reproofing a crappy plastic tarp?

[shutupthepunx]

....just replacing it isnt an option

I was wondering if anyone knew anything about reproofing plastic tarps you get in hardware stores, usually blue, green or white in colour.

I know they arnt that expensive but it has been cut and sewn to fit something perfectly and that took alot of time and effort, so unfortunately it has to be this one.

any suggestions welcome

 

[ozzy1977]

I don't think that there is a lot that can be done for it.

 

[allrightscud]

not sure if it works on plastic but you could look at the nikwax jacket waterproofing packets, just cold soak and let dry, they aren't that expensive and migth be worth a try.

 

[tartanferret]

A mix of silicone and white spirits might work brushed on

 

[shutupthepunx]

A mix of silicone and white spirits might work brushed on

that sounds really good. ive read some, but ill look more into it. thankstartanferret

 

[mrmike]

I would go home made silicone rather than nikwax as the nikwax needs to be absorbed into the material to work properly.
The silicone will seal any small (pinprick) holes better than anything else.

sent from my windswept fell using Tapatalk 4

 

[rancid badger]

If it's the woven, crackly plastic type stuff, you haven't a hope in hell of making it waterproof with silicone or any other waterproofing compound. The best bet might be something like "Isoflex" but for what it costs, I think you'd be as well to start again really.

 

[Macaroon]

If it's the woven, crackly plastic type stuff, you haven't a hope in hell of making it waterproof with silicone or any other waterproofing compound. The best bet might be something like "Isoflex" but for what it costs, I think you'd be as well to start again really.

What he said ^

 

[PDA1]

Polyethylene "blue" tarps are totally waterproof, as they are extruded plastic film, not woven fabric (nylon or polyester)with a waterproof coating (polyurethane or silicone). Sp if your shaped fabrication is leaking, it has holes in it, or is leaking along the joints between pieces. These can be taped with transparent duct tape or similar. Probably better to start again with a new tarp and tape the seams instead of sewing. or make overlapping joins and use impact adhesive. Here are a series of excellent videos on making a shaped tarp, which will make good viewing for any bushcrafter. Shows just how inexpensive a good shelter can cost with a little bit of effort. use your imagination to make a bug nest using a couple of patio window sheers and a samll blue tarp for a bathtub floor.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NnO4Nplk9m8&list=PLE757918520489A43

He makes really good alcohol stoves as well.

 

[Juv2112]

Sorry I don't know the trade names but there is a substance that comes in tins for painting onto flat roofs to reproof them. I have seen it used on that tarp material and it was used to cover a homemade coracle. It worked so well that a local hardware store used a photo of it being paddled as an advert for the product.

 

[Old Bones]

Sorry I don't know the trade names but there is a substance that comes in tins for painting onto flat roofs to reproof them. I have seen it used on that tarp material and it was used to cover a homemade coracle. It worked so well that a local hardware store used a photo of it being paddled as an advert for the product.

There are loads of stuff out there http://www.toolstation.com/shop/Roofing+Drainage/Roof+Compound+Waterseals/d250/sd2809 (I just had to buy some emergency sealant for a flat roof, so thats why I linked to that company, because thats where I got it from) but I must admit, perhaps its best to get something new, and use the old bit of tarp as a template.

 

[boney gumbo mcgee]

It might be just as well to get another cheap tarp and customize it again if you have the time. Reproofing agents are not that cheap, and might not work. Depending on the size of your tarp you could probably just start anew cheaper.

 

[shutupthepunx]

its a tipi that i am currently living in. it has been sewn together to perfectly fit these poles. it has smoke flaps, and a proper door and is pinned toggether front etc. alot of time was put into making it. it has been lived in for two years before, by two different people one year each. i am the third person and i will (if it holds up) be doing it for a year. so already ben exposed to sun, rain, wind, snow, and minus temperatures quite a bit.

the white tarp goes kinda grey/translucent in places when it rains heavily, and theres loads of drips and drops running down the inside of it. i dont have a cable for my camera so cant upload pics yet unfortunately but its the usual woven plastic tarp type, cept in white. i guess its similar to this type

there are no visable holes that i can see

 

[birchwood]

I think someone wasted a lot of time sewing something that was never going to last.You would be throwing more money at a
lost cause. These polytarps are not built to last, they disintegrate in UV light.

 

[boney gumbo mcgee]

Two years plus years in a cheap set up like that is real good, why don't you just use the original tarps as a template as others have suggested? Cheap living yee ha! You can do it. I say go for it Sir.

 

[Robby]

Would water-proof PVA glue work? Maybe use it diluted for maximum coverage?