Seam Sealer WARNING!!!

**c0wb0y_hubs** · 04-03-2013, 12:52

I went through the entire process of making a pretty good looking and very versatile tarp. I did a little research on the recommended seam sealers, and decided to go with the permatex flowable silicone window repair stuff.

The last step to complete the tarp was to seal it, so I pitched it and began the process.....What I failed to realize was that I probably should have applied the sealant from the inside.

I'm sure it functions great, but now I have this less than professional looking silicon darkened seam. It's purely a cosmetic issue, but after hours of tender loving care, it can be frustrating to "stain" the thing in the last step.

Is it common knowledge that the silicon goes on the inside?

Which side do you seam seal???

c0wb0y_hubs

**Cranky Bear** · 04-03-2013, 13:01

On my sil tarps that I have had to seal I used the same stuff you used but I did the inside and outside. I used some talc powder to take some of (most of) the stickiness away.

**hang em high** · 04-03-2013, 13:09

Either side works, but applied to the underside seems to look better.

**HURTHEART** · 04-03-2013, 13:33

I applied the stinky stuff on the underside of the tarp. My tarp is a very light color and so far every thing looks okay. I left the tarp set up for three days, the smell and sticky went away. I think it just needed that long to cure.

**perrito** · 04-03-2013, 14:00

If it's overly conspicuous, you may have used too much. All you need is a nice bead of that stuff right on the seam.
You're probably the only one who'll notice. Don't sweat it.

**c0wb0y_hubs** · 04-03-2013, 14:16

Thanks, guys. I'm just bummed. I think from perrito's comment I probably went a little thick. Live and learn and if you do a DIY Tarp don't seam seal on a windy day.

**perrito** · 04-03-2013, 14:36

Any pictures?

**MAD777** · 04-03-2013, 14:36

I seal both inside and out. Lying there during a storm while bone dry, I really don't care what it looks like.

**ne_hanger** · 04-03-2013, 18:20

I went through the same thing after sealing the pull outs on my WBSF when it first arrived. Had an awful feeling that I had aesthetically ruined the tarp before I even used it. I assumed I had not applied the silicone correctly, but it sounds like that's just the way it goes on.