Retreat silnylon?

**weaver2469** · 05-23-2012, 18:25

Is there any need to periodically spray an OES silnylon tarp with any kind of treatment? I know the silicone is embedded in the fabric, but I wondered if anyone hits it with silicone spray waterproofer once in a while to maintain the waterproof level?

**weaver2469** · 05-25-2012, 05:39

Can I assume from the lack of replies that this is a dumb question? The problem is, that I don't know if is a dumb question because tarps never need more silicone, or a dumb question because everyone else knows that tarps always need more silicone!

I guess I will just leave it alone. I don't want to mess anything up.

**Groovy** · 05-25-2012, 05:47

Set it up and put a sprinkler on it. Then get under it and see if it leaks. I think its a good idea to check it before you get in a storm and wish you had.

**Pj1008** · 05-25-2012, 05:45

As far as I understand, no you don't need to ever respray it. Like you said the silicone is imbedded in the fabric and silicone is fairly strong. I don't think it will start to break down/ wear out over the life of your tarp.

**gargoyle** · 05-25-2012, 06:35

What Groovy said..check it out for leaks at the beginning of the season. Apply seam sealer, if needed. Other than that, the fabric should remain water proof for years to come. No need to spray anything on it, IMO.

The real issue is UV degradation. Don't leave the tarp set up outside for extended periods of time.

**titanium_hiker** · 05-25-2012, 06:48

I believe OES tarps are seam sealed, but some tarps aren't, and you need to seal the seams. But you shouldn't need to re-spray the tarp (indeed, it might ball up and come off) but some have had success spraying non-waterproof fabric with silicone to make tarps.

It's pretty thin fabric, which is surprising, I think! But it's impregnated with the silicone, so it should be water proof. Do a hose test in your back yard for peace of mind.

Short answer: no, no need to spray.

TH

**weaver2469** · 05-25-2012, 16:13

Thanks for all the good info. It is just what I needed. My seams are fine, they came sealed and are still going strong. Off to hang in the piney woods.

**zukiguy** · 05-25-2012, 17:21

I would like it if the silnylon had more of finish that would allow the water to bead better (like rain-x for tarps??). I don't get a lot of rain but almost always have a heavy dew. It would be great if the water would just bead up and roll off. I end up doing lots of shaking in the morning to fling away the excess water.

I did just have to re-seam seal my OES tarp. My MacCat only had a normal stitched ridgeline and has never leaked a drop. The 4-season I just got leaked along the ridgeline where the extra hang loops were installed. It looks like the extra tension on them kind of "ovalized" the holes a bit after it was sealed and opened some gaps. I dabbed a little flowable silicone on the stitching top and bottom then soaked it with the sprinkler. Not so much as a drop came through. Problem solved.