Tent Sealing

I got my new tent in the mail yesterday too. So excited. ;D

I thought new tents were already sealed?
Does everyone recommend sealing new tents?

I would seal it - for sure - we bought a new tent last year and did not seam seal - just scotch guard - that did ok - but we still had some seam leaks - we will be seam sealing this year as well as scotch guard

Two things: At first I thought you thread was named "Tent Stealing"... I was like... "man that is messed up" - sorry I thought it was funny.

Next, a good quality tent should not require any sealing when new, and prefferably not even when a few years old. Most tents come waterproof and with good seals - I own an Ozark Trail that is three years old and is still as waterproof as the day I got it... no leaks, etc. I would save any sealing for when the tent actually needs it.

That might be true, but it def wouldent hurt to seal it anyways.

no sweaty tent set ups for either of us this year!

Got a MSR tent on sale from REI.

Owner's manual says "Superior fabrics and construction make MSR tents and shelters
extremely waterproof. The rainfly and floor are factory seam-taped or have a binding tape, so seam sealing is not necessary or recommended".

Plan to set it up tomorrow. Maybe see how it does in a rain storm ... has not rained mush lately.

The Eureka tent I got last year told me to seal it even though it already has taped seams and such. I bought one tube of seamsealer and sealed the bathtub seal, all other seams, and even the taped seams. Then I will hit the whole thing with a spray sealant as well. When it comes to Bonnaroo my motto is it always pays to think ahead and do the little extra effort while in the comfort of my home. Nothing worse than getting to roo and thinking of something you didnt do but really should have.....especially if you are sitting in water thinking.....MAN I wish I would have paid $6 and sealed this tent!

I do both just cause its better to be safe than sorry. If it stays dry (and I hope it does) then you will be out a couple bucks and a little time, but if we get a downpour it may be that little extra protection that keeps you dry. not necessary but I'm going to do both

I will definitely seam-seal and spray-waterproof our tent and the roof of the screen house, as I would by far rather spend a few hours and a couple bucks on that chore instead of getting leaks. It takes just a couple hours, costs a couple bucks for seam sealer and $6 for some good spray-on waterproofing.

Seam sealer on the interior seams around the floor/bottom of the tent is the most important but it doesnt hurt to apply it to both sides of all the seams. The floor seams are an absolute must and the rainfly seams are also a key trouble spot.

The spray-on waterproofing goes on the exterior of the tent only.

Be sure to always work with plenty of ventilation, outdoors really is the only good way, and keep all the flaps and doors of the tent open when working inside the tent, as the fumes can be pretty strong.

The best prices I found on seam sealer and waterproofing spray are at the local Sportsmans Warehouse. The place is a little scary with all the dead animals and guns, but they have great stuff and a lot of it is very well priced. The Kiwi Camp Dry silicone waterproofing 12oz can was just under $6 compared to the 11oz heavy duty Scotchguard for about the same price at WalMart. I think the Kiwi stuff is a better quality sealant than the Scotchguard and there's more in the can to boot. They also had Coghlan's seam sealant at a good price.

Can seal em up now, just be sure to let them dry VERY thoroughly (give it a good deal longer than the package says) before packing it back up. Be sure to check your weather reports before starting! =)

I'm all for sealing, but I've heard spray waterproofing can sharply decrease breathability..

Some waterproofing can indeed cause problems with the breathability of the fabric. Seam sealing will not at all, of course, but a cheap or poor spray-on might. Look for a good quality silicone-based spray waterproofing and you can limit the degree to which it will reduce airflow through your tent. From what the hardcore camping and backpacking folks tell me the top brands are Tectron and Revivex, but Kiwi Camp-Dry is ok and Scotchguard Heavy-Duty will do if nothing else can be found. Do not use brush-on waterproofing and certainly do not try the sealant that you used on your wood deck.

And yes, it is true that waterproofing reduces their flame retardant qualities of your tent, and when you first spray it on it sure is flammable, but I really doubt after it dries that it makes them highly combustible. I'll test it out if I can clear a safe spot and appropriate fabric to do so. In any case, one is best off never keeping anything burning inside your tent. Smoke and cook outside and use battery lanterns inside. Whether you waterproof or not, it's much safer.