Seam Sealing Your Shelter
The steps we recommend for sealing the seams of your tent — follow them in order for a clean, weatherproof result.
Seams on many ultralight tents are not factory-sealed — Tarptent and Six Moon Designs, for example. For full waterproofness we recommend Gear Aid sealers: Seam Grip SIL for silnylon shelters and Seam Grip FC for polyester shelters.
Tarptent currently includes a seam-sealing kit with all recently stocked tents, so there is no need to buy sealer separately unless the product description says otherwise. We do not currently offer a seam-sealing service.
Don't be intimidated by it, though — give it a go yourself. The process is simple, and there are plenty of helpful tutorials online, including videos on YouTube.
Sealing your own shelter is also a chance to get familiar with your tent before you head out. Many hikers enjoy it and see it as a great first step in getting to know their new gear.
STEP 01 Inspect the seams first
Before seam sealing your shelter, thoroughly inspect all seams to ensure they have been correctly sewn. Identify any potential flaws before you start applying sealant.
STEP 02 Set up and inspect your shelter
Set up your tent before sealing it. Get inside and lie down to make sure it fits your needs. Do a thorough inspection to confirm it is properly sewn and all seams are in good condition. Make sure you are happy with the shelter before proceeding.
STEP 03 Seal the seams
Pitch the shelter tightly, as you would in the field, somewhere it can dry for most of a day — a garage or calm, dry weather. If its shape makes it impossible to reach every seam at once, seal the rest on another day.
Most seams on ultralight shelters use butt seams, which keep the threads on the inside where they are less exposed to dirt and grime. Butt seams must be sealed from the outside of the canopy — applying sealer to the underside will not seal them.
Work in a well-ventilated area. Pour a small amount of sealer into a paper cup and close the jar to keep the rest from thickening. Use a small brush to apply a thin coat to all exterior seams. For butt seams, hold them open so the sealer soaks in and coats the threads.
STEP 04 Stripe the floor
For shelters with floors, apply a series of sealer stripes across the tent floor. This reduces the tendency of your sleeping pad to slide around on the silicone-nylon floor.
STEP 05 Dry your shelter
Allow your shelter to cure for at least 8–12 hours after sealing. Once cured, the sealer dries to a clear matte finish that is nearly invisible, durable, and flexible.
Your seams may feel tacky at first. This fades with use, or you can eliminate it by sprinkling on a light coat of unscented talcum powder.
