waterproofing a tent... does it work?

[shorembo]

I have an inexpensive single walled tent that does not hold up in a heavy rain. I am thinking of trying out waterproofing the tent. Maybe using seam sealer and a waterproof spray.

Before I do, would spraying down the tent and using liquid seam sealer prevent water getting in a single walled tent?

[leaftye]

It could. It depends on what specific products you're using and the laminate that's in your tent.

[stranger]

No...it won't work.

The waterproofing is added to bare, naked fabric when it's manufactured...if that is failing its either old and ineffective, or not enough. You can check the seams and add a DWR spray which will help, but if water is being pushed through the material then the tent is done. You can't effectively make a fly rated to 1000mm say effective to 2000mm after the fact.

This is not necessarily true with Silnylon...but I doubt a cheap tent would use Silnylon