Seam sealing is an important skill to learn for those who like to care for and maintain their tents. For most tents, it’s a handy method of repairing seams that have developed a weakness. However, for ultra lightweight sil-nylon tents, it’s recommended that seam sealing is carried out before use. In this quick guide we’ll explain why and show you how you can easily seam seal your own tent.
Does my tent need to be seam-sealed?
Whether your tent needs to be seam-sealed depends on the type of tent and its condition. Typically, tents are made from polyester coated with polyurethane (PU) and taped at the seams to prevent water ingress. If a seam becomes loose, it can cause a leak which can be easily fixed with some silicone seam sealer.
More advanced tents often use a fabric called Sil-Nylon, which is a nylon fabric that has been impregnated with silicone on both sides. This is significantly lighter, stronger and longer lasting. However, the seams on these tents can’t be taped as the tape won’t bond to the fabric due to the silicone. Sil-nylon tents are self-bonding and usually will be water-tight straight out of the bag. However, manufacturers usually recommend that you seam seal the tent yourself to make sure that your tent is fully watertight.
Why do brands not seam seal sil-nylon tents during manufacture?
The reason why brands don’t typically seam seal a sil-nylon tent during production is cost-effectiveness. Seam sealing requires a tent to be pitched, seam sealed and left to dry for 8-24 hours before it can be packed away. If the manufacturer were to do this, your sil-nylon tent would cost you significantly more money to buy. Instead, most customers prefer to purchase the tent at a reasonable cost and carry out the essential maintenance themselves. Most sil-nylon tents like the OEX Ultralite range come with a tube of seam sealer and application brush in the repair kit.
How to seam seal your tent
Seam sealing your tent is a straightforward process that can greatly boost its water resistance. Be sure to choose the right seam Sealer: Make sure the seam sealer is appropriate for the material of your tent (e.g., silicone-based for silicone-treated fabrics).
First Pitch your tent in a dry, well-ventilated area. Clean the seams to remove any dirt or grease – wiping them down with some rubbing alcohol works best for this.
Get a little pot or something to decant your sealer into and mix in a splash of white spirit to thin it out until it’s about the consistency of honey. Then, using a brush or applicator, apply the seam sealer smoothly along each exposed seam. Cover all needle holes and stitch lines completely ensuring good coverage.
Allow the seam sealer to dry completely, according to the product instructions. This usually takes a few hours. Once dry, inspect your work and apply a second coating if necessary to ensure all areas are well covered.
This enhanced waterproofing will give you peace of mind keeping that rainy UK weather from penetrating the stitch holes and seams, keeping you dry inside the tent! If you’d prefer to watch and learn, check out Paul Messner’s simple guide to seam sealing on the OEX Bandicoot II UL Tent.
The benefits of seam sealing your tent
Seam sealing your tent will ensure you are well-prepared for adverse weather conditions should they arise during your camp. Leaving nothing to chance is always the best practice when it comes to exploring the outdoors, especially in remote locations.
The other main benefit is that you are saving money. Tents that come seam-sealed are typically much more expensive than those which don’t. Some businesses will provide a seam sealing service, however, doing it yourself will save on labour costs.
What other uses does silicone sealer have?
Silicone sealer is not only useful for tents but also has various other applications, including repairing gear. It can be used to patch holes or tears in kit like backpacks and waterproof jackets. It can also be applied to any fabric needing waterproofing, such as tarps or jackets. Finally, it’s useful for adding grip to kit like gloves, air mats and camping cookware. A tube of silicone sealer really is a handy piece of equipment to have and know how to use effectively.
