Tent waterproofing

[rustychain]

I recently got a second hand tent from a chap on here.

The tent is in good nick but is several years old. I plan to apply a waterproof treatment (hope to visit Ireland in May!).

Looking for for recommendations on which product to use and any tips on the application process.

Thanks

 

[siddo]

Fabsil gold.
I use it on my convertible roof and Bumot panniers.
Not cheap but it's the bollocks.

 

[tuftywhite]

Fabsil Gold is the one. Did my 34 year old Quasar with it. Brill. Got a big pressure spray bottle from the hardware store and liberally sprayed it.

Check if you need to seal the seams, which is another job altogether.

 

[bod]

Creosote if you can find any ....... or Fabsil will have to do!

If it's PU coated it shouldn't need it, and the seams should be taped.
But if it's silicone coated nylon it may pay to get some seam sealer as suggested.

 

[rustychain]

Thanks all for the responses- Fabsil Gold it is!

@bod - is there a way I tell if it's PU coated?

 

[Udders]

Do yourself a big favour too……… after you’ve waterproofed it try it in the rain BEFORE you go on your trip!

 

[dean0n0]

If you apply it with the tent on the lawn, don't expect the grass to like it.

 

[bod]

Thanks all for the responses- Fabsil Gold it is!

@bod - is there a way I tell if it's PU coated?

Easy, the inside of the flysheet has a different and plasticky feel to it, and generally feels thicker than silicone nylon.

Between you and me PU coated makes a better tent material, but Sil nylon is apparently stronger, lighter and packs down smaller.

 

[rustychain]

Easy, the inside of the flysheet has a different and plasticky feel to it, and generally feels thicker than silicone nylon.

Between you and me PU coated makes a better tent material, but Sil nylon is apparently stronger, lighter and packs down smaller.

Thanks Bod - will have a look when I get home.

 

[DJ123]

Once coated add a layer of DWR on top to help with water beading. You can do this after your waterproof test, as it should be applied to the tent when damp, and as it dries it sets onto the material.

 

[adventuredon]

You can use a small hand held foam roller to roll it on as well. Do it in the sun, it dries very quickly

 

[Pukmeister]

I’d choose regular Fabsil instead of Gold. It has UV resistance whereas Gold does not.