How long to waterproof tent?

[CottontailCurl]

We sprayed it yesterday, directions say 48 hours but they're predicting rain this afternoon. Thinking about taking it down before we have to worry about drying everything out to pack. Do you think it will have cured enough by now?
Thanks,
Angie

 

[mom2my3kids]

Tents are already waterproof aren't they? I remember as a kid when we camped we were always told not to touch the tent when its raining it will make the tent drip..

 

[clkelley]

I usually let mine dry for about 24 hours.

And no, even though they say they are waterproof, the seams can leak and the fabric can sweat from rain and even from condensation in the early morning. I have always had better performance from my tents when I douse them with seam sealer and fabric sealant about every 6 months.

 

[rer1972]

Hi clkelley, is there a waterproofing product you would recommend over others?

 

[clkelley]

I've always used something called "Silicone Water Guard". It's in the camping section at Wal-Mart for about $3.00 a can. It's worked very well for me.

 

[rer1972]

Thanks; I'll look for it.

 

[stczt]

We ended up putting our tent up in the garage to seal the seams. It rained off and on all week. I could'nt park in the garage all week and the tent barley fit in half the garage. But we had a beautiful weekend camping that was perfect.

 

[rer1972]

But we had a beautiful weekend camping that was perfect.

Always a good thing .

 

[Fish Almighty]

What kind of spray did you use? I've always just used the seam sealers that roll along the tent seams, since the fabric of my tents is already waterproof and the only spots where it might leak are along the seams where the sewing machine needle left holes.

 

[clkelley]

Over time and with expsoure to weather the waterproofing on your tent material will wear. Also if you touch the material while it's wet, the waterproofing will wear.

The spray stuff I use is called "Silicone Water Guard". Sold in the camping section at Wal-Mart for about $3.00 a can. I reapply about every 6-8 months to my frequent use (almost monthly) tent and will probably reapply about every 2 years on my big tent that I only use about 2 times a year.

I also spray the stuff on my rain suit, and on my hiking boots and camping shoes. Works great!!

Carol