How To Waterproof Seams? [Step By Step Process & Precautions]

Have you ever tried to waterproof your seams? To succeed in your first attempt, follow the simple and effective ways in the article to seal your seams perfectly. 

If you have a tarp or tent, you need to double-check whether the seams are waterproof enough to enjoy a trouble-free camping trip. Sewing your cover does not work because the holes you create during sewing will lead to leaks. 

To keep your seams watertight, you need to follow proper waterproofing techniques. Keep reading this article to learn the appropriate methods. You can choose the method that is feasible for you. 

How To Waterproof Seams?

Waterproof fabric has many uses ranging from tents, outdoor furniture, and sports clothing. But they stand as high-quality items as long as their seams stay in good condition. Likewise, it is important to know the seam material for productive waterproof.

The waterproof fabric will face exposure to harsh weather, and it should be built with a flat seam with a UV-protected thread.

To easily waterproof your seams, I have four simple ways that are time and cost-efficient. 

1. Tape method
2. Silnet method
3. Seam sealant & spray method
4. Easy DIY seam sealing method

How to Waterproof Seams using Tapes? 

Waterproofing your seams using tapes is the most common method followed for protection. If you are trying to waterproof your tents, outerwear, tarp or any storage covers, this is the best method for you.

The taping method covers the needle holes and blocks the moisture from getting inside the fabric.

Hot melt adhesive tapes have the flexibility to use for most delicate fabrics. These tapes are made of multiple layered adhesive films sealed using a hot air taping machine.

By applying heat on the adhesive tapes, this method acts best for watertight protection for your seams.

Required Material:

• Seam sealing tape 
• Iron 
• Parchment paper

Procedure [Step by Step]

1. Seal the seams using tapes

• To begin, place the seam on the carpet or on the ground to get the desired result.
• Always use tapes on the inner side of the seams. 
• Now, cover the entire seams you want to waterproof using heat resistant tapes.
• Then, place the parchment paper on the tapes.

2. Ironing

• Take the compact iron, and put pressure on the parchment paper.
• Make sure you put maximum pressure; so that the tapes get sealed on the seams. Also, it is better to use the iron with steamer option.
• For each section, use your iron for 15 to 20 seconds.

3. Final step

• Remove the parchment paper from the seams after ironing. Now, you could see the darkness in the fabric over the seams.
• Repeat the same process for all the seams in your tent or tarp.
• You will get the flawless finished look for your seams.

Precautions

• While performing the tape method, make sure you remove the parchment paper as soon as you are done with ironing.

• If the parchment paper stays long in your fabric, it peels off the tapes.

Time

This method takes up to 30 minutes in total for complete sealing. The time is also based on the size of your tent or cover. And your fabric will be ready to use as soon you complete with ironing process. 

Total processing time: 2 hours.

Cost

You can find the approximate cost for the required material here. 

• Seam sealing Tape: $7
• Steam iron: $60
• Parchment paper: $10

The overall cost for this method will be around $77.

How To Waterproof Seams Using Silnet?

Most of the siliconized fabric tents and tarps need seam sealing. And this makes people think it is a complicated procedure. 

If you have the required materials for waterproofing, the entire process will take very little time. And the results will not only be good but also keep you dry too. 

Silnet is specially curated for sealing teams or storage covers. Silnet act as a repair material against tear and rips.

Silnet seals your fabric in a single application and covers the pinhole leaks. It is also unaffected by extreme hot and cold temperatures. If you are looking to seal your tarp, backpack, tent and rainwear, silnet is the best product to use. 

This process can take some time to seal the seams but is worth doing to enjoy the results. 

Required Material: 

• Silnet
• White spirit
• Glass or ceramic container
• Stippling brush 
• Stirring stick
• Kitchen paper

Procedure [Step by Step]

1. Prepare ingredients

• Take the silnet tube and add half tube gel to the glass container.
• Then add a splash of white spirits and give it a stir using a stick. You can even use a wooden craft stick. 
• Mix until it reaches the consistency of olive oil.

2. Seal the seams

• Now, take a brush and apply the seams with the silnet mixture. You can also use the kid’s paintbrush.
• Coat all the areas of the seams on the high-pressure areas using the brush.
• If you are sealing a tent, do not forget to concentrate more on the pole or crown.
• Using kitchen paper, clean the areas around the seams to wipe the sealant.

3. Dry it

• You need to wait for 3 to 6 hours to get the seams dry completely. If you are not in a hurry, leaving it for the whole night gives better results. 

Precautions

• Do not try to apply the Silnet tube directly to the fabric. Since this will spoil the look of your expensive tent by creating big splotches.

• Do not use a plastic container since the spirit mixture will melt the plastic.

Time

The application process can take up to 2 hours, and it also depends on the size of the fabric you are sealing. And the drying process will take 8 to 10 hours.

Total processing time: 12 hours

Cost

I have mentioned the approximate cost of the raw materials provided you have the miscellaneous materials such as parchment paper and container at home.

• Silnet costs start from $8
• White spirits costs start from $7

The overall cost for this method will be around $15.

How To Waterproof Seams Using Seam Sealant & Spray?

Seam sealers are exclusively formulated for collision repair. Most tents are made of nylon which is water-resistant material. But the seam is made of polyester and cotton.

Since cotton absorbs water if you use the fabric over time, the seams become saturated with water. And this causes the tents to leak near the seams.

Even though the material is durable, seams are not water-resistant for a longer time. So sealing your seams with a good seam sealer is more necessary to enjoy the dryness.

By spraying waterproof liquid makes the seam is extra-durable. 

Required Material:

• Seam sealer
• Waterproofing aerosol spray

Procedure [Step by Step]

1. Apply the seam sealant

• Place the fabric on the ground in outdoor areas.
• Then, take the seam sealant that comes with a brush and gently apply it on the outside of the seams. Do not apply more amounts of sealant.
• Concentrate more on the corners and body of the tent or tarp. 

2. Dry

• Then set it to dry for 4 hours in a nice ventilated place. 

3. Seal using waterproof spray

• Once the seam sealant is completely dry, use the aerosol waterproof spray on your seams. 
•  Make sure you spray all over the corners. This makes your seams extra waterproof resistant.  

Precautions

• If you apply fewer amounts of sealant, your fabric won’t be sealed enough. Whereas coating with large quantities of sealant cause wrinkles on your fabric. 

Time

While the sealing process needs 1 hour, the drying process takes up to 1 day. 

Total processing time: 24 hours.

Cost

You can find the approximate cost for the required material here, and you can also buy them online through Amazon.

• Mineral Spirits costs start from $15

• Waterproof spray costs start from $19

The overall cost for this method will be around $34.

Easy DIY Seam seal method to Waterproof Seams

Follow this easy DIY technique to seal your seams if your tent or tarp is made of light fabric.

The thin fabric material needs to be sealed using a silicone sealant because the fabrics are mostly based on silicone. 

If you follow this method, you do not want to worry about exposing the fabric to extreme temperatures, and it is washable. 

Required Material:

• Mineral spirits
• Mixing container
• Paintbrush
• Caulking gun
• 100% clear silicone caulking

Procedure [Step by Step]

1. Prepare the ingredients

• Identify all the seams and stitches in your fabric. 
• If you find some loose tapes on your seams, remove that gently. 
• Take a container and add equal amounts of silicone and mineral spirits to it.
• Mix it thoroughly using the paintbrush. You could see the mixture gets a little foamy. 

2. Apply the silicone mixture

• Then gently apply the silicone mixture on the outer seams covering all the edges.
• Seal the entire seam in your fabric but make sure you don’t overcoat the seams.

3. Dry

• Then, set it to dry for 4 to 6 hours in a dry place. 
• Now, the seams are sealed and waterproofed and ready to use.

Precautions

• Choose a nice ventilated place for waterproofing your seams since the chemical ingredients are flammable.

Time

While the sealing process needs 2 hours, the drying process takes up to 1 day. 

Total processing time: 24 hours.

Cost

You can find the approximate cost for the required material here, and you can also buy them online through Amazon.

• Mineral Spirits costs start from $15

• 100% Silicone caulk costs start from $15

The overall cost for this method will be around $30. 

Final Words:

Tents, tarps, raincoats, storage covers, and outerwear are made of seams. Waterproofing the seams is necessary for the fabric to serve its purpose. 

You don’t want to your possessions get dry due to the improper waterproofing method. Also, the above techniques can save you bucks without purchasing new fabric. 

Even though the tent/trap is made of nylon, it leads to tear and rip. So make sure you put extra effort to enhance the durability of your fabric.