How can I waterproof tent seams? - Instructions

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Hoe kan ik tentnaden waterdicht maken? - Gebruiksaanwijzing

First aid for leaking tent seams! Waterproofing tent seams is very easy. All you need is a strong impregnating agent. Follow this step-by-step plan to quickly waterproof the seams of your tent.

Tent cloths are stitched with strong yarn. This yarn consists of a polyester core and has a cotton jacket. After the first contact with moisture, the cotton jacket swells. The small stitching holes are then pressed closed. This ensures a watertight seam. But the cotton jacket wears out over time, and this can cause leakage. 

Important: do not use a special seam sealer to make tent seams watertight.

Step-by-step plan to quickly waterproof tent seams

  • Make sure your tent is completely dry.
  • Set up the tent. There must be tension on the fabric and seams to open the stitching hole.
  • Spray the seams with a strong impregnating agent. You can rub this in extra with a soft brush or brush.
  • Let the tent cloth dry.
  • Test with water whether the seam is watertight.
  • If necessary, you can spray the tent seam again with the impregnating agent.

With a strong impregnating agent you not only protect the seams, but also the tent canvas.

Do not use a special seam sealer

It is better not to use a special seam sealer to make tent seams watertight. Most seamstresses leave an ugly stripe on the canvas. This is because most seam sealers are silicone based, which attracts dirt. At first you won't notice it, but after a while it attracts dirt. This is not fresh and there is a good chance that a stripe will appear in your tent cloth. This stripe is not washable.