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Rowdy Yates
03-15-2009, 08:34
I have a question for you "tent gurus"
I have a MH Waypoint 1 Tent and from what information I can find, the outside is coated with a silicone coating while the inside is coated with a polyurethane coating. Now, what do I use to seam seal this tent and do I do it from inside or outside the tent? Let me know your experience with this tent. THANKS!
Rowdy

Jerk
03-15-2009, 09:15
I use GE Silicone II clear sealant (about 2 tablespoons) mixed in a can with about 4 tablespoons mineral spirts (paint thinner). Use a foam brush and cover all the outside seems in a well-ventilated area. If the solution gets too thick, add some more mineral spirits.

Good Luck.

Jayboflavin04
03-15-2009, 10:05
I am getting ready to seam seal my HS TT.....Opened my bottle of mineral spirits...Its white instead of clear. Do you think it is gonna leave a white residue or white seams.

wrongway_08
03-15-2009, 10:15
On my tarp tent contrail I used the REI stuff, not the cheap crap but the $7.50 a tube stuff. Set the tent up tight and then apply to inside and outside of all seams. Never had a problem from it.

I have used the mineral stuff but with not good results.

Jayboflavin04
03-15-2009, 10:26
Wrong way you use the Mcnetts Sil net....Is that what you are talking bout?

Lyle
03-15-2009, 11:37
For silnylon, I use "flowable" silicone wind-shield sealant. Available at any auto parts store. Much cheaper than Sil-Net and more convenient than having to mix silicone with mineral spirits. One small tube (I got it for $1.98) sealed both my Wild Oasis and The One. Works great.

wrongway_08
03-15-2009, 16:03
Wrong way you use the Mcnetts Sil net....Is that what you are talking bout?

I'll check the name when I get home.

wrongway_08
03-15-2009, 16:10
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Silnet Silicone Seam Sealer - 1.5 oz.


Item # 705425
$7.25


1. 70542500191.5 oz $7.25
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Silnet™ Silicone Seam Sealer is specially formulated for sealing seams on tents and other products constructed or coated with silicone.


Perfect for silicone-treated nylon
May also be used as an in-field repair material for moderate rips, tears and areas of abrasion

Made in USA.
Item 705425



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wrongway_08
03-15-2009, 16:12
Let it fully dry and then rub some baby powder on it to keep it from sticking to itself the first few times you stuuf it in the tent bag.

medicjimr
03-15-2009, 16:33
Let it fully dry and then rub some baby powder on it to keep it from sticking to itself the first few times you stuuf it in the tent bag.


That one needs added to tips n tricks thanks

take-a-knee
03-15-2009, 18:43
For silnylon, I use "flowable" silicone wind-shield sealant. Available at any auto parts store. Much cheaper than Sil-Net and more convenient than having to mix silicone with mineral spirits. One small tube (I got it for $1.98) sealed both my Wild Oasis and The One. Works great.

The brand is Permatex, it works WAY BETTER than McNetts sil net. You can cut the applicator tip with a small hole allowing you to control the application. The silnet tube is designed to waste the product so you will buy more of the overpriced stuff. A guy at hammockforums.net turned us on to this stuff, no one over there uses any thing else. You will still need a little flux brush so pick that up in the plumbing department at Lowes/Home Depot.

wrongway_08
03-15-2009, 21:11
I think the wasting of the product is due to the user, I was able to due a whole contrail - every seam (sides, edges, around the doors - everything) inside and out with one tube.

Never tried Permatex. Same company that makes car gaskets? If so, i have never had a problem out of their products.

Lyle
03-15-2009, 22:38
The one I used was "ProSeal" Windshield, Glass & Sunroof Sealer - Clear All-Purpose Flowable Silicone. Worked Great, and cheap. A 1oz tube ($1.98) sealed both tents.

Wise Old Owl
03-15-2009, 22:57
I hate to stick my neck out like this, One of the products mentioned is for tents in general, the other was for sil- nylon tents, now I might get the two products confused so don't hold me to it. So here is the deal....


I have camped in Hurricanes on several occasions just cus I didn't really give a damn at the time to find out the weather. If after days of torrential down pour more water is inside the tent then outside you should have seam sealed - enough said.

For those of you who don't get it, you shoud have done something before the hike.

gregugadawg
03-16-2009, 09:20
Last time I asked on here you guys said tents don't need to be seam sealed any longer.

Lyle
03-16-2009, 11:22
Last time I asked on here you guys said tents don't need to be seam sealed any longer.

Opinions vary.

If you are the cautious type, sealing won't hurt a thing and is added insurance. If you don't seal, any water should flow down the tent seam and hopefully drip off outside the bathtub floor. Guess what I'm saying is it depends on the tent design to some degree.

Try out a new tent without seam sealing, if you get wet, seal it before the next trip.

Jayboflavin04
03-16-2009, 11:40
I JUST got done seam sealing my TT.....Has anyone ever said after they are done...."wow that looks great!" This is the second tent I have done and I guess I am sloppy or it is just a hard thing to be neat at.

kytrailman
03-16-2009, 11:42
Use the GE silicone II and mineral spirits if you have a tent made of sil-nylon. Mix it up and slap it all over the outside seams, and paint some stripes inside on the floor to prevent the slippery feeling. It will dry and feel rubbery and stay flexible. This is by far the best method I have ever used. Much better than that stuff you can buy IMO.

kytrailman
03-16-2009, 11:43
Jay-- my first time was sloppy as hell- but my rainbow came out sweet( if it really matters)

Jayboflavin04
03-16-2009, 12:28
Nah it really doesnt matter. I must say that the silicon/spirit mix does apply rather nice! Spreads nice and even opposed to the mcnetts.

I used a nylon chisled tipped brush and just made it so the thread looked wet and about 1/2 inch on either side of the seam.

I did the floor with what I had left over as it was thicker. I just used a foam brush and just made some big dots.

i would like to do my prolite 3 top. Any suggestions?