How to make a 100% waterproof tarp from a bedsheet!

Make your own waterproof tarp out of a king-size bed sheet or any type of cloth easily at home. this is great for survival and bushcraft or just camping. practical use as a survival tarp or bushcraft tarp
This video was inspired by nighthawkinlight. he did a video on this subject and I just had to try it out. I want to give full credit for his experiment and link to his video here • Recycled Bedsheets Mak... I have tried for years with little success to make a tarp like this using other means and products but this is the best I have seen.
Check out my Amazon influencer page www.amazon.com/shop/speiroutdoors

[@Nighthawkinlight]

Hey thanks for the shoutout! Looks like it worked great.

[@SpeirOutdoors]

Thanks for the amazing idea. This will help many survivalist and bushcrafters!

[@flowerchild777]

@@SpeirOutdoors How many did you wind up making? I'm thinking of making several, and putting them together. Sort of like those tents that have a couple compartments, for kids, gear, potty room etc. Thanks for reminding me. I'd already seen NHL's video on this and wanted to try it out

[@SpeirOutdoors]

I made 2 sheets and 2 pillow cases for dry bags

[@gulnameerkhan]

@@SpeirOutdoors Where can I get it?

[@lastmanstanding5338]

🤔 A small bush craft dingy, or short canoe. I like it!

[@allaboutperspective650]

I am a subscriber of NightHawkLight and got curious when this video came up in my feed. What I really appreciated was that you started to give credit to NightHawkLight at the very beginning so you earned my respect and in addition a new subscriber.

[@SpeirOutdoors]

Thank you. I appreciate the comment. I tried this experiment out for myself and naturally wanted to give credit to him.

[@GerryBaczkowski]

Made a couple of "sheet" tarps and they came out fine. I then used the same solution to waterproof several old and dried out topo maps, worked like a charm. I was able to fold or roll the maps up with no problems.

[@SpeirOutdoors]

I’d didn’t eat the ink?

[@aksalaman4689]

Compared to other videos on this waterproof bedsheet, this one seems the simplest of all. Looking forward to the long term test.

[@SpeirOutdoors]

It is supposed to rain tomorrow

[@thefucrew9865]

​@@SpeirOutdoors, did you make a video of this tarp in the rain, and a long-term review of it ??? Keep up the great work !!!

[@13Voodoobilly69]

@@random269The information is in the words😮.

[@SpeirOutdoors]

Exactly

[@aaronwright2238]

How long dose it last? Dose the silicone start st separate and flake away eventually?

[@willtaylor1395]

I'm going to try this on an umbrella ..thanks for this tip

[@daphneraven6745]

I don’t know if you know this or not, but he came out with another formula. That’s a little more fire resistant. And uses no Naphtha; It might be something you might enjoy checking out. Did you give the thread count on the sheet? It seems to me there’s something about it needing to be 500 count or grader, but I’m hoping you’ll know about that.

[@rajgill7576]

This may be crazy, but I want to make a boat out of this haha

[@SpeirOutdoors]

Plz let me know how it turned out

[@feelinspiffy696]

It is not crazy, it is interestingly cool

[@bendover4154]

It's not crazy if it works.

[@manlymanyo2511]

Awesome as always. Never seen this technique. Well done my friend.

[@SpeirOutdoors]

Thank you. It's very useful

[@michaelmayrend313]

If you have any issues with a regular kitchen tall trash bag try using a trash compactor plastic bag. Roughly the same size but thicker plastic.

[@Kellytje81]

If is has completely dried, is it safe for kids and pets? I would guess yes but just asking to be sure. I would use it as a cover for our big beanbag (against spilling). Hope to hear from you. Thanks.

[@SpeirOutdoors]

Yes indeed

[@tommyslavic898]

Good instructional. If you were to weigh that tarp, how much would it be in grams or ounces? I'm tossing up spending on a light weight tarp for hiking or doing this instead. Need something that's light but want to save money.

[@SpeirOutdoors]

835 grams and 29.45 ounces. Remember it’s a king size bed sheet

[@gudgengrebe]

Great video, thank you

[@SpeirOutdoors]

Your welcome

[@silentwarrior2385]

What happens if you more than one silicone? How many sheets or extrs stuff can you get out of one mixture ?

[@SpeirOutdoors]

That mixture did one king size sheet and a pillow case

[@kennethcruise7635]

I LOVE simple ideas that are brilliant that any one can do .

[@SpeirOutdoors]

Me too

[@noahriding5780]

Is there enough material to do more than 1 sheet, or a larger sheet using the recipe amounts you stated? Also, I'm guessing that if you had folds in the sheet before it finished drying that it would ruin the end product? Would this end product be too toxic to use the waterproof made sheet to use as a water catch, rain catch device to collect water?

[@aaronbanales8542]

You could get food grade silicone, but I don't know if there is a food grade alternative to the solvent

[@HenryShyOutside]

Would this work on cheap tarps you get from amazon that are supposed to be waterproof and are not?

[@SpeirOutdoors]

As long as the liquid can penetrate the fabric it should work. Another option would be to “paint it” onto the fabric.

[@GodBearOutoors]

Is the water drinkable if gathered from the tarp?? Great video. Thanks.

[@SpeirOutdoors]

I would use it

[@SugarRiverOutdoors]

I would think all of the solvent would evaporatevand there's silicone around every one of your kitchen and bathroom fixtures.

[@kiefmanning7394]

I am old school. Mostly old and lazy. Wouldn’t be interesting to see the longevity. Look forward to it

[@dennisatkins9837]

Great video! Does the dried sheet have an odor?

[@SpeirOutdoors]

A very minimal odor

[@taumeltierchen]

Hey there. Thank you for your short but very informative video. You got a new subscriber from germany. 😅 Have you made a long term test? How is it holding up?

[@anuschcka1]

Wissen Sie wie Naphta in Deutschland heißt?

[@taumeltierchen]

@@anuschcka1 Ich habe es leider immer noch nicht getestet, aber Naphta ist meiner Meinung nach Wasch- bzw. Reinigungsbenzin. Falls Sie es eher testen, würde ich mich über eine kurze Info freuen wie es geklappt hat. LG

[@rabidbat9005]

What happens when an ember from the fire falls on it? Not being funny as this is very nice way to do it. Hope you or someone can answer.

[@SpeirOutdoors]

I plan on answering that with a video soon as the burn ban is lifted in mississippi. No open fires right now. But this question is asked a lot on tiktok for this video

[@RoyArrowood]

@@SpeirOutdoors If I had to guess I would think the silicone is just highly soluble in naphtha and the naphtha evaporates completely out of the sheet. If that's the case is would only be as flammable as silicone and bedsheet so not really and kinda respectively.

[@RoyArrowood]

@@SpeirOutdoors Is that right? I don't really know lol

[@utlramagaman6449]

It will burn A whole just like other Tarps Or like another car seat or a carpet for a final boat seat.

[@utlramagaman6449]

The vinyl Was cracking And letting water into the seat on my Lawn mower I tore all The vinyl off And saturated the foam that was dry rotting on the surface causing it to shed kinda like sanding dust. Well I'd never seen or heard it done just in my head had the thought. It worked awesome and 2 years out in the sun still holding up no water Sucks into it Just brush it off From the low spots. Without seats for a $100 . I didn't know how it would turn out so I used the cheapest caulk could find and that was at the Dollar Tree It was a silicone I haven't seen it since. They have some other brand. I used a brush just let it soak up till it was solid but saturated completely in the bucket would probably work way better anyways it worked for me I'm gonna be trying it with these tarps I think the quality of the sheet would be very Important for them to hold up. I know you wouldn't wanna leave it laying around in the sun I'm fixing subscribe And check out more your videos

[@karlmadsen3179]

It only takes two steps: Step 1. Obtain bedsheet. Step 2. Make it waterproof. Enjoy.

[@TabooRevolution13]

I might do this to my new wrangler pants...

[@blackmacgyver9965]

I was thinking of tryin it on a hoodie and pants/ jeans

[@gilbertngo-ngoc-dong5814]

I would do it with a used one first

[@americanpatriot2448]

Like your video ....straight to the point, cut & dry ✓ Were there any solvent left from soaking a king size bed sheet using one and a half quarts and one tube of silicone ?, were there any left extra to do a smaller sheet ?

[@SpeirOutdoors]

None was left. I did a pillow case with it as well the cotton absorbs all the liquid

[@koreyokeene]

@SpeirOutdoors It's been a yr now how's that sheet doing with age??

[@SpamMusubi308]

Did you wash the sheet 1st before soaking in the Sil/Naphtha solution?

[@SpeirOutdoors]

I did not. It does not matter

[@heartslessons6243]

I just used the bucket with out the plastic bag. I keep the bucket just for waterproofing. 👍

[@SpeirOutdoors]

Awesome. I use that bucket for everything lol

[@johnle231]

Flammable?

[@orion7741]

the sheet was already flammable.....

[@joe18750]

I wonder if you could use this solution on fishing waders and "paint" it on their boots.

[@rogerwilco1777]

I'm currently doing the mineral oil/paraffin method.. but am thinking of switching out the paraffin for the citronella infused type.. Will that matter? Will it make the tarp (or clothes) mosquito repellent? Or does that stuff have to 'burn' to be effective?

[@orion7741]

dont bother with the wax method. just do the silicone and Naptha(white gas) method. its much better than the wax method.

[@aidennymes6335]

is there a way to substitute the naphtha? it's practically impossible to get it in my country.

[@chrisstevens4786]

Try mineral spirits. Naphtha is more volatile than mineral spirits. Assume m.s. will work ok?

[@RedneckChemist1]

Hey white spirit (also known as ‘turpentine’) might work here. The naphtha is simply being used as a solvent to get the silicone to penetrate the fabric and then evaporate away leaving behind the silicone. White spirit should also do the job, but you may need to test which ratio you need (ideally just enough to dissolve all the silicone before you then impregnate the fabric) reply here with any updates :D

[@kjonesphd]

I really like the idea. Q: How flammable is the fabric after it dries?

[@user_generik]

silicon is really inert, it practically doesn't burn

[@noahriding5780]

That's a good question. But it also makes you wonder how long these would last when made?

[@noahriding5780]

The naphtha whatever stuff is pretty flammable... so I guess it depends on if the chemical reaction fully takes that out when it evaporates? Naptha is supposedly 'extremely volatile'. I suppose if someone were worried about that they could thoroughly clean the end product tarp with a wet rag to make sure to get rid of any residue leftovers of the naphtha.

[@gilbertngo-ngoc-dong5814]

Gros idea for tarp. Will not work as well with elastic fabric though.

[@ketangandhi7223]

Can it be use on cotton cloth to make waterproof?

[@SpeirOutdoors]

Absolutely

[@ADVENTURESOFBZ]

Fantastic. Now what is namptha normally used for?? Is that what makes it waterproof or is it the silicone you think?! Very cool!!

[@SpeirOutdoors]

It is a solvent like mineral spirits. It dissolves the silicone quicker. Yes, the silicone infuses with the fabric and makes it waterproof

[@jimmieblue6262]

I used a painters drop cloth. Works great.

[@The-GreenHornet]

Can you use this method for zippered bags, like small backpacks and small duffel bags?

[@SpeirOutdoors]

Sure. As long as the material absorbs the liquid your good to go

[@SugarRiverOutdoors]

Pants, backpacks. Truck seat covers

[@scottcarter9975]

Good video thanks. Maybe you have already answered this, but I'd be interested to know how much it weighs? Thanks!

[@JediStockTrader]

835 grams

[@JediStockTrader]

Where is test video?

[@fairflower6934]

Good video, thanks! What about the weight?

[@jah5102]

Did you wash your sheet first? New sheets have sizing or something similar than can make them resist liquid right at first. Might be easier to saturate faster if you didn’t. BTW, is Naphtha still available for sale?

[@SpeirOutdoors]

It was brand new. I did purchase naptha at the local Home Depot.

[@daviddeane3163]

Good luck finding Naptha. I can't find it anywhere near me - not Lowe's, Home Depot, Walmart, Target. Amazon has it for $20/qt.

[@shaneriley6384]

​@@daviddeane3163tractor suppy Co. carries it ! Bought a gallon yesterday .

[@mr.pavone9719]

I've seen a very similar video where they use mineral spirits.

[@noab5101]

Everybody in Oregon sells it​@@daviddeane3163

[@KeepItReal33]

Does this work with nylon?

[@kenhollandjr1251]

OK. You say one way, someone else says a different ratio, and a third or more people say something else. Which one is it? I’m really getting pissed off. You all say something different, which is super, super confusing.

[@SpeirOutdoors]

I know this way works because the tarp has been hanging up in the woods since i made this video and still going strong.

[@dawnmichelle4403]

This seems super easy, barely an inconvenience!

[@SpeirOutdoors]

It is very easy and will save nearly 200 bucks

[@justice4everybody]

Curious, how flammable is it after it dries? Would, say, a spark or ember from a campfire ignite it more than a conventional tarp?

[@alaine5083]

Thanks for the video, i also watched NH video on this camp hack... Im wondering could this be done on a tent, ive seen videos where ppl just redo the seams n i wonder why just seams and not the whole tent

[@SpeirOutdoors]

It should work. May have to double the recipe

[@alaine5083]

@@SpeirOutdoors thankyou for your reply, I received a 2nd hand tent not used for a few years wud like to do this n make it new. I'll give it a go 🙂

[@WoodyDew-yq5rb]

WIll this solution work through a garden sprayer?

[@SpeirOutdoors]

It should. It will have to be cleaned very well with a LOT of mineral spirits afterwards or it will be ruined

[@supjay3945]

How long will it last being outside 24/7? Or used underground as water trench?

[@SpeirOutdoors]

I have had one up in the woods as a tarp since I made this video and still repels water.

[@nannette1355]

I've got an older tarp covering up my boat I was wondering if it would be possible to make that waterproof again if I painted it on instead of soaking it in it because I don't want to take it off if possible.

[@SpeirOutdoors]

Coat it heavy I guess.

[@johnnylewis8625]

If I done it twice to the same sheet, would it make it more water proof or no???

[@SpeirOutdoors]

Not sure. I never done it twice

[@cristoybaal]

is this more flamable now? could it catch fire easily?

[@SpeirOutdoors]

No actually it’s less flammable

[@PP_Mclappins]

Any chance you've tested this for flammability?

[@susanp.collins7834]

It burns...

[@PP_Mclappins]

Interesting, I ended up slathering up my popup camper's canvas with this, after doing a couple of tests where I soaked some canvas and let it cure for at least 40 hours in the sun, and then attempted to light it up, it's obvs. not fireproof, but I did find after the solution cured it didn't seem to be any worse off than the plain canvas that the camper uses. I used 100%silicone and Naptha as my solvent. Thanks for the response! @@susanp.collins7834

[@mixmediaproductions]

Buy some green and brown dye, and tie dye some leaves and sticks onto the sheet.. dry it.. then do waterproofing

[@Interestedviewer443]

Other then the fumes during the process any worry about fumes or off-gassing if using this method to waterproof a camping tent?

[@MultiThunder1234]

Didn't do it cos I'm imagining the smell of this is going to be quite gasoline/ petrol like and that will keep me up all night thinking about how my fire's going to leap onto my tarp

[@SpeirOutdoors]

There is no smell once it dries

[@whatmynamemitch]

All my sheets are stained

[@smartnetworks331]

Great video. Hating on the annoying background music.

[@janonthemtn]

Is 100% cotton better, or the polyester combined with cotton stronger???

[@SpeirOutdoors]

The reason cotton is used is to demonstrate how cotton absorbs water and the actual water proofing

[@janonthemtn]

@@SpeirOutdoors So I should look for all cotton sheets?

[@lungelomamba7035]

How well does it do against steam

[@SpeirOutdoors]

I could not tell you. I don't have an answer for that

[@websnuzy6240]

I was wondering about steam. I want to try it but worried if the solution of spirits and silicone would make toxic fumes when heated.

[@carltonbroussard6473]

No, God bless You sir

[@SpeirOutdoors]

Thank you!

[@fredymredy]

That naphtha is paint thinner or what? I can't find naphtha in my country.

[@orion7741]

its "White gas", it is commonly called "Camp Fuel" that you would use in your Coleman camp stove.

[@FlLlB]

may god bless ya too

[@SpeirOutdoors]

Thank you!

[@kristakaufman-y6j]

ISNT YOUR SHEET A FIRE HAZARD IN CAMP AFTER THIS THOUGH?

[@SpeirOutdoors]

No more than a regular tarp

[@SUPERSLICEONE]

God Bless you Brother

[@SpeirOutdoors]

Thank you! And you as well!

[@tB3o3tR9o9]

but a tarp needs at least 4 loops, 6 are better, otherwise you can't attach it to a paracord ridgeline.

[@SpeirOutdoors]

Not true. Watch this video. Used it with this tarp. kzbin.info/www/bejne/a4fVfJuGisp8bbs

[@rickscaggs3089]

Nah, just place a marble/ round stone in the corner and wrap a half hitch around That and snug it up

[@tB3o3tR9o9]

@@rickscaggs3089 well, that's genius! thx lol

[@davidturner3014]

Safety tip: I used Coleman Lantern fuel because it contains Naptha. WARNING! Breathing that mixture of Silicone and Coleman Fuel... I may still have brain damage from inhaling those fumes, I don't know... A Gas Mask of Military Specifications may save some of your neurons life. And, that was done outdoors. Tip: Mixing the Silicone with the "Naptha" in a one Gallon Milk Jug first, may save some problems. Shake able. And do NOT breathe those fumes!

[@tradertom4843]

Do I need 100% silicone? Found a cheap “advanced siliconized sealant” that I’m gonna give a go

[@shaneriley6384]

Has to be 100% silicone

[@msquitad8147]

Can this be used for water collection in a pinch? Or could pouches be made or would it be dangerous for that?

[@GodBearOutoors]

I was wondering that too.. It would be great as a water collector.

[@SpeirOutdoors]

I would use it

[@SpeirOutdoors]

I made a waterproof bag from A pillow case

[@GodBearOutoors]

@@SpeirOutdoors thanks 👍

[@Norbingel]

Can it make only 1 sheet per that ratio?

[@SpeirOutdoors]

It should be able to make more than one. The truck is to make sure it’s completely saturated and wringing it out

[@TheDianaTodd]

Been 2 years how is it holding up?

[@SpeirOutdoors]

Yes it’s still going! I need to do a video on it

[@johnarnold893]

How long will that last in the weather?

[@SpeirOutdoors]

This one has hung up in the woods for a year now and still don’t leak

[@TheSilverlady1980]

Naphtha now being banned. Turpentine should still work with silicone. Have seen others do linseed oil and melted beeswax. Use a good quality high thread count sheet. This waterproof sheet will also work for patio shelter, over lawn swings etc. Some folks have saved big dog food bags and duct tape for a big tarp not waterproof though.

[@mr.pavone9719]

On Townsends they demonstrated linseed oil and wax but the resulting tarp is EXTREMELY flammable.

[@outtakontroll3334]

coleman fuel is basically naptha

[@noab5101]

For the record an app that is not banned in the United States of america. I can buy it in almost every store around me, including craft stores

[@riwm45]

thanks for this really informative video clip.

[@Follower_of_The_Word]

Has anyone ever tried urethane instead of silicone? It has similar properties but adheres better than silicone. Auto parts stores like NAPA sell it in standard caulk tubes as “windshield adhesive”

[@SpeirOutdoors]

Nope but will the naptha desolve it?

[@salimfellah9093]

This for a sheet .. HOW ABOUT A SOCKS ????? I HOPE YOU'LL ADVICE ME PLEASE

[@SpeirOutdoors]

I don’t believe because the socks are loosely woven the sheet is a tighter weave

[@adambelcher2736]

Did you attach any tie out points or grommets?

[@SpeirOutdoors]

I did a whole video on making tie outs with an acorn on this sheet/tarp

[@joe18750]

@@SpeirOutdoors Respectfully submitted: I don't mean to be critical, but it's my nature to look for flaws. I think if I were to do this, I'd omit the ridge line. It seems to me that that rope line would compromise all the effort. I think it would make more sense to tie off the corners after installing gromets or using your acorn method. Keeping the sheet elevated and off the ground, off course. Then later, when you made your A-Frame cover for protection, you would be confident that no product had rubbed off that most critical of spots and you were as protected there as other parts of the sheet.

[@dwang4243]

how long does it last before the water leak again?

[@razvan-andrei-popescu528]

thnx did the sheet become sticky whed it was drying out?

[@steveclark9934]

Can this be used for an RV tarp?

[@BobbyL80123]

do you know how long this last in the summer sun, say in phoenix, arizona? i would like to make one for a sunshade for my van. the plastic tarps that people use usually disintegrates within a couple years in phoenix

[@SpeirOutdoors]

I couldn’t tell you. This one has been hanging in the woods since I made this video and still good to go

[@jregamey]

How's the smell???

[@SpeirOutdoors]

No smell once it dries

[@SergioCM_]

Great video Mr...thanks for sharing! This is what I was looking for. I wonder on what kind of fabric is the sheet (polyester?, cotton-polyester mix?) ...

[@SpeirOutdoors]

It was a cotton poly blend

[@SergioCM_]

@@SpeirOutdoors thank you Very much Mr. ... Bleesings for you and your channel!

[@devakicasey5448]

Does anyone happen to know if there’s a substitute for Naphta that would work? Nobody carries it where I live.

[@SpeirOutdoors]

Mineral spirits will work it just takes longer to dissolve the silicone

[@amandalhamilton1998]

@@SpeirOutdoors Looks like mineral spirits are a lot cheaper. Naphtha is about 60 bucks a quart now and I'd need two. At least that's the price on Amazon. How much longer would the mineral spirts take do you think?

[@Grievance87]

@@amandalhamilton1998 I cannot answer the question on how long it needs, but the longer evaporation time means that you will have to turn the tarp during that time in regular intervals (like 4-8h, the shorter the better). Otherwise the cloth won´t be saturated evenly, as the mixture will follow gravity ;)

[@SpeirOutdoors]

Until all the silicone is dissolved but the process is the same

[@sandrarice5575]

​@amandalhamilton1998 camp stove fuel is less then $20 a gallon at Walmart in the camping department. White gas is another name for it.

[@pinklickpony7162]

Does amyone know a brand name for naptha in the UK?

[@SpeirOutdoors]

I’m not sure naptha is available in the UK. Mineral spirits will do the same thing just takes longer to dissolve the silicone

[@beccarepurposed3416]

👍❣

[@quinntheeskimooutdoors6234]

😮😊looks good😊

[@SpeirOutdoors]

It is

[@user-td8co9tz3y]

Only thing im concerned about is the weight. Looks heavier than a normal tarp.

[@SpeirOutdoors]

It’s ultra light!

[@user-td8co9tz3y]

@@SpeirOutdoors do you know the weight exactly?

[@SpeirOutdoors]

@user-td8co9tz3y it is exactly 1 lbs 10.5 oz

[@user-td8co9tz3y]

@@SpeirOutdoors that's perfect! Thanks for replying so fast, you're awesome. Also great video, this will help me a lot!

[@SpeirOutdoors]

@@user-td8co9tz3y your welcome

[@zamizami9956]

Cotton bed sheets?

[@SpeirOutdoors]

Yep

[@rhess2989]

Could you brush this on a Carhartt type coat? Soaking a garment 100% like a canvas shirt/jacket may not be the best for the skin. Thanks

[@nikispaniki]

I’ve done clothing and it wasn’t real comfortable. Like wearing a wetsuit.

[@KrisSays]

So the bees wax would be the way to go?

[@gabrielagabyrodriguez72]

🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉 I can seal my lawn chairs!!

[@taz9221]

Walmart 13x13 for less than $20. 😊

[@SpeirOutdoors]

You absolutely correct! And 5 pounds heavier as well!

[@SalvadorBladimir-cv1tz]

Where do i get nafta

[@RAYANDERS-w4t]

THANKS !!!!!!!!!!!!

[@bananabanana9210]

so much effort. goood job

[@jamestarter9818]

That's cool

[@SpeirOutdoors]

Yes it is!

[@livewild2559]

Where is parts 2

[@Chronicle_Randomness]

First

[@shorelinearmorllc477]

How long does the sheet last or stay waterproof in the sun?

[@SpeirOutdoors]

I’m not sure. One I made has been in the woods since this video was filmed and still holding up

[@andersholmstrom3571]

Great tip!