SilTarp2

[UrbanWild]

Is there any need to seam seal the new SilTarp2? If so, what would be the preferred product?

[Shotgunred]

Best for any Sil tarp IMO is Permatex, can be found at auto parts stores and sometimes WM.

[OutandBack]

You need a silicone based sealer.
REI probably has it.

You can make your own sealer.
copied from 6 moon:
Making your own Seam Sealer

You can save some money when seam sealing SilNylon shelters.
You can easily make your own sealer that'll work as well as the commercial stuff.
It'll also give you a better looking seal.

Purchase the following items. They should be are available from most local hardware stores.
GE Silicone II clear tub and sink caulk - The small tube will make enough to seal several tents. The large tube will make enough to seal everything you own and then some.
Mineral Spirits - Commonly used for cleaning paint brushes. Preferably the odorless kind. Your nose will be thankful.
Small brush to apply the sealer - A 3/4" foam brush works well.
Paint stirrer attachment for an electric drill.
Dilute Silicone In a glass jar, mix one part mineral spirits with one part silicone caulk (1 ounce of mineral spirits and 1 ounce of silicone should be enough). When mixture is the right consistency, it will be smooth and milky, and flow evenly when applied. If it's too thick or lumpy, the waterproofing won't flow well into the seams, or be absorbed by the exposed threads.
Hint #1: You can mix by hand with a regular paint stirrer, but caulk is stiff, so will take much longer to mix. Using an paint stirrer in an electric drill will give your sealer a smooth silky appearance. It will dry faster and clearer.

[Bubba]

+1 on the Permatex flowable silicone. I used it on my Siltarp.

[nothermark]

+1 on the Permatex flowable silicone. I used it on my Siltarp.

glad you pointed that out. Permatex makes a lot of stuff that is *NOT* suitable for use on a tarp. The first thing I thought of was gasket sealer. ;-)

[swankfly]

So is there anything wrong with commercial seam sealers available for sil nylon? Everyone talks about alternatives and DIY.

swank

[angrysparrow]

So is there anything wrong with commercial seam sealers available for sil nylon? Everyone talks about alternatives and DIY.

swank

Not really, Sil-Net works nicely. But for simple seams the Permatex mentioned above really does apply more easily, and is cheaper. It's a win-win.

The 'DIY' recipe above is mostly for making your own Sil from breathable nylon, rather than just fixing a seam.

[swankfly]

Thanks AS, I have heard some using painters tape to hold a crisp line, I can't get it to stick to silnylon. Is there a seam sealer that actually disappears after drying? I'm not crazy about the glossy sealed seams if I have another option.

swank

[angrysparrow]

The stuff in the cans of aerosol silicone sealant pretty much disappears, but it doesn't last nearly as long as a good seam made from one of the other options. I think it's actually better for using on boots, or other items of that sort.

If you keep the seam-sealing to the 'inside' of a tarp seam, it doesn't really show on the outside.

[Mikeinajeep]

I just got a siltarp 3 and it came with sealer. Is that a hint that I need to seam seal a band new tarp.