Whether you've just purchased a new tent or your favourite tent has begun to leak, it's critical to ensure the seams are properly sealed. The sound of water leaking is the last thing you may want to hear during the outdoor stay.
Even if you've done canvas treatment with the best canvas tent waterproofing products, water might still seep through the seams if they aren't correctly sealed. So it is imperative to know how to seal canvas tent seams properly. Here, I will tell you What's the best way to waterproof canvas tent seams? Continue reading to find out how to strengthen and seal tent seams.
Seam Sealing
The seam is the line where two pieces are sewn together. The needles used to stitch the fabric together to make tents will certainly create gaps in it. They might not be significant, but rain and moisture ultimately make their way in. But it will only if the holes are sealed properly.
Despite the numerous varieties of tent seals or seam waterproofing available, you should use the most appropriate for your canvas material.
It's time to get started once you've confirmed the material of your tent and bought the appropriate sealer. It may be time-consuming and isn't the most fun activity, but it must be completed.
How to Seal Canvas Tent Seams Properly?
Most tents are waterproof, but even such tents may leak if you don't give them proper canvas tent treatment before taking them with you for any outdoor activity. You'll continuously complain about; How do I stop my canvas tent from leaking? Some of the essential treatments include seasoning, waterproofing, and seam sealing.
Different sealant works differently on canvas tents depending upon the material they are made of. Because each tent is unique, consult the handbook or user handbook before sealing the seams. If you are still looking for something, there's no problem contacting the company for help.
Requirements for Sealing a Tent
A tiny brush, sponge brush, or paintbrush. (Many sealants include a brush with them).
A wet sponge to clean up the leakages.
A bottle of mineral spirits might be good for cleaning if you have a stronger sealant.
An old mug or container for blending
Talcum powder to make the sealer less sticky.
Wait for the Ideal Conditions
Wait on a bright day to put up the tent. Silicone-based sealants might require 1 to 2 days to settle, so good weather is needed unless you operate in a well-ventilated area, such as a carport or garage.
Assembled in the shade and away from any air if you're operating outside.
The temperature should not be too high; 60°F is about OK.
Dust might fly onto newly sealed seams if it's incredibly windy.
For the sealer to dry, relative humidity should be less than 80%.
Preparing the Tent to Seal
For an Old Tent
When the proper conditions are attained, it's time to set up your tent.
If it's an old tent, you should clean it first.
Set your tent where you can leave it for up to two days, and make sure it is tight and wrinkle-free.
Check the seam tape; if it is losing, peel it off and clean it.
Your goal should be to seal as many seams as possible with the sealant.
For a New Tent
If the tent is new, examine it thoroughly.
If there are tears or other issues, return it immediately because you can't return it once you have sealed the tent.
When satisfied that your tent is fine, clean the dirt from the seams using mineral spirit.
Prevent the dirt from being trapped again in the seams.
Seal the Tent
To make a thinner mixture, combine stronger sealers (particularly Silicone) with mineral spirit. In most cases, it is enough to seal the outer seams as it is the first barrier for the rain to get in. You can also close the inner seal as an extra layer of protection for your satisfaction. But there are some types of tents for which inner seam sealing is ineffective, such as SilNylon tents.
Using a mixture of sealant and mineral spirit, use a brush and apply the mixture just like paint.
If you're using a sealant alone, you can directly apply it from the tube to the seams in the form of beads. Then use a brush to distribute the sealant evenly.
Ensure you fill up each blank. Work your way gradually around the tent, being careful not to miss any!
Allow the tent to settle for at least a day.
After it has dry, wet your tent and observe how it holds up; if required, reapply to the particular areas.
Conclusion
Learning how to seal canvas tent seams is a good idea because it will save you money. Instead of replacing a leaking tent, you can now fix it and use it repeatedly. Seam sealing is essential for those who camp regularly or in highly damp places. Always study the user manual, and contact the company if you need clarification. All that remains is to go camping and enjoy your comfortable dry tent.