Sealing your tent or functional clothing

Seam-sealing your tent or functional clothing

Seam sealing is one of the easiest ways to extend the life of your gear - and not just for tents. Even rainwear, shell jackets and pants can start to leak over time, especially when taped seams and glues come loose. With the right products and a little time at home, you can often get your gear sealed again and avoid both unnecessary purchases and expensive repairs.

Seam sealing - why is it needed?
Seams are always a weak point in a garment or tent. When a needle sews through the fabric, it leaves small holes behind, and in rain, water can find its way through these. On many outdoor products, the seams are initially sealed with tape or a thin seal, but after use, dirt, movement and washing, that seal can start to crack or come loose. Then it's time to freshen up the seam seal.

Start by identifying where it leaks
Before you seal, it's good to find out where the problem actually is. On tents, it's usually noticeable as small drops along a seam or moisture seeping through at the roof and panels. On rainwear, it usually feels like it gets damp at the shoulders, back, knees or where the garment folds a lot. This is often where the tape starts to come off on the inside.

Clean and dry properly first
The most important step in getting a seal that lasts is to make sure the surface is clean and completely dry. Dirt, grease and detergent residues will reduce the adhesion of the sealant. Wash or wipe the area gently and then let it air dry completely. Work preferably at room temperature and be patient - this is where the best results are achieved.

What material do you have? It determines which product is right
When seam sealing tents, it is particularly important to know whether the outer fabric is silnylon or silpoly, as silicone-coated materials require silicone-specific products. For silicone-coated outer fabric, Gear Aid Seam Grip +SIL is the right choice. If you have a PU-coated canvas or a material that is not silicone-treated, Gear Aid Seam Grip +WP works better. The same principle applies when repairing or sealing other seams on equipment - the right product for the right surface makes a big difference.

Seam sealing tents - how to do it at home
Once the tent is pitched or lying flat and the seam is clean, you can apply a thin, even layer of seam sealer over the seam. Work slowly, using a small brush (which is often provided), and apply a little at a time rather than too thickly. The aim is to fill the small pinholes and create an elastic seal that moves with the canvas. Then leave the tent untouched until the seal has fully cured before packing it up.

Seam-sealed rainwear - when the tape on the inside has come off
When rainwear starts to leak, it's often not the fabric itself but the internal seam tape that has come loose at the edges or come off completely. If the tape has come loose, you can often extend the life of the garment by reattaching and sealing the area. Gently clean, let dry, and apply a thin layer of sealant along the seam or where the tape has come loose. The result will be a flexible seal that can stop leaks and reduce the risk of the problem spreading.

Allow to cure and test before taking on a trip
When you sleep seal, it is important to give it time to cure properly. If you stress, the result is often sticky or weak. Once everything has dried, you can test it with water at home, so you know it's tight before you take it out in the rain.

A small effort that makes a big difference
Seam sealing is a simple measure that often has a big impact. It can save a tent that has started to drip, or give new life to a shell jacket that no longer holds tight at the shoulders. With the right method and the right products, you can get your gear ready for many more trips to come.