Tent polyurethane coating The bathtub-style ground sheet extends up the interior sides of Nov 18, 2022 · Not least because of this, tent floors are very often equipped with a textile coating of polyurethane. PU coatings seem to be used on both nylon and polyester fabrics, while silnylon is obviously exclusive to nylon. Unfortunately a flysheet coated with PU (polyurethane) is often prone to chemical degradation In addition the PU coating literally demolishes the tear strength in the fabric. Jun 19, 2023 · The polyurethane coating is applied to enhance the properties of the fabric, providing durability, water resistance, and flexibility. If the coating is worn out, it may be better to invest in a new tent. Apr 21, 2025 · Tent Body: Low wall – 75-denier polyester taffeta with polyurethane coating; upper wall – breathable 75-denier polyester taffeta; mesh – 20-denier nylon; Floor: 75-denier polyester taffeta with polyurethane coating; Rainfly: 40-denier ripstop nylon with polyethylene coating If the peeling polyurethane coating is making your tent look like it’s recovering from a bad sunburn, you’ll want to reproof those surfaces with a new urethane coating. It is a more economical way to achieve a waterproof flysheet. Feb 24, 2019 · This just means that the substance used to waterproof your tent is a polyurethane coating. Polyurethane adds to how waterproof the tent is, and it can only be applied to nylon and polyester fabrics. Polyurethane (coating 11,000 mm H 2 O) The polyurethane coating provides permanent impregnation and is applied directly onto the material in various layers. Nov 18, 2023 · Waterproof PU Coating. The PU coating tends to be a bit thicker than an acrylic coating and looks slightly duller. Dec 31, 2021 · 2. Urethane is used in tent floors and fly sheets. Jun 13, 2019 · 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 (that’s a lot). The rainfly and tent floor often have a polyurethane (PU) coating on one side. You can remove the old coating using a powder detergent and either your laundry machine or a scrub brush, then reapply a waterproofing coat and seam sealant. I would NOT try coating silicone over the top of aging PU: that will not go well. ft. Some tents use silicone-treated fabric, in which case Seam Grip +SIL is a good option. This can happen over time, especially if you don’t clean your tent or camp in areas with more dust and rocks. Submerge the tent and soak for 2-3 hours. Gloves (optional) Drop cloth for spills (optional) Jul 9, 2020 · Seal up to 85 sq. As with most things, however, preventing the problem is easier than dealing with it once it happens. Cheers. of nylon tent floors, rainflies and tarps with this 4 fl oz tent sealer; previously known as Tent Sure; Restore old PU coatings that are flaking, sticky or degrading with this effective tent waterproofing and seam sealer; Apply water-based formula that dries to a long-lasting, nearly invisible coating that also flexes with Aug 5, 2021 · Refreshing a Tent’s Urethane Coating. Oct 12, 2004 · The washer and dryer wreak havoc on the waterproof coatings of your tent, but since you need to strip the coatings in order to properly refurbish them, the washing machine is your best bet. Another thing to consider is if the your tent has a polyurethane coating on the inside. GEAR AID Seam Grip TF Tent Fabric Sealer for Waterproofing May 16, 2023 · The main cause of leaks in any tent is the deterioration of the manufacturer’s wet weather treatments to the tent seams, DWR coating, and/or the waterproof polyurethane or silicone coating. Apr 28, 2021 at 6:47 pm Jul 8, 2024 · When a tent is described as PU5000 mm, it indicates that the material has a Polyurethane coating enhancing its waterproofness. Wet packing would end up with a sticky, mold covered canvas, while compact storage would prevent off-gassing. If you own a polyurethane tent and notice that your tent fly is leaking, or your tent floor is flaking or tacky to the touch, you need to apply a new polyurethane coating with Gear Aid Seam Grip TF Tent Fabric Sealant. Fortunately, there’s a product that can help refresh this coating. Jul 2, 2024 · By incorporating polyurethane coatings into the manufacturing process of military tents, manufacturers can achieve a balance between lightweight mobility and robust weather resistance. Over time, the protective waterproofing on a tent floor, rain fly, or tarp wears out and begins to flake off. How the Polyurethane Coating on the Fabric Makes it Highly Waterproof. The final way to better waterproof a tent is to refresh your tent’s urethane coating. This combination of properties is a priceless advantage – especially for tents. Jun 1, 2020 · Seal up to 85 sq. Now we want to apply the seam sealer but it’s important to choose the right one according to the coating on the fabric. If the water resistance was compromised, there are good chances the polyurethane coating got worn out. Restore polyurethane (PU) coating to like-new condition with Seam Grip TF. Therefore, it resists the premature degradation that traditional tent polyurethane coatings experience. For you, this means a tent that lasts much longer, with a quality that's maintained over time. Bathtub Groundsheet. Over time, tent waterproofing wears out and begins to flake off. A bit of research threw up two options; 1) wash the tent with normal detergent to force the PU coating to delaminate 2) soak the tent in dilute ammonia to dissolve the coating. Lay your rainfly and/or tent floor flat and gently scrub off the flaking coating with rubbing alcohol and your sponge. I chose to experiment with the ammonia approach and then wash it for good measure Dec 6, 2018 · Therefore, it resists the premature degradation that traditional tent polyurethane coatings experience. First, soak the tent in a bucket of warm water then scrub off the remaining polyurethane coating with a non-abrasive sponge and a mixture of isopropyl alcohol, water and two drops of liquid soap. Keep a dish towel nearby to soak up excessive residue. Most tents come with a polyurethane coating on the rainfly and floor to enhance water resistance. Keep reading. This coating enhances its waterproofing capabilities while maintaining breathability, making it suitable for various outdoor applications such as backpacks Jul 2, 2024 · By incorporating polyurethane coatings into the manufacturing process of military tents, manufacturers can achieve a balance between lightweight mobility and robust weather resistance. Feb 15, 2024 · PU (Polyurethane) Coating: When a tent is described as PU5000 mm, it indicates that the material has a Polyurethane coating enhancing its waterproofness. Nov 22, 2021 · For extreme cases, soak the tent in water, Revivex Pro Cleaner or mild soap, and an isopropyl alcohol mixture to remove the old PU coating. The "5000 mm" specifies the tent's waterproof rating, denoting its capacity to endure a water column of 5000 millimeters in height without leakage. May 2, 2025 · The REI Campwell 6 is a freestanding tent suitable for car camping. Previously known as Tent Sure, a 4 fl oz bottle of Seam Grip TF restores tent floors to like-new condition and treats up to 85 sq. Seam sealing: This is the process for making the stitching in a tent waterproof, either by applying a waterproof tape or a liquid-based sealant to the seams. Over time, this coating may wear off, leading to reduced waterproofing performance. With time, that coating can start to flake off and will reduce the fabric’s waterproofness. Subjecting your tent to rough treatment then develops leaks that can be eliminated by retreating your floor. Jul 31, 2021 · This guide should only be followed for PU coated tents, it won't work on Sinylon. It’s sufficiently firm and elastic, as well as being very low in weight. Hope this is helpful! Unfortunately, sticky or tacky tent flies are caused by a breakdown of the coating used. Silicone coatings are known for their durability and ability to withstand extreme temperatures, while polyurethane coatings are more affordable and provide excellent waterproofing capabilities. Feb 1, 2023 · The polyurethane tent coating is a commonly used method for waterproofing family camping tents and even backpack-portable tents. This means one side of the fabric (usually the inside) is coated with PU and the other side is coated with silicone. Apr 21, 2021 · Recoating polyurethane tent flys. The flexibility and versatility of polyurethane coatings make them a preferred choice for military tent materials, ensuring optimal performance in various 2 Remove Peeling. If your tent is only leaking from one place in a single seam, you don’t need to re-seal every seam but it doesn’t hurt. The tent is a hybrid double wall tent with an inner tent and a rain fly that just covers its ceiling, with a slight overhang for rain protection. Apr 27, 2023 · Polyurethanes are a broad class of polymers encompassing two of the three common fabric coatings: poly ester urethane (PU) and poly ether urethane (PE / PeU). May 12, 2023 · PU, or polyurethane, is a coating applied to tent fabric to make it waterproof. Polyurethane coated fabric has coating of PU on one side of the fabric, as with an acrylic coating. . 5" Width: 65" Height: 48” - Bed Size: 92” x 62” - 600D Rip-Stop waterproof tent body with 2000mm polyurethane coating - 420D Rainfly Rip-Stop waterproof cover with 2000mm polyurethane coating - 7-1/2' aluminum collapsible ladder Sep 13, 2007 · It could be that some combination of moisture/warmth/tight packing has caused the polyurethane coating on the fly to deteriorate a little and become semi-liquid, and it s now gluing itself together. Jul 24, 2017 · The first PU was a water-based coating, which was polymerised on the fabric. The interior walls of the tent or rainfly become sticky because the polyurethane coating that came originally on the tent broke down. However, thicker PU layers make the fabric more waterproof but also Jun 12, 2022 · 4. It's made from Oxford weave polyester, coated with polyurethane (PU) for added strength and protection against moisture. of material. ) Here’s how to apply the tent sealant: Lay your rainfly and/or tent floor flat and gently scrub off the flaking coating with rubbing alcohol and your sponge. Apr 29, 2023 · PU-Coating is a thin layer of polyurethane which is applied to the tent material during production stage. Tents tend to be sticky because they are stored wet or too tight. Successfully Remove Waterproofing From the Tent What it does a breathable PU is its characteristic to absorb water, the polyurethane is hydrophilic. Polyurethane will naturally break down over time. Apply a thin coating of the new tent sealant to the whole fly or tent floor, following the directions on the bottle of sealant. How to apply a urethane coating to a tent Jun 30, 2020 · Use Seam Grip TF as a tent sealer to restore the polyurethane coating (PU) on a tent floor. PU (and rarely PE) coatings are often used in tents in conjunction with silicone coating. The most likely cause of your sticky tent is the original polyurethane coating going bad. Aug 30, 2023 · 3. Their coatings lasted for a few years (enough for the warranty), then water crept back in and degraded the result. Is it the inside or the outside surface of the tent? You can theoretically re-coat polyurethane coatings with "tent floor sealer" products, but it's a pain in the ass and never works as well as the factory job, since IIRC the poly is applied during manufacturing with the Apr 11, 2023 · 1. The coating gives the material water-proof properties, and usually applied to the underside of the fabric. You’ll know it’s time to do this if you notice any flaking on the floor of your tent or on the tent rainfly. The stickiness is because of the polyurethane coating on the fabric delaminating and breaking down. In fact, this waterproof coating is 3 times more durable than standard coatings, giving you reliable weather protection season in and season out. The breakdown of polyurethane may even create foul odors that some have likened to vomit or urine. It has a big footprint with plenty of interior space that’s a palace for two but can also hold a family with a few small kids. At 3. This comes with a brush for application, which you’ll need if your seam sealer doesn’t come with one. This makes PU ideal for applications when there will be a lot of pressure exerted on a fabric, like if you’re using a cot in your tent. The coatings are polyurethane, silicon, UPF, and SPF. How do you remove polyurethane from nylon? Mix a tablespoon of powder detergent with a few drops of water until it forms a thick paste. Sep 27, 2019 · 3. If your tent is peeling or flaking on the top side of its floor or on the underside of its fly, it needs a new polyurethane coating. 63 pounds, it packs down to 15. There is a cure to this problem. Nov 26, 2021 · The most common type of tent fabric is polyurethane-coated, which requires one type of sealer, while silicone fabrics use another. Polyurethane is a versatile polymer synthesized by combining diisocyanates with polyols. Unfortunately, not all coating plants managed this. Related Articles Bikepacking Gear Care 101: Tips for Maintaining Your Bikepacking Gear - Rugged shell protects tent assembly when traveling. 7 x 5. Xtreme Shield’s polyurethane features a molecular chain that’s formulated specifically to hold up against heat and humidity. By applying a layer of polyurethane to the surface of a polyester fabric, the coating can create a barrier that repels water and prevents it from seeping through. Jun 6, 2021 · A polyurethane (PU) coating is applied to the inside fabric on most tents, backpacks and rain gear to make the fabric waterproof. Previously known as Tent Sure, this clear sealant makes tent waterproofing hassle-free with its built-in foam applicator brush. Because PU is much more common than PE, when the outdoor industry says “polyurethane”, they’re talking about poly ester urethane, and that’s what this section is about. Nov 22, 2021 · A polyurethane (PU) coating is applied to the inside fabric on most tents, backpacks and rain gear to make the fabric waterproof. The PU coating provides the necessary abrasion resistance. If you pack your tent when it`s wet and he has polyurethane coating, layers will paste and turn into a solid ball. The flexibility and versatility of polyurethane coatings make them a preferred choice for military tent materials, ensuring optimal performance in various Feb 6, 2025 · Coatings and surface treatments play a crucial role in ensuring the durability, waterproofing, and UV resistance of a tent: Polyurethane (PU) Coating: This coating, applied in layers on the fabric, provides waterproofing values ranging from 800mm to 10,000mm in water columns. Store your tent in a cool dry place, not the hot garage. Apr 2, 2024 · Sil/PU coatings. How to repair flaking polyurethane tent flies and floors. You had to get the polymerisation just right for the coating to last a long time. With time this coating may break down leaving the fabric with a sticky or gummy feel. This high-performance formula makes it easy to coat worn areas for longer life and water resistance. Most tents use polyurethane-coated fabrics, but if you’re unsure what type of fabric your tent is made of, check with the tent manufacturer. Your tent fabric will either have a polyurethane coating (most common) or be made from a silicone treated fabric (Silnylon). Silicone and polyurethane coatings are two of the most popular waterproof coatings used on tents. Check with the manufacturer or the label on the tent to find which product you need. 2 days ago · Solo bikepackers seeking a balance between weight savings and weather protection will find the Naturehike Bikepacking 1 Person Tent delivers on both fronts. Most backpacking tent coatings are polyurethane based. If it's visibly peeling off, it's probably the polyurethane coating. 9 x 5. It has its good and bad sides, and some are discussed here. This combination is usually referred to as sil/PU. It appears that PU coatings are more expensive in practice - although this may be influenced by the obvious fact that a thicker layer needs more polymer. May 25, 2023 · The fabric normally used for low end tents, is polyester covered with a layer of polyurethane coating. There are a few techniques worth trying before sending it to a landfill. Over a camping season in the great outdoors your shelter will be subjected to a variety of conditions that can lead to the deterioration of tent fabric. It is prone to chemical degradation and can be observed when the urethane coating starts flaking off. Pay attention! Water is a very slow solvent for polyurethane. PU ratings range from 500mm to 10,000mm or more depending on the use, with the average 4-season tent rainfly sitting around 1,500mm. Polyurethane will not stick to silicone so it’s important to choose the right product. You have to wash all the remaining polyurethane coating off the tent with soap, and reseal it with Seam Grip TF Feb 26, 2025 · Silicone and PU (polyurethane) coatings: These are additional technical coatings added to tent fabrics to make them waterproof. Coat the Floor and Rainfly with Polyurethane . Polyurethane coating is a popular choice for enhancing the water resistance of fabrics. First, scrub the flaking coating off of the rainfly and/or tent floor. Reapply the Urethane Coating to the Floor. Polyurethane Coating. Footprint is made with 75-denier polyester taffeta with polyurethane coating and a nonfluorinated DWR that helps moisture bead up on the surface Package includes tent body, rainfly, footprint, guylines with tighteners, pole-repair tube, pole bag, 10 stakes, stake bag and storage bag Jul 28, 2021 · The coatings can also add to the cons of the fabrics, so you should choose the best tent coating for you. Most modern tent flysheets are made with a Polyurethane (PU) coating to make the fabric waterproof while a Durable Water Repellent (DWR) finish on the face fabric encourages water to bead and roll off. Specifications: - Interior Dimensions: Length: 82. 4. Zip all the zippers and fasten all the Velcro swatches, then run it through the gentle cycle with cold water and a touch of a mild powdered soap (like Ivory). Forum Posting. Next time, when you want to use it, it`s no longer possible to open. Make your gear waterproof again with Tent Sure polyurethane coating for tents and outdoor fabrics. Previously known as Tent Sure, this clear sealant makes it easy and hassle-free for your customers to waterproof their tent its built-in foam applicator brush. 9 inches using 20D silicone-coated nylon and 7001 aluminum poles. The floors of tents are constantly exposed to heavy loads due to small pebbles on the ground, sand, roots, sticks and stones as well as natural friction from the person(s) resting on them. Both coatings are applied to the tent’s fabric to Dec 19, 2023 · Most tents have a simple polyurethane coating, but some use a silicon coating that requires a different type of sealant. Remove the tent from the bath and gently scrub the polyurethane coating (typically applied to the underside of tent flies and the top side of tent floors) with a mixture of isopropyl alcohol, water and a couple of drops of soap. A coating of, say, 1,000mm doesn t mean the coating is that Most tents use polyurethane-coated fabrics, in which case Gear Aid’s Seam Grip +WP is a good choice. Polyurethane provides increased durability for materials that may end up soaked in water for extended periods. of nylon tent floors, rainflies and tarps with this 4 fl oz tent sealer; previously known as Tent Sure Restore old PU coatings t… read more GEAR AID Seam Grip FC Fast Cure Sealant for Nylon and Polyester Tents, Tarps, Awnings, Clear, 2 oz Sep 10, 2018 · The magic is at the molecular level. You should definitely choose a tent with its own, sewn in groundsheet, but if you can find one with a good, sewn in, bathtub groundsheet, you may have a hit a goldmine. PU Coated Oxford Fabric PU Coated Oxford Fabric is a versatile material known for its durability and water resistance. Let the new coating dry for at least 24 hours before packing your tent away. If the tent is more than a few years old, consider coating What do you guys think are the pros/cons between what looks like the most common methods used for waterproofing tent materials. Jul 10, 2006 · All tents have polyurethane coating on the floor and waterproof fly, and it s the coating that keeps you dry, not the fabric itself. The PU rating measures how much water pressure the fabric can withstand before it starts leaking. Nikwax and waterproofing will only help with creating a layer so that the water beads off the fabric instead of have the fabric soaked and absorbing water. What affects how waterproof a tent really is? Sep 30, 2022 · 3. The coating process ensures that the fabric becomes more resilient and resistant to external elements. qabv illjwpb xqfdo kjvg ktkucw ooyk xydg bzkw lubgz abrzt