How to Waterproof Your Tent

Whether you're using a cabin tent, dome tent or any type or tent, new or old, waterproofing them will decrease the chances of leaks when there's a heavy rain. If you've made the mistake of using a low quality tent without any waterproofing on a rainy day, you'll know that it can be a very uncomfortable experience especially when it happens in the middle of the night.

Not all tents are waterproof. In fact, large percentage of tents are merely water-resistant. However, cheap tents from the supermarket are a disaster when the weather turns grey. But even when you have a truly waterproof tent, in time you'll need to treat your tent to get it back in shape.

What you'll need:

• A tent
• Waterproof Solution
• Seam Sealer
• Watering Can or Outdoor Shower

You might have to apply a waterproof solution to your tent once a year or so depending on what type of solution you're using and how frequently you use the tent. These solutions are applied by either spraying, a squirt bottle or using a brush.

Before you apply the waterproof solution, make sure the tent is clean and dry. Pitch the tent so that the fabric is tight and then apply the waterproof solution on the opposite side of the original coating if the tent is new. Apply on both sides for old tents. A glossy appearance usually indicates that it's side coated with waterproof solution.

We recommend you apply a second layer of waterproof solution while the first layer is still drying. The time it takes to dry depends on the type of waterproof solution you use as well as the weather and humidity. In some places it can take up to a few days for the solution to dry. Once dry you can sprinkle some talcum powder if the surface is sticky.

Some waterproof solutions affect the breathability of a tent so be sure you read the description or ask the manufacturer if you don't want this to happen. It may also add weight and stiffness to your tent and damage the fire-retardant properties. We don't recommend the use of homemade waterproof solutions because they can unknowingly give out poisonous fumes that can kill you.

Seams that are not sealed are prone to leaks because of the holes left behind by the needles due to stitching. Taped seams are more water resistant than normal seams because there's a waterproof material used between overlapped seams which are then double stitched. These seams benefits from seam sealing as they're not completely waterproof.

Apply seam sealant on both sides of the seams and then let it dry for a few hours. You may apply another layer of seam sealant for better performance.

When the waterproofing solution and seam sealant has dried enough it's time to test the tent to check for any leaks. With the tent pitched, shower water over it using a watering can or a portable shower and see if there are any leaks. If you can pinpoint where the leak comes from, apply another layer of seam sealant or waterproof solution.

If you have a puncture, you'll have to make repairs to your tent first before doing any treatment with waterproof solution.