Waterproof fabrics

**jbo_c** · 08-01-2009, 15:22

I know sil is preferred for weight. If weight is less of an issue, what are the differences in :

Urethane

PVC

Vinyl

Thanks.

**MacEntyre** · 08-01-2009, 19:07

Don't know much about those fabrics, but I use waterproof 300 denier Cordura nylon. It's got a nice texture, and is not too heavy.

What do you want to make that needs to be waterproof?

- MacEntyre

**Ramblinrev** · 08-01-2009, 19:21

Originally Posted by jbo_c

I know sil is preferred for weight. If weight is less of an issue, what are the differences in :

Urethane

PVC

Vinyl

Thanks.

Urethane: A treatment coating that is applied to one side of the fabric effectively sealing it and making it waterproof. Thick, heavy, sitcky and stinky if not applied very carefully. It used to be the best available a decade or so ago.

PVC: Poly Vinyl Chloride is a material used for a variety of plastic objects. Probably best known for plumbing but I think it is also used for the "big box tarps". Very heavy, not overly flexible usually has reinforcing threads in the tarps. I seen the green, brown and blue.

Vinyl: A masterial used for a wide variety of applications including a cheap substitute for leather. Freqquently used in upohlstery, luggage, shoes, raincoats etc.

I'm sure I have oversimplfied the uses of each, but I think it is a fair representation of the common uses.

**jbo_c** · 08-01-2009, 19:26

Thanks for the replys. This is to make a tarp.

My biggest problem with the sil is I can't find it in a moderately environmentally unnoteworthy color. - no greens, tans, or cammos.

Thanks.

Jbo

**Ramblinrev** · 08-01-2009, 19:31

Originally Posted by jbo_c

Thanks for the replys. This is to make a tarp.

My biggest problem with the sil is I can't find it in a moderately environmentally unnoteworthy color. - no greens, tans, or cammos.

Thanks.

Jbo

I'm not in the market so I haven't really looked but the on-line vendors don't have it? That surprises me.

Rockywoods.com has a grey.
http://www.rockywoods.com/Fabrics-Ha...top-Nylon-Fabr

Speer also seems to have grey and black
http://www.speerhammocks.com/Products/Supplies.htm

**sashurlow** · 08-02-2009, 06:30

where are you looking? I just found green (for first quality) at quest and OWF. Urethane is the only realistic substitute for silnylon (and a very good substitute).
Scott

**gargoyle** · 08-02-2009, 06:41

Have you looked here for fabric, my local Joanns had ten or fifteen different colors. I'm sure that they can order whatever color you want, $$$$ they eat money just like hammock gear does.http://www.joann.com/joann/catalog.jsp?CATID=Georgia

**jbo_c** · 08-02-2009, 15:31

Thank for the replies. Owf does have a green. Had missed it. Wish I could find some cammo.

I have a local JoAnn's but they couldn't tell me anything about weights on the ripstop. Looked at the on-line site and it didn't mention weights either.

Jbo

**gargoyle** · 08-02-2009, 19:52

see if the stuff is waterproof at joann's. Then grab it, if the price is good. Check the waterproof by dribbling some water on it by the drinking fountain. Or see if you can get a test swatch and test it under the faucet. Compare the cost of buying there and buying online with ship and handling, might be a better deal buying at joanns. As far as weight goes, if its light and waterproof, that all that matters. IMO

**hangnout** · 08-02-2009, 20:04

Thank for the replies. Owf does have a green. Had missed it. Wish I could find some cammo.

http://questoutfitters.com/coated.html#SILNYLON 1.1 OZ RIPSTOP

Quest Outfitters has silnylon in green at link above.

Rockywoods and OWF have woodland and ACU camo in 1.9 waterproof nylons (1.9 before coating)