Seam Seal Question - To Spread or Not to Spread?

[The Old Boot]

I know it is effective and that is what matters.. But.. wouldn't the spray work as well?
Camp dry etc? Probably have to apply every so often but look a lot better?

Spraying tends to have wind drift, even if you're doing it in the garage so spraying just the ridgeline stitching isn't going to be as neat as spreading it.

I used the Permatex and took some advice here. I didn't cut the end off nor used the pointy thing that came with the lid to break the seal. I used a pin so that the hole was quite small. I actually had to enlarge the hole some to get a decent flow without killing my hands.

With the controlled size of the bead coming out, I didn't even need to use the brush I had taken along for spreading the permatex. I was able to work it in quite well just with the tip of the tube.

Also, instead of going out and buying unscented baby powder, just use some cornstarch from the kitchen. It works just as well as any talcum powder ever will.

I made more temporary mess with the cornstarch though, by it drifting off the brush than I did with sealer itself. Good thing the cornstarch will come off easily...

[canoebie]

Just to clarify, I use a spray silicone so if there is spreading, no harm, no foul, it can't be seen. It just soaks in. As an outfitter I have so many tarps and rainflies that it just makes it easier and more systematic. Do what is easiest and most logical for you. There are lots of ways to skin a cat.