How to Seam Seal a Tent

Is your tent leaking water even after purchasing best cabin tent? Are waterdrops entering your tent even after you placed it tight? Well, then, maybe you haven’t seam sealed your tent right.

But what is seam sealing a tent? And how to do it? Let’s find the answer below, and thank us later.

What is Seam Sealing a Tent?

Seam sealing is a process to make tents waterproof by preventing water leakage through seams and terps. It usually happens in the stitched area of a tent.

Every tent requires seam sealing as a common maintenance task. However, some recent tents come equipped with sealed seams.

How to Seam Seal a Tent: 7 Steps to Follow

Water could enter any tent through tiny holes in the seams or unintentional punctures. Even if your tent is factory-taped, opened, or seam-sealed and completely waterproof when delivered, you may need to maintain and seal it from time to time.

Fortunately, the seam-sealing procedure is easy to follow and understand.

Here is how:

Step 1: Set Up Your Tent

We advise installing the tent before seam sealing. The ideal weather is clear and dry. Wash your tent first when conducting repairs on an old tent. Now you are prepared to start working. Let’s get going!

Step 2: Select the Proper Seam Sealant

Waterproofing a tent prevents water from getting inside during the rain. Seam sealing is one of the critical parts of waterproofing your tent.

Step inside your tent and start sealing the seams with seam sealer. They are pretty reasonable.  Many other similar items are available in the market.

You can read the waterproofing manual for your tent, which typically includes reviews of many sealers and instructions on selecting the ideal one according to your requirements.

Learn: How to Make a Tarp Tent

Step 3: Place the Seam Sealant

Now, implement the seam sealer on the exposed seams of the tent. Most seam sealants contain an applicator point that makes applying it easier.

If there is no applicator available, use a paintbrush. To get a more professional, perfect look, wrap the seams with painter’s masking tape rather than duct tape.

Even though it is not necessary, it can bring a better outcome. Make sure the seam sealer reaches each part of the exposed seam. Spread the sealant carefully. Apply with a steady and deliberate stroke instead of doing it quickly.

Step 4: Update the Worn Seam Tape on Your Tent

The internal condition of your tent needs to be totally sealed off. Seam adhesive may eventually tear off and lose its adhesiveness. Applying it again is possible with the aid of a seam gripper.

Pull off the adhesive, properly clean the damaged spots using alcohol, and reinsert it to seal your tent if the tape is declining everywhere.

Many tents can be efficiently waterproofed using this technique. But it’s important to keep in mind that tape also needs maintenance.

Step 5: Seam Seal the Tent Fly and Sidewalls

After the tent’s interior is completed, you should check the tent’s outside for rips in the seams. Sealing the tent fly is a great choice if there is any. However, avoid touching it till it is dry. Seam sealants usually take 12 to 24 hours to dry fully.

Step 6: Check Your Work & Make Any Required Touch-Ups

Once the sealant is completely dry, you can check and review your effort. To ensure no open holes or leaks, activate the sprinklers for some time.

Keep a record of any seam leaks that you find. Again, let the tent dry completely before putting sealants on the highlighted areas to reseal it.

Step 7: Let the Seam Sealant Dry

Remember that a tent must get dry before being stored. Touch the sealant to check it. Give it some time to dry if it feels a little sticky.

If you want to fasten the drying process, seal your tent on a warm sunny day. Also, maintain it for your next camping trip after it gets dried.

Learn More: How to Clean Canvas Tent?

Wrap Up

If you want your tent to shelter you when you need it, it must be kept in good condition. Therefore, it’s essential to keep your tent dry by guarding against damage. Follow the steps mentioned above carefully.

Besides, you need to know where and how to seam seal your tent. Hope the article helps you make the seam sealing process easy and convenient.

What other ways do you know? Let us know in the comment section below.

FAQ

Do You Seam Seal the Inside or Outside of a Tent?

You will seal seams on the underneath of the fly and the inside of the tent body. Placing the fly on from the inside out is beneficial for simpler reach to the seams.

How Long Does It Take for a Seam Sealer to Dry on a Tent?

According to the weather, the seam sealant dries in 3 to 4 hours. You can reduce it and drape it on a couch for the evening if it fails to dry by the moment you get it inside.

Can I Use Silicone to Seam Seal a tent?

Fully silicone-coated tents cannot be properly seam-sealed using tapes in the factory. But they can be seam-sealed with liquid silicone at home with some caution.

Can You Spray Flex Seal on a Tent?

Yes, you can spray the Flex seal on a tent. It is made of materials that will stick to the tent, keeping them waterproof.

How Frequently Should I Treat My Tent’s Spots or Seams?

You must seal your seams at the start of the season if you detect that your tent has started to leak or show signs of wear. Travelers and hikers who use their gear frequently should cover it twice a year. Routine checks are the simplest approach to determining when treatment is necessary. Put another sealant coating if any is missing, dripping, or damaged in spots.

How Long Does Seam Sealer Last on the Tent?

Most tents, even those with taped floor and fly seams, require considerable seam sealing, especially at edges and along zippers. A tent typically requires maintenance every 3 to 4 years.

I Seam-Sealed the Floor. Do I Still Require a Footprint or Ground Cloth?

Yes, it’s typically suggested. Your tent will last longer if you use a ground fabric or footprint to guard it against the ground. To prevent water from funneling below the tent, ensure that the ground fabric is shorter across than the tent and does not protrude from the bottom. You can create or buy ground cloth.​