If you’re in a rush, go for the Gear Aid Seam Grip Seam Sealer. In my opinion, it’s one of the best tent seam sealer obtainable at present.
Getting a brand new tent is all the time a enjoyable expertise, however all it takes is 1 leaky seam on your tenting expertise to go downhill quick.
That’s if you want a tent seam sealant. These magical tubes will forestall any moisture from getting in, like a burly bouncer at a membership.
Of course, selecting the correct one is less complicated stated than completed. However, at present I’ll present you the ropes on how to decide on the appropriate tent seam sealer for you.
Let’s get proper into it. Here are one of the best tent seam sealers that we suggest:
Best Tent Seam Sealer: Our Top Recommendations
Gear Aid – Seam Grip Seam Sealer
Cure Time: 8 hrs | Size: 1 oz | Coverage: 12 ft | Primary Use: All Natural or Synthetic Tents & Gear
First up is without doubt one of the finest seam sealers that you could find.
First of all, it’s made by Gear Aid, in order that’s already an enormous plus. All of their merchandise (from boot cleaner to reflective tape) are top-notch.
What I actually like about this explicit adhesive is the extent of versatility that it brings to the desk. It can bond completely to all kinds of materials, together with vinyl, canvas, polyester, and nylon.
Over the years, I’ve used it to restore numerous tenting paraphernalia. This consists of my prized Lightspeed air mattress, amongst different issues.
I’ve additionally used it to patch up numerous tents, awnings, and even tarps. Whether you’re making an attempt to seal a seam or simply restore a gap, it’s positively up for the job.
It dries in a single day after which kinds a everlasting, waterproof rubber seal that may flex along with your tent cloth relatively than peeling or cracking.
It’s additionally fairly cost-effective. A single tube of this adhesive will seal as much as 12 ft of seams.
Overall, it’s robust to beat this waterproof masterpiece from Gear Aid, and I’d extremely suggest you attempt it out for your self.
Pros:
- Can restore nearly any tenting merchandise
- Dries in a single day
- Comes with two applicator brushes
- Doesn’t peel or crack
- 12 ft of seam sealing per tube
- Manufactured by Gear Aid, a significantly respected model
Cons:
- It is likely to be difficult to use – be sure to learn the directions first, so that you don’t waste any treasured sealant
Best for: campers who need top-of-the-line waterproofing that’s appropriate for numerous supplies.
Gear Aid – Seam Grip Plus Silicone
Cure Time: 6 hrs | Size: 1.5 oz | Coverage: 24 ft | Primary Use: Silicon Tents
This sealer is one other stellar product from Gear Aid.
This silicone sealant is a little more reasonably priced than different Gear Aid sealants, though it’s bigger in quantity. This makes it a sensible possibility for individuals who must seal a couple of seams on a decent funds.
This seam seal has a silicone ingredient added to it. This means it not solely gives a water-proof seal, but it surely’ll additionally permit your gear to stay versatile, because of its superior elasticity. And, seeing because it’s made by Gear Aid, you may make sure that it gained’t peel.
The foremost distinction between this silicone sealant and different Gear Aid sealants is that this one is a bit lighter. So, it is likely to be higher for ultralight backpackers who wish to avoid wasting ounces.
This silicone sealer is right to make use of on backpacks, rainwear, tarps, tents, or any shelters which can be silicone-treated. I’ve used this explicit seam seal on fairly a couple of items of drugs. I can positively affirm that it’s extremely efficient at holding water out, even in stormy situations.
On prime of that, this sealant will endure even the most popular warmth or the chilliest chilly.
That being stated, if you have to take away it, you are able to do so utilizing mineral spirits (extra generally known as paint thinner). This permits you to take away your seam sealer so to re-apply a contemporary coat.
Pros:
- Elastic construction
- Ideal for sealing silicone-treated gadgets
- Endures excessive climate
- Easily eliminated with paint thinner
- Doesn’t peel or crack
Cons:
- It solely comes with one tube, so that you may wish to choose up one other one for backup
Best for: campers making an attempt to seal silicone-treated gadgets or those that need a light-weight seal.
Coleman – Seam Sealer
Cure Time: 4 hrs | Size: 2 oz | Coverage: Unspecified | Primary Use: Tents & Gear
If you’re not a fan of utilizing chemical compounds, then you definitely’ll love this sealer from Coleman. It has a water-based method that makes it extra environmentally pleasant.
Coleman has a repute of providing extra for much less, and that repute is upheld by this seam sealer. This product gives twice as a lot sealer as most others for a similar low worth.
One of one of the best issues about this Coleman seam sealer is the truth that it dries in simply 1 hour. That being stated, it can nonetheless be a bit sticky after an hour, so it’s finest to go away it out for one more 4 to eight hours for good measure.
I like to recommend doing all your seam sealing the night time earlier than, then leaving your tent out (open, within the storage) to dry correctly.
The draw back to this product is that it’s not excellent for repairing gear. It’s a lot better at waterproofing, relatively than patching up holes. You can’t actually complain, although, because you’re in search of a seam sealer, not a restore package.
Another tip – make sure to learn the handbook of your tent earlier than making use of the sealer, to find out whether or not you must apply it to the surface or inside the tent. Getting this data earlier than making use of the product is important, so that you don’t waste any of it.
Which jogs my memory, right here’s a listing of Coleman tents that may exceed your expectations.
Pros:
- Comes with a foam applicator pad
- Water-based
- Definitely an reasonably priced possibility
- Double the quantity
- Dries in an hour
- Simple software
Cons:
- Not match for repairs
- Hard to use in moist situations
Best for: campers on a funds who need high-quality sealing.
Gear Aid – Fast Cure Seam Sealant
Cure Time: 2 hrs | Size: 2 oz | Coverage: 60 ft | Primary Use: Nylon Tents
You may suppose that I’m a Gear Aid shill at this level, seeing as I’ve included three of their merchandise on this record. In actuality, it’s simply because they’re a prime producer within the sealer business — so the intensive protection is effectively deserved.
While the earlier two sealers by Gear Aid that we’ve lined above are top-notch, typically you’re in a rush and want one thing that may dry sooner. That’s the place the Fast Cure Seam Sealant is available in.
At room temperature, this sealer will treatment in round two hours. That could appear to be a very long time, however if you evaluate it to the drying occasions of most seam sealants, you’ll notice that it’s truly tremendous speedy.
Also, be aware that producers are sometimes a bit of… optimistic with their claimed dry occasions. With this sealant, you don’t have to fret. It’ll be dry as a desert in a couple of hours.
A single bottle can seal as much as 60 ft of seams, which is completely insane when in comparison with different choices presently available on the market. If you’re making an attempt to seal a big (3- to 4-person) tent, then that is positively the appropriate sealer for you.
Speaking of, I compiled a listing of one of the best 4-person tents proper right here.
Pros:
- Two-hour curing time
- Built-in applicator brush, so you may repair your seams on the highway
- 60-foot sealing capability per bottle
- Suitable for giant tents
- Doesn’t peel or crack
- Manufactured by Gear Aid (my apparent favourite)
Cons:
- It is likely to be difficult to use because it doesn’t have a separate applicator brush just like the others
Best for: campers who need a seam sealer that’ll be dry in a snap.
Coghlan’s Seam Seal
Cure Time: 2 hrs | Size: 2 oz | Coverage: Unspecified | Primary Use: Synthetic Tents & Gear
Coghlan’s is thought for his or her funds tenting provides and equipment. They’ve been round for a protracted, very long time.
You know the stuff your uncle was utilizing years in the past, that they nonetheless promote at present.
This water-based tent seam sealer isn’t any completely different. It will get the job completed, because it has for years.
Pros:
- Fast appearing treatment in 2 hours
- Comes in a 2 oz bottle that ought to cowl a whole mid-sized tent
- Specifically made for artificial tents and equipment
- Super funds pleasant
Cons:
- Doesn’t work in addition to different sealers
Best for: these on a funds
Texsport – Polyurethane Waterproof Seam Sealer
Cure Time: 24 hrs | Size: 14 oz | Coverage: Unspecified | Primary Use: Synthetic Tents & Gear
This seam sealer is a bit pricier than the opposite choices I’ve lined on this record. That being stated, it does have some distinctive advantages.
Applying this seam sealant to your tent offers it a polyurethane coating, which is what a water-proof tent has when it comes out of the manufacturing facility.
The foremost benefit of utilizing Texsport’s sealer is the truth that it’s each colorless and odorless (as soon as it dries), so it’s prefer it isn’t even there.
The subtlety of this product appeals to campers who wish to use a seam sealer on their gear with out ruining the aesthetic. This sealer additionally retains your tools protected from filth, the solar, and water, making it as versatile as it’s inconspicuous.
It’s additionally washable and versatile, which means that you are able to do no matter you need along with your gear with out having to fret about any cracking or peeling.
Sadly, there’s no such factor as an ideal seam sealer. This sealer requires two coats, and every layer takes 24 hours to dry.
Obviously, campers who’re engaged on a decent schedule will favor the Gear Aid Fast Cure, which cures in 2 hours relatively than 2 days. But, when you have the time and need a tight seal, then Texsport is unquestionably a wonderful selection.
Pros:
- Spray-on software
- Colorless and odorless when dry
- Protects from filth, solar, and water
- Washable
- Flexible
- Doesn’t peel or crack
Cons:
- Pricier than some
- Takes two days to treatment
Best for: campers in search of a high-end possibility who’re prepared to attend two days for the curing course of.
Choosing The Right Tent Seam Sealer
There are fairly a couple of issues that you have to take into account when deciding on a tent seam sealer.
I do know that it may be overwhelming to select one whereas drowning in all of the variables, especially for rookies.
So, I wrote this information that can assist you out.
Fabric
The very first thing to think about when selecting out a seam sealer is what materials your tent is made out of.
For most – resembling nylon and polyester – you’ll have the ability to use any of the merchandise listed right here with none hassle.
If it’s made out of a –, then you must go for a based mostly , just like the Gear Aid Silnet .
If it’s made out of Cuben Fiber — typically known as Dyneema — then you probably gained’t must seal it in any respect.
If you have got a canvas tent, you’ll want to make use of a product particularly designed for canvas.
This is why researching the fabric of your tent is product of is essential earlier than you spend your hard-earned cash on a tent sealer.
Some tent producers have examined their materials and know which sealant works finest. Check your instruction handbook to see if there are any suggestions.
Thickness
The thickness and viscosity of a sealer will differ from one product to the following. Different ranges of thickness can have their very own units of professionals and cons, so you must select rigorously based mostly in your wants.
Thick sealers are typically more durable to use, however they’re extra environment friendly at coating seams.
Likewise, skinny sealers are extra handy to use, however you’ll find yourself losing some product if it runs.
It’s value noting that the thickness of a sealer isn’t fastened. If your sealer is just too thick, then simply skinny it out utilizing mineral spirits, and also you’re good to go.
Application
This is likely to be self-explanatory, however because the title suggests, seam sealer ought to solely be utilized to the seams on a tent – or, in some circumstances, to an space the place the tent has been broken.
To get a water-proof coating in your total tent, you’ll wish to use a tent waterproofing spray together with a seam sealer.
There are alternative ways to use a seam sealer, however most of it comes right down to desire.
The commonest sort is called paint-on — which is exactly what it appears like.
Spray cans are additionally obtainable and are typically faster however could waste extra product.
Some sealers (such because the Coleman) include a foam applicator pad, which may make it a complete lot simpler to use all the things to the seams evenly.
Make positive you apply the evenly on ALL the seams, together with these on the and .
Quantity
You must also pay attention to how a lot quantity you’ll want by measuring the dimensions of your tent.
If you’re gonna be tenting in a small tent, then a single tube needs to be greater than sufficient to seal all of the seams.
Obviously, a bigger tent would require extra product.
Check to see what number of ft of seams the seam sealer you choose will cowl, and use this data to find out what number of tubes, cans or bottles you’ll want on your tent.
Price
Of course, as with all tenting gear, you must consider the price if you’re selecting out a selected product. You don’t wish to spend a ton of cash on sealant, however you additionally don’t wish to go for a low-quality product that’ll crack and peel as soon as it’s dry.
Buying on-line tends to be cheaper than going for brick-and-mortar retailers, since on-line retailers have much less overhead. Just make sure that you all the time put product high quality above worth to get one of the best outcomes.
FAQs
Does tent seam sealer work?
Yes they do, and when utilized proper, they will final for years if not many years!
Maintaining your tent with even just a bit tent seam sealer in leaky spots can shore up your tent and maintain rain and condensation out.
Do you set seam sealer on the within or exterior of a tent?
For finest outcomes, you must apply tent seam sealer on the inside of the tent. You’ll wish to apply on to the stitching the place you may plug the needle holes to stop any leaking.
Of course, you may all the time apply seam sealer to the surface as effectively, however begin with the within first.
How do you apply seam sealer to a tent?
Start by establishing your tent within the storage or your yard, then clear your tent and let it dry. Finally, apply your seam sealer to the within of your tent or the surface wherever the seams are most prevalent. Let the seam sealer treatment for two to 24 hours relying on the sealer’s directions.
What is tent seam sealer product of?
Tent seam sealers are created from a wide range of completely different fashion epoxies every designed for distinctive purposes. There are water-based, silicone-based, and urethane seam sealers.
How lengthy does it take for tent seam sealer to dry?
Tent seam sealers take anyplace from 2 hours to 24 hours to treatment.
How do I do know what tent seam sealer to make use of for my tent?
Some tent producers have examined their materials and know which sealant works finest. Check your instruction handbook to see if there are any suggestions.
Our Verdict
I hope that this information has made it simpler so that you can make an knowledgeable resolution on which tent seam sealant suits your wants finest.
All of the choices we’ve given you’re top-notch. However, if you need my skilled opinion, I’d should suggest that you simply go for the Seam Grip Seam Sealer from Gear Aid. The versatility and stage of waterproofing that this sealer gives are simply leaps and bounds forward of every other product.
Sure, it gained’t dry as quick as a number of the different choices on this record, however perfection is value ready for.
The versatile nature of the sealer ensures that it’s going to roll with the punches relatively than cracking on the first signal of movement.
It bonds to nylon, polyester, canvas, and vinyl, to call a couple of supplies, so that you gained’t have to fret about compatibility when utilizing this seam sealer.
All of this makes it the you could find available on the market at present.
Just pay attention to the truth that one tube is appropriate for 12 ft, so in case your tent is relatively giant, then you could wish to purchase two or extra.
Happy tenting!