I found this in bargin bin at wally. 1.00 a yard so it was cheap enough. I have no idea what it is. End of roll said unspecified. Its really slick looking and on one side it has a white film like coating. I want to use it to make a tarp but no idea if will work. How do I test it to see? It feels and seems water and wind proof. I ran some water on it and it beads like plastic. Its quiet and light.
interesting find, I'm with you and have no idea what it is but sure am curious to find out more
-Jon-
Make a 'bag' with one end of the fabric (easy way is just to punch some cloth down into a bucket) and pour a few quarts of water in it. Gather up the 'top of the bag' and twist it closed, putting some pressure on the water.Originally Posted by bigsig11010
Observe how much pressure it takes to get water to come through the fabric.
A more 'rigorous' test is to stretch the fabric across the end of a piece of pipe (something like ABS or PVC plumbing pipe) and fasten securely (band clamp?).
then pour water into the (vertical) pipe and see how many mm of water it takes to get water coming through the fabric. I think this is how the commercial ratings are done.
Sounds like fun. Soon as I get home I'll give it a go.
What he said.
As far as the fabric, it looks like some polyester PU-coated ripstop that I found at JoAnne's a couple of years back. That particular fabric had two layers to it; a black DWR-coated polyester facing and a white PU-coated backing (not sure what the backing was made out of, but probably polyester as well). It looked kinda like what you have in the photos there. Never did have a chance to really test how waterproof it was, though.
And, well, it may or may not be what you have. YMMV.
"Just prepare what you can and enjoy the rest."
--Floridahanger
. . . . . waiting for big test
~~~~~~~~~~~~
AT '12. AT '14. FT '15. CA '15.
Ok tried the basic run water on it and it beads up well. I used it to cover a jar with water and turned upside down and it holds water. I made a bubble out of it and filled with water and squeezed it and it mashed it etc. and couldnt force water through it either. Im thinking it would be a good cheap way to try my hand it a tarp. maybe the winter one from diy?
Yup, the second "rigorous" method you're talking about is how they come up with the hydrostatic head rating such as 1000 mm, etc for various coated fabrics.
The first method is almost exactly what I've used as a homemade litmus test of sorts with coated fabrics to ballpark the quality/consistency. I basically make a water balloon with the coated fabric, pinch the top, then apply extra force by squeezing or dropping the bag (still in my hand) and coming to an abrupt stop.
Sounds like it is definitely waterproof! And, at that price, you can only lose a few hours of sewing fun.
Ok I found the diy gear tarp plans. Anyone else have plans for a winter tarp w doors?
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