How to seam seal tarp?

[psilokan]

I must've done something wrong because I can definitely see where I sealed the seam. It's very noticeable and because I didn't use tape to define the edges it looks even worse. Anything I can do about it at this point? Maybe use some mineral spirits to thin it out?

[MAD777]

I must've done something wrong because I can definitely see where I sealed the seam. It's very noticeable and because I didn't use tape to define the edges it looks even worse. Anything I can do about it at this point? Maybe use some mineral spirits to thin it out?

Is there a real problem or are you only concerned with the aesthetics? I can definitely see a shiny (messy) streak along the ridgeline but that just lets me know that I covered everything. It is even sticky after is cures. A solution to the stickiness is to dust the seam with talcum powder, but not the scented kind.

If it's a tarp that I made, the silicone merely helps to hide my crooked stitches!
For me, it's not about the look, it's about the function.

[dragon360]

Is there a need to mix anything with the Permatex?

[mountain_man_mike]

Any 100% silicone will do the job. I use GE Silicone II from Walmart because it's cheap. Mix it 1 part silicone to 4 parts mineral spirits (buy the odorless kind). It takes a lot of stirring to get it to mix, so be patient.

Like Bubba said, pitch the tarp tight to open up the stitch holes. I seal both the top and bottom, just to be sure.

I've used this method for years and it not only works very well, as MAD77 mentions it's cheap so you can cover a lot of area for less money than other methods. A paper cup, some mineral spirits, a stir stick and a cheap paint brush is all you need... well, a sunny, windless day helps too

[Roadrunnr72]

I use the Permatex Flowable sealant. Hang the tarp inside out, and seal what is now the outside. Let cure, add little powder (baby, or talc) to keep it from sticking.

Flatline, I had a Tadpole leak. It didn't pour, but did have a lot of little drops along the ridgeline. That was enough for me to seal it, better to be safe, than sorry.....RR

[zukiguy]

I've sealed a few sil items (tarp, pack cover, poncho) with the flowable silicone and it worked fine. No muss, no fuss and no mixing. The dusting of talc doesn't look the best but it's outdoor gear so who cares. Once it gets wet the first time most of it rinses away so then you just see the line of silicone minus the stickiness.

[Columbus]

tarptent has actually a quite nice video how you can seam seal your tarp.

http://www.tarptent.com/ttvideos.html

the seam sealing video on the bottom of the page