all for the feed back. I figured I was in the clear, but wanted to get some field test results. I'll probably do the pullouts with the Permatex, just to be safe, but am glad to hear there is no urgent need. Thanks again.

**Lonely Raven** · 12-14-2011, 14:03

Just remember to get the right side up when you hang it!

I was stuck, late at night, dark and dreary and raining...and very, very tired. I hung the tarp quickly not realizing I had it top-side down...I woke up in the middle of the night with the seam dripping a line down the middle of the hammock.

I won't make that mistake again, no matter how tired I am! LOL

**Jsaults** · 12-14-2011, 16:50

All I can add is that I sealed mine during a period of low humidity, and 24 hrs later it was still not dry. Silicone cures in the presence of moisture, so I lightly misted the sealed stitches with water and in another 24 all the curing was complete.

Jim

**Porloff94** · 12-22-2011, 08:47

By the way, do you use the permatex straight? if not what do you use to thin it?

**Hawk-eye** · 12-22-2011, 08:53

Originally Posted by Porloff94

By the way, do you use the permatex straight? if not what do you use to thin it?

Straight from the tube ... this stuff is more flowable than the Silnet stuff and to me is easier to work with and control. Also seems to penetrate the stitching better.

**Porloff94** · 12-22-2011, 14:54

Excellent. Thanks again.

**uncle_ray_ray** · 12-22-2011, 15:19

I'm always under the impression that it's better to take the precautions before its needed. No need for me to find out that I'll eventually get a leak when I least need it. I went on and sealed the pullouts on my Superfly with Sil Net and just got it over with. I communicated with Brandon, maker of te Superfly and he concurred that it would not hurt it to treat it, because they (pullouts) are the weakest point in the system.
http://www.rei.com/search?query=sil+net