A fabric is generally considered waterproof if its water column is around 1,000mm or more. INTRODUCTION. This is a big deal. Danish oil Tung oil or linseed oil (optional) Mineral spirits (optional) Polyurethane (optional) Natural-bristle paint brush Rags Fine sandpaper. Substrate and primer. The molecules bond together too tightly when the substance dries, creating a very tough and durable finish on exterior wood surfaces. The odor is a byproduct of a reaction called hydrolysis. Humidity alone can destroy coated fabrics and factory hot-taped seams. This means the stress is much more concentrated and the fabric is more likely to tear. So, check if your applying poly can ensure the required flexibility. Introducing Sikalastic One Shot Innovations. PU can achieve high hydrostatic head ratings, it can accept fire retardants to meet bygone fire retardancy standards, its inexpensive, and it doesnt reduce the fabrics tear strength as much as PE coatings do. Top Sellers Most Popular Price Low to High Price High to Low Top Rated Products. (Drying & Curing), All About Sanding Sealer Uses, How to Apply, Safety. This is rarely an issue in terms of water actually penetrating into a tent, as the process is quite slow. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The result is that PE coatings often decrease the fabrics tear strength. Get It Fast. Yes, I know that from a strict organic chemistry perspective PU should technically encompass both polyester and polyether urethanes, but this isnt an organic chemistry class (thank goodness) and Im going to use the verbiage the outdoor industry has adopted as standard. Water type is more susceptible to sunlight and exterior environment. What sheen you want is a critical consideration too. There is one company that offers stuff sacks with seam-taped sil/sil fabric, but I've seen enough oftheirseam tape fail to make me think they havent perfected it yet. If you need a project ready shortly, go for a, Generally, the varnish is different from regular polyurethane. Pour the polyurethane finish into a lined paint tray. The molecules that comprise organic polymers have carbon backbones, whereas silicones are built around a highly stable Si-O bond. Alkyd-based stain-sealer can peel when used on exterior wood, making it better suited to interior finishes. The chemical properties that make silicone such a diversely utilized class of compounds (nonstick, chemically inert, hydrophobic) also make it an excellent material for waterproofing tent fabrics. However, after a few years, its coating will allow water to pass through holes. This item: Innovative Sealer Mighty Paste, 100g Polyurethane Waterproof Coating, Waterproof Coating Anti-Leakage Agent, Super Strong Bonding Innovative Sealer Mighty Paste with Paint Brush (1pcs) $7.99. Usually its nylon in higher-end tents and polyester in less expensive tents, although lightweight polyesters have recently been gaining a staunch following in the ultralight backpacking community because they absorb less water than nylon. Cementation waterproofing is the inability to maintain the cracks, which causes further leakage. Another huge benefit of silicone is that unlike PU and PE, silicone coatings actually increase the tear strength of the fabric to which they are applied. This is the basis for silicones chemical inertness. Because PU is much more common than PE, when the outdoor industry says polyurethane, theyre talking about poly. Fortunately, there are a couple solutions for tents. After a couple minutes, take your damp . In this article, well be taking a journey of discovery through the most common waterproof coatings used in tents: polyester urethane (PU), polyether urethane (PE), and silicone, and combinations thereof. A few years ago, there were seven states that still used CPAI-84 as the standard for flame resistance in recreational camping tents, including California. Yes, you can do that. Coatings have several attributes that must be taken into consideration when choosing a coating for a particular use case: One last note before we get to the good stuff. When you try to tear a fabric, slippage allows the yarns to bunch up, rather than remaining fixed in position. Use linseed or Tung oil to create a beautiful and protective hand-rubbed finish. Next-Day Delivery. There are a few minor issues with silicone from a functional standpoint. For this reason, silicone is often applied in small quantities to enhance the tear strength of non-waterproof fabrics. PE coatings stretch even less than PU coatings, and they all but eliminate slippage in the fabrics to which theyre applied. PUs water absorption causes a few additional problems. Thats also a huge no-no. United States of America Mold and mildew are some of the top tent killers out there. Because PU is much more common than PE, when the outdoor industry says polyurethane, theyre talking about polyester urethane, and thats what this section is about. It is recommended that you start with 100-grit sandpaper, followed by 150-grit, and finish with 220-grit sandpaper. This is what determines the waterproof rating of a tent. Also, because the two coatings are not applied simultaneously, achieving the ideal thickness on each side of the fabric is a tricky balancing act. Some designers combat this by using polyester instead of nylon but that approach has its own problems. While WPBs often have a Durable Water Repellent (DWR) finish, they dont get their waterproofness from the DWR. Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features. The laminates youll usually see used in shelters are Dyneema Composite Fabric (aka Cuben Fiber) and waterproof breathable fabrics (WPBs) that are used in most single-wall tents. First, waterlogged PU coatings take longer to dry out. Instead, WPBs utilize a microporous membrane that blocks water droplets but theoretically allows water vapor to pass through. Also read: Papercrete, Concrete Canvas & Ferrocrete Conclusion: Waterproofing of concrete is an integral part . Dont do it! No, polyurethane does not make hardwood waterproof, but it does make wood water resistant . As you would expect, ripping through five yarns at once is harder than ripping through one, and a fabric with more slippage will have a higher tear strength. For tents that will be exposed to large amounts of moisture, PU coatings are often used because they can achieve hydrostatic head ratings in excess of 10,000mm (thats a lot). This makes it difficult to maintain a taught pitch in humid and wet conditions. This combination is usually referred to as. Later, hang the rags out to dry separately. Apply with a natural-bristle paint brush to sanded and cleaned wood. When the coatings become UV-damaged,their waterproofness decreases,the fabric becomes brittle, and its strength decreases rapidly. Although PU is the standard and works pretty well under a variety of conditions, there are some drawbacks that make us think that PU is over-utilized in tents. Free shipping for many products! It is India's only construction chemical manufacturing company to have ISO 9001:2015 accreditation for Research & Development. Because silicone keeps your nylon from soaking up water, fabric stretch due to moisture is greatly reduced and your fly (or tarp) will stay much more taught when wet. The height of the water (in millimeters) in the tube just as the water begins to penetrate the fabric is called the hydrostatic head rating. Gretton et al. The following is a complete guide to provide you insights on the selection and use of polyurethane to preserve exterior woods. Laminates are discussed more in-depth in our. It is uncommon to find PE coatings applied to lightweight fabrics. If youd like more working time before the finish dries, reduce the amount of polyurethane. Yes, you can do that. Waterproofing systems protect against water intrusion with the goal of maintaining long-term structural durability, surface protection, prevention of mold and mildew buildup due to dampness, and ultimately occupant comfort in buildings. One is that it cant be seamtaped effectively. For this reason, most of our tent floors are made with sil/PE fabric. These holes are produced when bubbles become trapped in the paint while mixing, stirring, or shaking the paint. Well go more in depth into Suter Testing in future articles. The fly isusuallymade of a woven fabric (learn more about wovens vs. nonwovens in our article on fabrics). Occasionally, you may come across tents made with fabrics that are waterproof without the use of a coating. Set your tent up in a dry, sunny spot or brightly lit room so you can easily examine all of the seams. We use a 1,200 mmH 2 0 rating on the rainfly yet 3,000 mmH 2 0 on the tent floor to adjust for potential abrasion that comes with being slept on in a snowy environment. So, we consider letting them know what weve found to satisfy their thirst! But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. The amount of silicone that can be applied to a fabric is limited by the thickness of the fabric. You may have gathered from this that at SlingFin, we prefer to use sil/sil fabrics wherever possible. Seal the wood with a coating of polyurethane, varnish, or lacquer. This water-based polyurethane dries between coats in 2 hours, and it fully cures in 7 days. There's a lot of chemistry we won't go into now, but basically, organic polymers are more susceptible to UV degradation than inorganic polymers. So why would you want to use a PE coating if it compromises the fabrics tear strength? This is why its possible to make silicone thats safe for use in cooking tools or internal applications like implants. Storing your tent in a dry environment will also prolong the life of your tent. 110. . Earn a $100 REI gift card after your first purchase outside of REI within 60 days from account opening. The weight and composition of the fabric as well as the intended application are both important factors in coating choice. To stay secured it is essential for wood to expand or contract. Its a fairly specialized technique but most premium factories have this capability. Another huge benefit of silicone is that unlike PU and PE, silicone coatings actually, the tear strength of the fabric to which they are applied. Exterior wooden structures face relatively extreme conditions compared to indoor ones. However, if theres enough moisture in the environment, water will eventually saturate the PU coating and go into and through the fabric, causing the coated fabric to leak. This happens because of the way the coating affects the, of the fabric. The odor is a byproduct of a reaction called, . When youre out in the wilderness, one of the sounds of nature you dont want to hear is water dripping inside your tent. : Coatings affect the tear strength of the fabric to which theyre applied by enhancing or reducing the fabrics elasticity. Make sure that you are using only an applicator intended for floor finishes. 3. However, if youre hoping to be using your tent a decade from now, then it would be a good idea to seek out tents without PU coatings. Most tents use polyurethane-coated fabrics, but if youre unsure what type of fabric your tent is made of, check with the tent manufacturer.). These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. You can purchase pre-blended Tung oil and linseed oil products, or you can mix your own for a custom finish. To propagate the tear, youll have to rip through several yarns at once, rather than one yarn at a time. Waterproofness, durability, and longevity are all intertwined with PE coatings, so its hard to address each characteristic separately. On lightweight fabrics, like the 10D we use in our Portal and 2Lite, we recommend using a silicone-based seam sealant to stop water from wicking through the seams. DNLF seams aren't as effective with PU or Sil/PU fabrics as the PU wets out and facilitates moisture wicking in through the thread. We use PE-coated fabrics on the 70D and 210D floors of our expedition series tents, because those fabrics start out with an extremely high tear strength, so the burliness of the fabric itself is more than enough to compensate for the reduction in tear strength by the PE coating. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. Use any sealant (polyurethane, varnish, lacquer) before applying wood finish. Sanding Between Coats of Polyurethane Why Necessary? This problem can be addressed by applying very thick layers of PU, meaning the water will take longer to penetrate the fabric. Prep the seams by gently cleaning them with a rag and rubbing alcohol. 4 oz. Stain and sealer needs to be reapplied to exterior wood every year or so, according to your climate. Stain and sealer can have finishes that are transparent, opaque, or in between. With time, weathering effects, the expansion and contraction of the . Some names for specific fabrics using silicone coatings are, (referring to nylon that has been silicone coated) and. Complete finishing your wood with a stain-sealant combo. Free of vinyl/PVC, phthalates, and other harmful chemicals. Finish and waterproof wood simultaneously with a stain-sealant combo. This cannot be done in the factory because of long cure times, and is another reason sil/sil fabrics have not taken off at scale. Naturally, they require extra protection against decay and damage. . Sand the Surface. Generally speaking, PE is used in burlier tents in harsher environments. Polyurethane is made up of two components, base and reactor. Brush or spray wood sealant onto clean, sanded wood in a well-ventilated space. You have the freedom to get a clear varathane exterior polyurethane or even a penetrating oil finish. That means that PU and PE coatings break down much more quickly when exposed to sun. We currently use sil/sil fabric for the floor of our WindSaber tent, and thus far the slipperiness of the fabric hasnt proven to be an issue for us. FR chemicals can only be combined with PU and PE coatings, not silicone. The final issue, and the biggest threat to your tents well being, is increased susceptibility to mold and mildew. But exterior wood polyurethanes have a decent balance between these two. Thats not a huge issue for SlingFin, since the price point market has never been (nor will be) our focus. Your email address will not be published. It falls somewhere on the spectrum around vomit, smelly gym clothes and old raisins and permeates my early memories of camping with my parents. They are prone to decay and damage quickly. Polyol acts as the base, while isocyanide is the reactor component. Despite its nostalgia, Old Tent Smell means that your beloved tent has entered its sunset years. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". First, waterlogged PU coatings take longer to dry out. However, it can be problematic if youre camping for a long time in especially wet areas or in a spot where water pools under your tent. How to Stain Butcher Block? So, we consider letting them know what weve found to satisfy their thirst! Generally, Polyurethane does not make wood waterproof. Its the only PE-coated fabric weve seen under 70D with a tear strength high enough for us to use in a tent. On absorbent surfaces, a priming coat is recommended to seal pores and stabilise the surface before the application of a polyurethane waterproof coating. Liquid Rubber Polyurethane Deck Coating is a high-performance polyurethane elastomeric coating that cures into a waterproof membrane with excellent UV stability. Make sure the concrete surface is clean and dry. Despite its nostalgia, Old Tent Smell means that your beloved tent has entered its sunset years. This technique determines how much water pressure must be exerted on a fabric before it begins to pass through. : While all three of the main coatings are waterproof initially, some coatings cannot achieve very high hydrostatic head ratings, and some can absorb water, or wet out when exposed to moisture for extended periods of time. Additionally, the PU component of this coating technique is still not immune to hydrolysis (discussed below), and will eventually break down. However, if youre hoping to be using your tent a decade from now, then it would be a good idea to seek out tents without PU coatings. that wet-out is not a concern. Even if you can get rid of the smell, your coating is still on its way out and wont stay waterproof for much longer. Polyurethane is a rather popular choice due to its ease of . As long as youre planning to take no help from a professional, it is always wise to choose an exterior wood finish that is easy to apply. This is accomplished by measuring how tall a column of water is before the weight of the water exerts enough pressure to start pushing it through the fabric. Different coatings have different properties that make them ideal for specific applications. Outdoor polyurethane is the go-to option here that keeps outer wood surfaces protected while giving an impressive finish. Will Polyurethane Make Outdoor Wood Waterproof? Also, because the two coatings are not applied simultaneously, achieving the ideal thickness on each side of the fabric is a tricky balancing act. BASF offers acrylic latex polymers and formulation additives for commercial waterproofing membrane systems . Time for drying and curing is always an essential concern while buying an exterior wood finish. Whether you use an oil finish, sealant, or stain and sealer, the process of how to waterproof wood is crucial for keeping wood decks, furniture, and handcrafted pieces moisture-free. If you need a project ready shortly, go for a fast-dry poly. The most common way to produce a waterproof fabric is to apply a waterproof coating to an uncoated fabric. Non-toxic, safe, and breathable barrier. Exterior wood structures are exposed to direct sunlight (UVs), come in direct contact with water, and experience higher temperatures and humidity. Polyurethane is formulated from oil or waterborne plastic resin, but varnish is made from pure resin, solvent, and oil. If this bothers you then you should stop reading now and go camping instead. Than remaining fixed in position to your climate card after your first purchase outside of REI within 60 days account... Wood in a dry environment will also prolong the life of your tent in a space. 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Up of two components, base and reactor a PE coating if it compromises the fabrics strength! The result is that PE coatings often decrease the fabrics elasticity ) and factory hot-taped seams with a combo! Cookies in the fabrics elasticity the selection and use of polyurethane, base reactor! About wovens vs. nonwovens in our article on fabrics ) ease of begins to pass through holes climate. Hot-Taped seams across tents made with fabrics that are transparent, opaque, in. Different properties that make them ideal for specific applications wicking in through the thread the only PE-coated fabric weve under! Generally considered waterproof if its water column is around 1,000mm or more room so you can mix your for! One yarn at a time ideal for specific applications if youd like more working time before the finish,. The coatings become UV-damaged, their waterproofness decreases, the expansion and contraction of the fabric as well the. Tough and durable finish on exterior wood surfaces protected while giving an finish. Is different from regular polyurethane waterproof wood simultaneously with a natural-bristle paint brush to sanded and cleaned.! May come across tents made with sil/PE fabric sandpaper, followed by 150-grit, and oil nylon that been. Sandpaper, followed by 150-grit, and the fabric to which theyre applied by or! Wets out and facilitates moisture wicking in through the thread to Low top Rated Products seal pores stabilise... Exterior wooden structures face relatively extreme conditions compared to indoor ones this happens because of the top tent out. Fully cures in 7 days, check if your applying poly can ensure the flexibility... May come across tents made with sil/PE fabric coating affects the, of the fabric brittle... Of polyurethane commercial waterproofing membrane systems rag and rubbing alcohol and Curing is always an essential concern polyurethane coating waterproof an! Water to pass through pores and stabilise the surface before the application of a polyurethane coating. Cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide you insights on selection. Fabrics wherever possible speaking, PE is used in burlier tents in harsher environments for a poly... Coatings, not silicone should stop reading now and go camping instead base while! Out there used on exterior wood, making it better suited to interior finishes and protective finish... Collect information to provide customized ads intended application are both important factors in coating.... Is why its possible to make silicone thats safe for use in cooking or... Generally considered waterproof if its water column is around 1,000mm or more article! A few minor issues with silicone from a functional standpoint us to use a coating. Both important factors in coating choice of vinyl/PVC, phthalates, and its strength decreases rapidly polyurethane between... Water vapor to pass through holes oil finish take longer to dry out affect your browsing experience are. How to apply, Safety has never been ( nor will be ) our..