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Thread: Seam sealing

  1. #1

    Default Seam sealing

    Q: recipe calls for mixing silicone with mineral spirits...is there an alternative to mineral spirits?

    Material is silnylon and I don't want to compromise the integrity of the fabric.

  2. #2
    Registered User Venchka's Avatar
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    Coleman fuel is mentioned.
    The TarpTent web site has instructions.
    Don’t get the silicone too thin. Apply with a 1” foam brush.
    I did my StratoSpire 1 in my front yard. 3 coats in a morning. Rain tested in Colorado. Bone dry.
    Wayne

  3. #3

    Default

    Coleman fuel is basically white gas correct?
    I wonder if it is just a matter of using something that thins and evaporates? Could I use house hold rubbing alcohol or finger nail polish remover?

  4. #4

    Default

    I used mineral spirits and followed TT's directions on a few tents and tarps. I've never had any problems. I'm no chemist, so I'm not sure if acetone could damage the tent.
    Go afield with a good attitude, with respect for the wildlife you hunt, and the forest and field in which you walk. Immerse yourself in the outdoor experience. It will cleanse your soul.--Fred Bear

    www.misadventuregear.com

  5. #5

    Default

    ....that's what I'm afraid off, damaging the material.
    Been all over town mineral spirits can only get in quart size - way to much to do 1 gatewood cape!
    Looking for alternative.

  6. #6
    Registered User Venchka's Avatar
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    Mineral spirits.
    Hardware store.
    In or near the paint section.
    Usually available in pints or quarts.
    “Coleman fuel is a petroleum naphtha product marketed by the Coleman Company.”
    You can buy ready mixed from TarpTent in a plastic bottle with a foam brush. I did that when I bought my tent. It works.
    Wayne

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    Mineral spirits is aliphatic, like oil, its not an aggressive solvent, and its dirt cheap.

    Anything else will be more aggressive. Thousands of shelters have been treated no problem

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    Mineral spirits
    Paint thinner
    Charcoal lighter fluid
    .
    Buy whichever is cheaper/ on sale, they're all the same thing (or close enough for this purpose)

    Also, I don't think silicone is alcohol soluble.
    .
    And if Tarptent instructions say to use mineral spirits (which they do), you can bet that there's YEARS of experience that should ease your doubts about damaging the fabric.
    Last edited by MtDoraDave; 03-19-2019 at 21:00.

  9. #9
    Registered User 4eyedbuzzard's Avatar
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    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by MtDoraDave View Post
    Mineral spirits
    Paint thinner
    Charcoal lighter fluid
    .
    Buy whichever is cheaper/ on sale, they're all the same thing (or close enough for this purpose)

    Also, I don't think silicone is alcohol soluble.
    Just don't buy anything called mineral spirits that's also labeled "Slow to dissolve" or "non-flammable". They aren't good ol' mineral spirits or they have additives you don't want as a thinning solvent. If it doesn't burn, it isn't what you want.

  10. #10

    Default

    Tarptent offers pre-mixed diluted silicone and a foam brush for $8-10, it's the perfect consistency, I would just get that and be done with it.

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