seam sealing question

[scott37300]

I just bought a field and stream estate series 10x13 dome tent. From reading threw past posts on here I read that I should seam seal all my seams before going camping. So when I bought my tent I also bought a can of texsport waterproofing seam sealer that says it works on all synthetic fabrics and is ideal for tents. I was reading the instructions for my tent and it states "You may compromise the original fire retardency and water repellency protective coatings when you apply sprays or other chemical treatments to your tent". It also states the fabric is a synthetic material.

The instructions for the tent also say if you want more moisture protection to use a seam sealing compound ONLY.

So does this mean I should find a compound to seal my tent with? Can someone recommend a seam sealing compound that will work on my tent?

Thanks
Scott

[renodesertfox]

When you buy a new tent the seams aren't sealed. If you use this tent without sealing the seams they will become wicks that allow water to seep into the tent. It doesn't have to rain for this to occur. Morning dew will have the same consequence. You can waterproof the tent seams very easily.

Buy a bottle of seam sealer for a few dollars at a sporting goods store.
Set your tent up outdoors on a dry sunny day.

The seam sealer comes in a bottle with an applicator top. Shake the bottle, open the cap, and apply seam sealer to all threads (inside and out) while the tent is erected.

Allow the sealer to dry for a few hours.
Repeat the application, and allow the seams to dry thoroughly.
Don't forget to also seal the seams on your rain fly. Inside & out!

This process accomplishes two tasks. Not only does it help to waterproof your tent, but it gives you a chance to learn how to set it up. Never go camping with a new tent that has not been seam sealed, and which you have not practiced setting up. If you tent camp a lot, it's a good idea to reseal the seams every year.

Quality tents come with seams that are factory taped, which is not the same as sealed. Taped seams have a waterproof material placed between overlapped seams, which are then double stitched. This sewing technique adds to the strength of the seam and helps eliminate any gaps when the tent is stretched. These seams will be more water-resistant than normal seams, but they are not water-proof. The seams should still be sealed to ensure the best water-proof protection. Just trying to be helpful here.

Just because you read the directions for setting up your new tent doesn't mean you have to do that way every time. Every-time police aren't real. And the more a person sets up their tent the more you will fine tune your own procedure. It's easier setting up a tent with two people, but if there is only one person to set up a big tent...don't fret, just set it up a little bit at a time. Most sections come in threes, just set up one section at a time. First on one side of the tent then the other. Sure it may take a little longer, but just make sure when you set it up you're away from any appointments to see your investor, your preacher or anyone else you can think of. Camping is an enjoyable pastime. Enjoy it. When life ends then it's too late to enjoy it. Remember every campout is practice for the next one.

Leaking Seams: Use Canvak or a tent seam sealer to stop leaking seams or purchase a fly. Walmart has good goop too. Seal inside and out and allow the tent to dry completely before storing. Seam sealing should be done once a year.

Set up Location: Be aware of which trees emit resins and avoid setting up your tent under these types of trees.

I recommend: Coghlan's 703 Tent Seam Sealer Repair Kit and you can get it here:
http://www.acehardwareoutlet.com/Pro...aspx?SKU=84949

[scott37300]

RDF, thanks for the detailed explination! I want to seam seal it and bought a can of spray on sealer but according to my tent directions it says not to use spray on chemicals.

Will the kit you linked to be enough to do a whole tent? The tube looks a little small, but I also have never done this so don't know how much it takes to do a tent. I will run to walmart tonight and see what "goop" they have for seam sealing. I was there monday and they didn't have to much as far as tents or camping supplies.

Thanks again.

[renodesertfox]

Applyin seam sealer isn't rocket science and you shouldn't act like a 5 year either and goop it on( a little bit goes a long way). Take the time to set up your tent before you go so in the eyes of your girl-friend's children they won't see a wanna be camper. Practice makes perfect...and then you could ask her children to help if they are smart enough and can handle helping a little will even put them at ease campin. 'nough said!

The problem with spray-ons is that you have little control over the area to cover. All you want to treat are the seams, not the tent fabric itself. Take that can back and get a refund.

Practice setting up the tent. If it helps to color code some parts for easy id, then do so with fingernail polish. Then take your tent down, and when you have a moment set it up again...you will find that by doing it often you won't need the directions and you'll discover you own way to pitch a tent better than the description that came with the tent. Children can spot a fake a mile away, so don't be! Enough said twice!

[scott37300]

The kids and me set up the tent this morning for practice. I read how to do the seam sealing, was just wondering about what product to use. All I saw at Dicks was the spray on stuff so bought that and then got home and read the tent instructions and said not to use spray sealers.

I will take it back and go searching for some "goop"!

Thanks for your advice and knowledge RDF. This site is great.

[Rob22315]

I'm a McNeil's SeamGrip fan. Has a bad solvent smell while it's drying but seals great. Works well for repairs (as a glue) too.

[tplife]

The chemistry of most of these solutions is about the same. Using a small paint brush rather than the applicator speeds the work and is a lot easier to use. The sprays not only put the stuff everywhere, but they don't lay on much product to the seams/threads.

[scott37300]

Thanks everyone. I'm going to return the spray tonight and see if I can find the applicator stuff. All I saw at dicks was the spray but I'll look around at walmart or gander mountain tonight and see what I can find.

Scott

[scott37300]

Update, found some coleman seam sealer at walmart tonight so will be doing that thursday morning if the weather is good.

Thanks again for the help with this everyone.
Scott