Most People Do This the HARD Way - Seam Seal a Tent or Tarp and Make Repairs - Seam Sealing Guide

[@karenway323]

Great way to seal a tent. One thing I might comment on though, is to start at the top instead of the bottom, reason being if you have a higher tent ( as I do) and need to reach the top, you run the risk of brushing up against what you just brushed on as you lean in, making a sticky mess and possibly ruining some clothes. I decided to start at the top and work my way down. So far so good. Great process with the syringe and brush. Lots of helpful tips for someone who’s been away from camping for many years and will be using an old tent that was never sealed.😳 Thank you, Sir!

[@JimRodgers]

Great tutorial! Your suggestion to use syringes is a nice tip. Seam sealing tents and tarps is a good idea. It protects the threads and adds strength to the seams as well as keeping out moisture. I would add one suggestion: after the seam sealer cures, sprinkle small amounts of baby powder on the treated seams, then brush it off. This will reduce the tackiness of the sealer and prevent it from sticking to itself or other parts of the tent body when you pack it away.

[@Warrior_Resisting_Colonialism]

It shouldn't be tacky at all though, when you put it away should it? I think if you find it still tacky and needing the powder trick, is due to impatience. ;) You could just wait a couple days and ensure it's fully cured with your left out, that's all.

[@sojourn1544]

Alot of sealers do appear to be tacky..just because it's new...but your correct about the powder...just need such a little bit to take the tackyness away....good advice Jim 😀

[@amorphousblob6105]

This is the video is the holy grail of tent seam sealing. I wish I had discovered this video a few tents ago. I just finished seam sealing my Tarptent Double Rainbow and even though its still a pain to do, this technique worked like a charm. Thanks Outdoor Gear Review guy! :-)

[@2laughandlaugh]

Thank you....that took some of the fear out of doing it myself. Was going to try brush on bottle before I watched this video. Will try your way now. Thanks Luke.

[@one2869]

It's easy the way he showed. Once you start doing it, you will wonder why you were so afraid to in the first place.

[@wisenber]

I've used similar methods, but I thin the silicone with mineral spirits. A giant tube of silicone sealant from the big box store costs less than the little tubes. The thinned mixture spreads more evenly and cures faster allowing a thinner and neater coat to be applied.

[@Ira88881]

If I do this, do I really need a syringe? Can’t I just brush it?

[@wisenber]

@@Ira88881 It's thin enough to use a small brush. Since it's thinner, it also soaks in better.

[@ONE_CLASSIC_GUY]

The best video I have seen on seam sealing a tent flysheet.

[@michaelhill5514]

Just got a new tent...SOOO glad I saw your video before appling the seam sealer...the curved syringe was a key factor...more precise less mess and waste...BIG Thanks 🙂

[@lindaschmidt27]

Thank you Luke. I didn't realize I needed to seam my tent after buying it new. Having seen this video makes it clear on how to seam seal and what to use. I watch all your vids. Thanks very much! 🌞

[@robsims6352]

Most tents you don't.

[@mlsknnr]

Luke, thanks for the video. I have never had to reseal a tent other than my canvas hunting tents (after years of use), I learned something today. Thanks again

[@sheilasunshine9173]

This was the seam sealing vid I was looking for! I’ll be doing my skytrekker this weekend!

[@jons2447]

"THANK YOU!", Luke! I have a "Coleman 4-Person 2000035801 Skydome" tent that I bought new for only $34.44, taxes included. I like it because it was so cheap, its huge, & most reviews generally say it's good. I've never 'seam-sealed' a tent before & your video is fantastic for instructions. I want to seam-seal my tent before I use it. That way it's clean & I can do in the great room in a climate-controlled environment. The only question I have is what is the best seam-sealer for a 100% polyester (label says). Because I've heard of using homemade concoctions like melted wax, petroleum jelly, & boiled linseed oil. There are many synthetic versions, polyurethane, polyester, silicone. There are also many brands such as "GEAR AID Seam Grip Sealant", "GEAR AID Seam Grip Fabric Sealer", "Coleman Seam Sealer", "GEAR AID Seam Grip Silicone Sealant", "Coghlan's Seam Seal", "Texsport Polyurethane Waterproof Seam Sealer", etc. Walmart.com has like 40 items on the 1st page, including "ULTRA PRO BEIGE SEAM SEALER", "3M Urethane Seam Sealer", & "Barrier Bond Black Polyurethane Seam Sealer Adhesive" caulk. I know many want the benefit of your experience, w/ close to 500,000 subscribers. Thank you in advance for your kind assistance. I'm thinking the silicone you used would word really well but you are the expert. Have a GREAT day, Neighbor!

[@zachariahlee3393]

One of the most informative post on one of the most underrated must do's. Thanks for vary important information..well Done Sir...

[@NateMaris]

Just purchased this tent and this vid was perfect for helping me get this job done efficiently! Thank you 🙏🏽

[@TexasRoast]

Hey Luke, I love your adventures and all the reviews you have done over the years for outdoor gear. It's always a pleasure to be able to watch your videos and experience nature vicariously. I used to do a lot of hiking in Washington state while stationed there in the Navy and even hiked 1100 miles of the Pacific Crest Trail after transitioning back to life as a civie. Right now, I am using my GI bill to get a degree in Chemical Engineering, and I haven't had a whole lot of time to go hiking as I take summer classes and also have a part-time job. As I made the mistake of moving back to Texas, it can take hours to drive the hundreds of miles to go somewhere to hike, and given the heat, it's been rather difficult getting out there. However, I have been planning to take a semester off to hike the CDT for the better part of the last two years. I have been looking at new tent options outside free-standing tents (I used the copper spur UL1 on the PCT). One tent I came across that seems rather interesting is the Six Moon Designs Gatewood Cape. It only costs $150 and also functions as a rain poncho. It is a modular design, and with the bug net/bathtub floor insert, the total package comes out to $275 and weighs only 22 ounces. I have several concerns with the design, and only sparse reviews are out there. However, it is an older design that has been around for a while and is made by a reliable company. I know it is asking a lot, but if you could somehow do a full review on it, I would be much obliged. Big ask, I know, but a man can dream, lol.

[@Buffenmeyer]

I’ve been following a guy on YT whose doing the entire AT right now using the Gatewood Cape. If you check his channel he may have a review on it. (Toby in Transit)

[@melissabillmire8641]

I can totally agree with you on your comment about moving back to Texas. I ended up moving to Texas because the programs I was a manager for. Went into full product mode and because of that I had to move to Texas. In order to both keep my job and manage my programs. I used to live in a city called Simi Valley California. So of course there are plenty of places to go camping and hiking. But when I moved to Texas I couldn't find any places that were not a few hours drive. To get to and enjoy the great outdoors like I could in California. Though as soon as Christmas and new years is over with. I plan on going down to the Big Bend National Park and check it out. Even though I have heard there is not much to do and or explore in that area of Texas. Do you have any suggestions on a good place to go camping and hiking in the Texas area?

[@Eulenspiegel1977]

Bravo. I always thought this sealing is done from the inside :) Secret revealed lesson learned, another pleasant to watch video from you. Thanks Luke.

[@michigansnowman1523]

Hi Luke. I just wanted to say the way you did that makes more sense than the kit's. The next time I have to do it I am going use your method. Thank you so much. Love your channel strength and honor from Michigan Snowman

[@paulmilsaps4476]

Hi Luke, great video I learned a lot. You stated that different materials need a different type of sealant. My question is how do I know what I need for my tent? My tent under the description for material it just says synthetic.

[@andrewsalacina9705]

Your process is systematic and fool proof well done . Thank you Luke

[@Sandalphonn]

Mr. Luke hope the day finds you well, great video, I would love to see more videos on tent/tarp maintenance or how to get the most out of your tent/tarp. Thank you for the videos, I look forward to your next video.

[@kj6jfx]

Thanks for this. I got one of those defective stove hut 70s. I’m gonna try this.

[@jimcoyle1752]

This was fantastic you have shown how easy seam sealing can be using the right equipment and materials

[@flintliddon]

Thanks. Love getting practical knowledge. Could you post which sealants are used with which tent materials?

[@thebigkahuna2753]

Luke, one of your best mate. I've seen a few videos on how to do this, but your video is by far the easiest and most efficient way to go. I'm now off to seam seal my tent. Thanks for the video.

[@er5406]

The middle of the tieoff too. Separate the loop and seam seal. This is a very handy procedure. Thanks for sharing.

[@antonslegers9888]

Great video, but one remark. The official instructions on the website say to seal the round guy line points from the inside as well.

[@ropersix]

My next seam-sealing job will now go a whole lot better. Thanks

[@warrenwilliams363]

Thanks Luke. The process makes much more sense after watching your video. Kudos on your music choices lately👍👍 I know some have been a tad critical & can also see you care. You’ve stepped up your game. 🎊

[@microtyger]

Fantastic Job! 😃 I wish I had seen this in the mid-80s. I had spent many hours sewing together my own tent. I went to seal it and went around the inside of the tent. 😔 I also let it dry but didn't know to let it sit overnight to cure. I also didn't know about the flux brush. 🌲 Great Job explaining! 😃

[@dayoltay]

I can't thank you enough. I had the crappy ones you just mentioned and they did not work at all. I got minipeak ii and and minipeak xl which are unfortunately not seem sealed. I am definitely trying your way with the right tools. Big fan since 2017.

[@THESHAODOWCAMPER]

Haven't needed to seam seal yet but when I do I know the best way now. Thank you sir

[@pboone1231]

Excellent tutorial on seam sealing. Thank you so much. I think I can approach this task with a different mindset thanks to your demonstration. Greatly appreciated. S&H.

[@bobclark7211]

Thanks Luke! I didn’t ever think of doing this before, now i will do my new tent and tarp.

[@tomlackey22]

Thank you... i am now not affraid to seam seal! makes me want to go back and re-do!

[@jhosk]

I've always purchased tents already seam sealed, thanks Completely digging the color of that tent

[@kinjiru731]

Thanks, Luke! Very straightforward process.

[@damonwheeler7538]

Thanks for the tutorial! Never thought about this before, but makes complete and total sense.

[@nealhagood6792]

Luke, Great tutorial & presentation! Queastion... My old REI Half dome needs both the seam sealing redone as well as re-waterproofing the tent & rainfly material itself. Which order would be best? Seams, then fabric OR fabric, then seams?

[@joshscarborough697]

Thank you for the information. My first attempt at seam sealing did not go as well as I had hoped. I think this process will make my next effort a greater success.

[@grimajo]

This video came at the right time. I walked past that exact same brush top seam sealer at my local Walmart yesterday, and was reminded that I needed to do this. I'm glad I didn't pick that one up.

[@marchhare9440]

Thank you for the great video, you took the mystery out of the process and gave great tips. The syringe is a real time saver!

[@ReasontoLiveAdventures]

I’ve definitely made a big mess using those darn brushes. Then I came upon an earlier video of yours, which really helped me. Cheers dude.🤙

[@InconvenientKingdom]

Thanks for the tips. If this tent fairs well it would certainly be a really good cost-effective UL option.

[@andrewb4984]

Looks simple enough. Nice instructional video, Luke. Looking forward to the test episode. Side note: I think it's ridiculous that a company wouldnt seam seal their products. This pretty much deters me from purchasing their products.

[@changein3d]

I think exactly the same! It’s like you have to do a step in the production of the product, it’s weird. But 3F UL now also seam seals their products for a small amount, so thats nice! And for people who want to save the money, they can do it themselves

[@sahhull]

Maybe some people... Not you... Would prefer to save some money and do the job themselves rather than throw money at the company. All tents regardless of cost need sealing at some point

[@andrewb4984]

@@changein3d I went to their website and looked at a few tents. It appears some of their tents come are shipped seam sealed already. There was no indication that there was an extra charge for those seam sealed tents. That said, if I have to ask myself the question, I'm not wasting my time trying to find the answer. I'll click elswhere.

[@changein3d]

​@@andrewb4984 Yes, the non-pro versions are already seam taped (not seam sealed). So they require no sealing. It is in extra option unser Accessories I think. And I get you, it can be confusing and annoying to search for that. If I would be the company, I would just add a default-checked checkbox for sealing, like apple does on their website with iPhone accessories.

[@andrewb4984]

@@changein3d ahhhhh! Thanks for clearing that up for me. Hope their web designer is reading these comments. Your suggestion is a good one.

[@garyb8645]

Always thank you for your intelligent information on all that you do

[@terrym1065]

Good job and demo Luke👍👍 Seam sealant is one of those things that wears out after constant manipulation of the tent or material you're sealing. By setting up, taking down, folding or stuffing in a bag, eventually you'll have to re-new the seal, nature of the beast. This is as good a way as I've seen without going industrial. Thanks for the video demo. Enjoy!

[@mattm00ey]

Our (cheap !) rooftop tent leaks like a sieve. Bet it needs this. Thanks for another fantastic video! ,💥

[@papajeff5486]

Luke, this was an excellent lecture and demonstration. Thank you sooo much. Kentucky

[@Bacnow]

😅 I would have sealed the inside only if i didn’t watch this video! Thanks for the great lesson on the most effective method! Also, i recently purchased a pack of 40 acid brushes ($8) for a small soldering project and wondered how i could utilize the spares! Now i know! Thanks again!

[@markusc.7544]

Nice video. I have a Coleman tent that's about 15 years old. Went camping this past weekend and got rained on and leaked. You made me decide to seal it rather than toss it. It looks very relaxing. Thank you. I need to find out what material my tent is made from

[@Tanstaafl1976]

Thanks for all the great and very helpful product reviews and instructional tips, like in this video, Luke. Great channel content.

[@chalion8399]

It does help to stretch out the material to be sealed. That also helps you to see any damaged areas that may need to be repaired, which is as good a time as any to do so, so you know you've taken care of any issues. Nice and comprehensible. Thank you for making this guide.

[@robertmaxwell3220]

Have never had to do,but you make it possible now,if need be.Thanks!

[@michakuiper9780]

Thanks for all the great info Luke. I just bought a new 4 person tipi and once the weather here in Norway is right I'm gonna treat it with Nikwax and the exact same seam sealer you have in this video 😀

[@escapewithjay]

A company not willing to seal as part of their products manufacturing is really sad. To me, they are not putting out the best product they can and this is the proof. Aside from that, video well done. Thanks for showing what these tent companies wont do for their customers

[@davidyendoll5903]

Totally agree with you . We might as well make the whole tent ourselves .

[@escapewithjay]

@@davidyendoll5903 lol Right!

[@mariamaldonado3275]

Hi there, thank you for sharing. I was wondering if i could use the seal on outside furniture?

[@thdjjfsfh]

Thanks Luke, the seam of the fly on my 7 years old family backpacking tent has deteriorated and this is totally what I needed. I don't even need to clean the old seam sealant on the other side.

[@dumpnutz756]

Thank you for the video! Just finished waterproofing my new coleman tent, and really appreciate the tips. I seem to be a rain magnet every time i go camping lol.

[@bobmcelroy7289]

Once again...good stuff for all to learn, beginners and experienced.

[@joyceleppers]

Great tutorial, thanks so much! Funnily enough, Lanshan says on their website that you have to seal the tent on the inside… Weird… Thanks for making it look easy, I’ll start right away!!

[@dennishenderson6988]

Just like I did back in the day. Big brushy tube of brand C sealant got shipped to me by mistake and won’t get used. Thanks for tip on the syringe and brushes. Cheers.

[@Morpheus903]

Thanks so much for this video! I have 2 bottles of Gear Aid Seam Grip FC on the way from Amazon because it seemed like it would be so much easier and faster. I was a little worried about the fact that it's water-based, but other than that, I thought I was doing the right thing. Thanks to your video, I just placed an order for some curve-tipped syringes from Amazon that will be here on Saturday. I already have the sealant. I was just keeping it around for major repairs, like to sleeping pads or whatever. I think I'll still keep the Fast Cure stuff on-hand for emergency repairs, but I'm not going to waste my time trying to seal my tent seams with it anymore. I love your videos man! I learn so much, and you always seem like you're having a good time! Keep it up!! You're doing good things!!! 🙂

[@Anna-kn5lj]

thanks so much for this vid, it helped A LOT when i seam sealed my new lanshan 1 pro yesterday!

[@awayinthewilderness4319]

Thanks! Just did my first seam seal on a Silnylon tarp. This was helpful.

[@FrednDeeDee]

I seam sealed and used a spray on water proofing on the Bimini Top on my boat three years ago top side and bottom side. It is still doing its job quite well, but even so, three years have passed; I'll re-do the task. Oh, I leave the Bimini Top up year around and see no wear or damage. The material is much very much heavier than the 3F tent material. Even the heat here in Florida is no match for the top.

[@mariusontrack988]

Thank you for your instructions. I'll be relying on my tent when my long journey starts again soon. What can you say from your own experience about how long it will last? Can I crumple the tent or do I have to fold it for the bag? Would it be advisable to tape it on the inside with sealing tape to be 100% sure?

[@remilemoussu4150]

Hi, great video thanks a lot ! In France we only have this seam sealer in 28g tube (1 oz), is it enough ? Or should I purshase 2 tubes ?

[@PerfectSnowball]

Just use industrial grade silicone sealant, it's exactly the same product for a fraction of the cost.

[@derbybushcraftandoutdoors3176]

Thanks for the video pal. I’m going to do mine that way now. What a great idea.

[@waterst9]

Excellent presentation and saved me time and effort.

[@20Hikecdt23]

Thanks Luke!! Im going to do this to my brand new backpacking tent. Thanks!!

[@mel63613]

When sealing my tents, I thinned out the first sealant application for penetration. Then applied a second thicker coat. I did this on warm sunny days on the lawn. Let it sit for a few hours to cure.

[@JohnKlopp]

Excellent Luke, one of the best seam sealing videos I've seen!

[@annnnonnymous]

Good video, good tips, good that you showed some of the squirrelly spots that need sealing also. This is going to be my goto vid recommendation to anyone with seam sealing questions/struggles.

[@michaeldean4704]

Excellent tutorial, Luke. Thanks.

[@syindrome]

The Lanshan 1pro is the first tent I ever seam sealed. It was no big deal and gave me an excuse to hang out with my dad.

[@WetaMantis]

That's always fun :)

[@suezaple4950]

Thanks Luke for this informative video, Have not had to seal a tent but this will come in handy when I do . Ontario

[@Buffenmeyer]

Excellent process! Thanks for the demo!

[@noah-xo2zh]

Hi great great video thanks. Quick question I have an orc ice tent and now tape has come off and blackout stuff coming off and got few see through dots any recommendations ok fixing it or a good tent you recommend to buy for backpacking uk weather

[@paulwoerlen6328]

This is genius. Thank you for this practical tip.

[@tommythuntdeer]

Great demonstration! Thanks for sharing! I feel that I could confidently apply seam sealer to a tent now.

[@renegadearms]

Thanks that’s a really good tip, I’ve used the others and they are a pain.

[@paulfranklin9771]

Wish I saw this before purchasing seam sealer. At least I haven’t applied it yet. Much thanks!

[@RegrettablyLongwinded]

What is the best way to remove dried seam seal messes from silnylon? I made the error of using that stupid runny sealant with the attached brush. It worked for a couple years, then started peeling and leaking in heavy rain. I need to remove the old sealant in order to properly redo the job, but worry about damaging the silnylon in the process. Thanks for all of the practical knowledge you provide to the outdoor community!

[@scottnicholls8304]

Great video. Exactly what I was looking for. One question I do have is on the video, you use Seamgrip+SIL. I've found where I can purchase it from but I have noticed there is also a Seamgrip+WP from the same brand. Is there a difference between the two? Many thanks. Strength and Honour

[@RednerKlallamStrong]

I got the same one ! The one with the green label on it ! . I did mine just fine I set up my tent in my home got a different brush and I didn't mind cleaning up a bit either

[@wupjak]

Followed this process today on my Lanshan Pro 1. Thanks for the tutorial. Super helpful, thorough, and informative. Tent looks great. Bit of good natured ribbing incoming: Some of your video titles crack me up. I get why (traffic and views, both legit reasons), but the number of vid titles that include 'heavy rain,' 'attacked,' etc. stand out as an odd contrast to your excellent content. Thank you and keep up the great work. Appreciate ya!

[@davidcolinstillman5585]

HI LUKE & SUSIE 👋 YOU FOLKS DO YOUR THING / TRAVELS / JOURNEYS / ADVENTURES ! ALWAYS LEARNING WETHER ABOUT PRODUCTS OR PLACES TO VISIT / SEE 👀 ! WHAT TO DO & NOT . BE SAFE ! HAVE FUN ! ENJOYED 🍨 🍨 🍨 🍨 🍨 🍨 🍨 🍨 🍨 🍨 THANK YOU 🙏 GOD BLESS YOU BOTH ALWAYS ON YOUR ADVENTURES 🙏 😀

[@jimmeyer9417]

Luke has an attention to detail most people lack in this industry, I know because I'm one of those people who gets frustrated by seemingly simple comments like 'seal the tent yourself' when it leaves out so much information. I would only say that I personally find a 25mm foam brush (1 inch) cut down to about half that with scissors more efficient when brushing, as the thin point slots into the valley of the seam, the foam holds sealant evenly and they are very cheap and easy to find. However, I do dilute Silnet or Seam Grip Sil with odourless mineral spirits, it just makes the flow so much better and dries in half the time. When I use Seam Grip standard I don't dilute it because I'm unclear on how to best do this.

[@allansisson355]

I'll be doing it this way. Thanks for another Great tip

[@jeffrichards5106]

Thanks very much Luke, appreciate the video and tips. I have a new tent that I need to seal.👍⛺

[@thewimpycamper7692]

This was SUPER helpful Luke! Thanks for pointing out the exact syringe and brush you use! Much better than the way i struggled to do it last time!

[@flavias.2785]

Hi! Can I use a regular plastic syringe (not curved)? It's urgent and I don't have to order that curved syringe you show in the tutorial. Thanks for the tutorial, super helpful.

[@District.24]

@TheOutDoorGearReview Hi, Luke! I recently bought the Nortent Gamme 4 tent. As you know, that's a winter tent used as a hot tent. I have to seam seal it myself, and I just watched your video, where you said don't seal below 15.5 degrees celcius. It's Feburary here in Canada, and I was planning to take the tent out in the next few weeks. If I have to wait until closer to Spring when the temperature gets above 15 degrees C, should I not use the tent until then? Nortent said to me that the tent is waterproof, but if you want to be 100% safe seal it. The tent was very expensive, and I don't want to blow this. What would you do in this situation?

[@micahrogers4928]

After watching this video, I am willing to try and seam seal my River Country Trekker 4... Which leaks like a sieve.

[@paul_hikiing_outdoor]

Hi Luck. Viewer from Taiwan. I follow you steps. so far so good. it's good it did make any mess. Do you know normally how long these glue last ？

[@pbrewer9340]

Thanks for the demo. Useful for an old tent I have. But for the new tent, I'd have paid the $35, considering a tube of what you used it $20 shipped + my time.

[@EzraM5]

Well hey! That looks very efficient and simple to do, just a little time consuming. Thank you very much for the guide, Luke! 👍

[@mantass7094]

The beast outdoor gear review channel ever, thaks👍.

[@dalejuhl8591]

I really appreciate you sharing your knowledge and experience 😊 THANK YOU!

[@Ira88881]

I have a 2-man HUNT MONSTER 300/600D uninsulated Ice Fishing Shelter coming from Amazon next week… For the frigid temperatures of South Florida! I bought it for day camping only, to use for fishing trips and to put a toilet in it, and protect me from our intense downpours much of the year. It doesn’t indicate a material, only Denier, so I don’t know what to use for seam sealer.