How to Seal the Seams on a Nylon Tarp

Sealing tarp seams extends the life of your tarps.

Nylon tarps have seams where two pieces of nylon are stitched together. The needle and thread pierces small holes in the two adjoining pieces leaving you with many small areas that water can leak through. Nylon tarps are versatile and can cover items in a truck bed or a structure for a porch cover or a sun shade. Sealing the seams correctly keeps the threads from rotting over time due to exposure to rain or dew.

Things You'll Need

• Isopropyl alcohol
• Paper towels
• Small paintbrush
• Silicone seam sealer
• Talcum powder

Instructions

1. Unfold the nylon tarp and place it on the ground or on a flat surface with the outside facing up.

2. Pour isopropyl alcohol onto paper towels and thoroughly clean the tarp seams to remove any dirt, dust or debris. Allow the alcohol to dissipate for about three minutes.

3. Apply a small amount of silicone seam sealer on one end of a seam. Spread the sealer along the stitches to fully cover the holes with a small paintbrush. Continue applying the sealer in this manner until you reach the opposite end of the seam.

4. Seal a folded seam on the nylon tarp underneath the folds to attach them to one another by brushing the silicone seam sealer under the folds. Some nylon tarp seams are folded and then stitched together for added strength. Allow the sealant to cure for the recommended time on the package directions.

5. Sprinkle talcum powder on the seam sealer to prevent the tarp from sticking to itself. Fold the tarp up and either store it or install it for use.

Tips & Warnings

• Clean the threads on the silicone sealant tube and replace the cap tightly to store the adhesive for a future use.

References

• Section Hiker: Seam Sealing a Tent or Tarp
• McNett: SilNet Silicone Seam Sealer