Seam Sealing

[svh01973]

After reading numerous articles on the subject, I bought some "Coghlans Seam Seal" to waterproof my new tent.  It is not the "water-based" sealant.  When I applied it, it sometimes came out as a clear liquid and other times it came out thick like rubber cement.  In some areas it dried clear, and in others it turned into a white crust which flaked off.  The difference was noticed even along one seam, so the tent material does not explain the behavior.  The tube does not say to mix it or knead it, but I think the sealant had separated.  Has anyone seen this before?  The temperature was 70 degrees, so I also don't think the weather was affecting the sealant.  I'm new to camping so any advice would be appreciated!

[MGibZen]

K-tape works well on the floors of tents. I put some on my tent a decade ago and I'm just now having to replace it. I used seam sealer on the top and, yes, you should knead it thoroughly. Hope this helps you!

[Hanified]

Do you have to seal the seams - even if your Coleman says it was factory seamed?
I've camped numerous times a year for the past 5 years without sealing the seams
so is it really necessary?

[hoot owl]

I always use seam sealer, my motto is better safe than sorry. Have owned about a half dozen tents in my lifetime, some of which are permanently retired, and no matter who the manufacturer is each and every one of them has seam sealer on it.  There would be nothing worse in my mind than to get stuck in a bad storm only to realize that applying the seam sealer that cost about $3 and a little time would have been the difference between me being soaking wet or dry.

[campman]

Factories/manufacturers have come along way with seam sealing.  Usually if a tent comes from a factory with taped seams, sealed seams, etc. you are safe.  But what I like to do is apply sealant anywhere below the fly just to make sure.  Hope this helps.

[Mountainfitter]

Make your own Seam Sealer.  Use 1 part GE Acid Free Silicon and 2-3 Parts Orderless Mineral Spirits. Mix together and then "paint" on your seam using a foam brush or use turkey baster.  Let it sit for 2-3 days or until dry before packing up.  You can even coat your entire floor with this mixture.