View Full Version : TarpTent Contrail
l0ngterm
02-24-2009, 10:32
I just got a new Contrail and am heading out this weekend with it. Does it need to be seam sealed? What product is recommended if so? I found Kenyon Seam Sealer 3 at Walmart, would this work?
Thanks,
l0ngterm
skinewmexico
02-24-2009, 10:43
Yes, like the TT website says, it's not seam sealed. A lot easier to follow the TT directions on how to seam seal, buy some silicone, and foam brush, and some mineral spirits. MIx 1 part silicone to 4 parts mineral spirits and paint all the seams, the mis 1:3 and do them again. And paint some stripes on the floor so you don't slide around. Leave the Kenyon stuff at Wally world.
garlic08
02-24-2009, 11:11
Absolutely do NOT use the Kenyon stuff, you'll make a gawd-awful mess! Buy Sil-Net or use the mixture specified by Tarptent. Yes, you do need to seal the seam.
As a suggestion, you may want to try painting dots on the floor instead of stripes. They still stop your mat from sliding but don't trap the dirt when you try to sweep it out.
Franco
SouthMark
02-24-2009, 19:32
As a suggestion, you may want to try painting dots on the floor instead of stripes. They still stop your mat from sliding but don't trap the dirt when you try to sweep it out.
Franco
I sure wish I had known this before I painted stripes on mine. Great tip Franco.
skinewmexico
02-24-2009, 19:38
Me too.
garlic08
02-24-2009, 19:47
Great tip as usual, Franco. Thanks again. You are The Man.
l0ngterm
02-24-2009, 20:48
Arrrgggghhh :-) Already painted the strips.
Thanks all,
l0ngterm
daddytwosticks
02-24-2009, 20:55
If you want to stop sliding around on a silnylon tarptent floor, invest a few bucks in a Gossamer Gear thinlite pad...weighs about 2 ounces, and adds some warmth and comfort. The most important point, it sticks like glue to the floor of my Contrail.
Great tip Franco...
Thanks, I wish someone had told me that about 4 tents ago...
Franco
Or just paint the whole floor with a 1:4 mix, which for me, eliminated the need for a ground sheet. I then dusted this with some corn starch on a paint brush. Still tacky for non slip, but dirt, etc, won't stick to the new waterproof layer.
I brought my Contrail to Yosemite last summer before having a chance to seam-seal it. I didn't expect it to rain, but it ended up raining on and off for two days including most of one night. I was surprised to find that even without the seal, the seams didn't leak enough to even notice anything.
I followed the directions on sealing with Sealnet and mineral spirits and have not had a seam leak in three years. Unfortunately, the seal stuff wore off on the floor and I am surfing in my bag some nights. I wouldn't trust the WM stuff.