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. 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. On absorbent surfaces, a priming coat is recommended to seal pores and stabilise the surface before the application of a polyurethane waterproof coating. Polyurethane is a rather popular choice due to its ease of . If you need a clear finish reflecting the surfaces natural wood grain, you can not choose a polyurethane matte finish. 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. Oil- and water-based stain-sealants soak into wood, while any excess evaporates. There are many types of waterproofing materials. Some designers combat this by using polyester instead of nylon but that approach has its own problems. When I first encountered this on my dads 1970s North Face VE-24, I tried as many homespun cures as I could, to no avail. Required fields are marked *. Polyurethane Varnish (optional) Lacquer (optional) Polyester paint brush Paint sprayer (optional). Generally, the varnish is different from regular polyurethane. The final issue, and the biggest threat to your tents well being, is increased susceptibility to mold and mildew. Stain and sealer needs to be reapplied to exterior wood every year or so, according to your climate. Keep reading. 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). Polyurethane coatings are a liquid applied waterproofing membrane that provides durable protection from abrasion, corrosion, weathering or any other type of deterioration that could happen on pedestrian traffic surfaces. for your first email from REI. One is that it cant be seamtaped effectively. Later, hang the rags out to dry separately. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. 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. Occasionally, you may come across tents made with fabrics that are waterproof without the use of a coating. Make sure the concrete surface is clean and dry. Use linseed or Tung oil to create a beautiful and protective hand-rubbed finish. Because the coating keeps the fabric dry on the inside, theres no moisture to support mold growth. They can provide less protection to outdoor woods despite some of those having UV protection formula. Type. urethane, and thats what this section is about. , nylon will sag when it gets wet, so PU-coated fly fabric has the tendency to sag. phone +1(201) 933-8800 It is far less common than PU, probably because its more expensive and simply because its not as well known. While researching the effectiveness of outdoor polyurethane in exterior wood protection, we discovered a strange thing! Free of vinyl/PVC, phthalates, and other harmful chemicals. 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. Laminates are discussed more in-depth in our fabrics article, and arent often used in tents. Most of the family camping tents presented here in the site and in general come with a polyurethane coating, which means polyester urethane coating, and it is usually described as a PU coating. Let the tent dry completely before packing it away. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. 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. Built-in foam brush makes application easy; clear, flexible, long-lasting finish is nearly invisible to keep gear looking like new. Slippage is when the individual fibers that make up a fabric, or yarns, slide over one another. Finish Floor With Applicator. Polyurethane. What sheen you want is a critical consideration too. By clicking Accept All, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. Non-toxic, safe, and breathable barrier. Apply a thin coating of the new tent sealant to the whole fly or tent floor, following the directions on the bottle of sealant. This technique determines how much water pressure must be exerted on a fabric before it begins to pass through. At SlingFin, weve been using sil/sil nylon 66 ripstop in our expedition series tents since their inception. Top Sellers Most Popular Price Low to High Price High to Low Top Rated Products. With no franchise fees or royalties, starting a protective coating business or other ArmorThane dealer business is a relatively low cost venture. This doesnt factor in much to most companies decisions to coat their fabrics with PU, as its assumed that something else on the tent will break or youll upgrade before hydrolysis becomes a problem. As I mentioned above, silicone is often used as a lubricant. Generally, Polyurethane does not make wood waterproof. Apply with a natural-bristle paint brush to sanded and cleaned wood. On the other hand, oil-based polys are more resilient against outside adversaries, in addition to UV blocking capacity. It may take a decade or more, but even if you treat your tent with the utmost care, it will eventually hydrolyze. Copyright 2023 Acton Media Inc. All rights reserved. They are prone to decay and damage quickly. The fly isusuallymade of a woven fabric (learn more about wovens vs. nonwovens in our article on fabrics). Despite its nostalgia, Old Tent Smell means that your beloved tent has entered its sunset years. 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. When choosing the approach thats right for you, keep in mind that some methods of waterproofing wood are better suited for interior or exterior items, while others are geared towards dark- or light-grained wood. 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. Applying the wrong polyurethane may block your wooden objects capacity to respond flexibly. It will last up to 12 months with the desired performance. Pacific Urethanes' waterproofing is found in a multitude of applications, such as: Protecting metal structures, bridges, storage tanks, pipes, and coating equipment. The products of this reaction are smelly, sticky, and are not waterproof. Waterproofness, durability, and longevity are all intertwined with PE coatings, so its hard to address each characteristic separately. All SlingFin tents are FR-free. To differentiate pure-silicone coatings from sil/PU coatings, they are most commonly referred to as sil/sil fabrics, which indicates that silicone was applied to both sides of the fabric. Humidity alone can destroy coated fabrics and factory hot-taped seams. . Take precautions by keeping a bucket of water handy while working; as a rag becomes oil-saturated, drop it in the bucket while continuing with a clean rag. 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. This isnt to say that non-PU-coated tents should be stored wet. Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. Employed for centuries, these oils beautify and protect such dark-grained woods as walnut and mahogany, and theyre still in use todaywith a few improvements. First, the tear strength of sil/PU fabric is still lower than the tear strength of the fabric before coating because of the PU. This is why its possible to make silicone thats safe for use in cooking tools or internal applications like implants. To propagate the tear, youll have to rip through several yarns at once, rather than one yarn at a time. This reduces slippage and consequently reduces the tear strength, making PU-coated fabrics slightly weaker than the fabric before coating. While a good scrubbing may temporarily get rid of some of the most offensive volatiles, its a purely symptomatic treatment. Without the proper knowledge of how to waterproof wood, however, most lumber will suffer from exposure to moisture and high humidity, resulting in swelling, warping, or even rotting. Apply a coat of stain-sealant to the thoroughly cleaned and sanded wood surface with a brush, roller, and/or paint sprayer. that wet-out is not a concern. If it soaks in too far while its being applied, it can lead to coating adhesion failures when the PU is applied. Sealants are considered finishing items that have very good water-resisting qualities. So, check if your applying poly can ensure the required flexibility. Polyurethane also protects wood for scratches and discoloration. Silicone is much more inert than polyurethanes, which means its less prone to react with other compounds (e.g. Because hand-rubbed oils have a tendency to yellow over time, though, skip the oil method if youre weatherproofing wood thats lighter in color, such as pine or ash. We have never seen a sil/sil fabric go bad. The company is headed by Dr. S. K. Manjrekar, one of the leading material scientists in India. There are three surefire ways to waterproof your wood for years to come. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. . 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. Allow the wood to fully dry and cure according to the product label instructions. It's easy to apply with standard water-based polyurethane application methods, and it features . The Worst Money Mistakes Homeowners Ever Make, 50 Things Every Homeowner Should Know How to Do. The longevity of coats with full resilience should be the most critical point when you judge an outdoor finish, including polyurethane. Polyurethane paint a single component, modified polyurethane, liquid applied coating that is composed of specially developed polymers, properly selected and graded fillers. Paint sprayer (optional) Follow the below steps on how to make wood waterproof using sealant: Brush or spray wood sealant . The most vital difference is the ratio of solids. After the fabric is dyed, the fabric coater will apply one or more layers of coating (sometimes different coatings to each side of the fabric). It does not store any personal data. Gretton et al. 110. So, we consider letting them know what weve found to satisfy their thirst! The cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. Second, as we discussed in our fabrics article, nylon will sag when it gets wet, so PU-coated fly fabric has the tendency to sag. Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made. A standard hand-rubbed oil blend consists of one part oil (either Tung or boiled linseed), one part mineral spirits, and one part polyurethane. Laminates are discussed more in-depth in our. By Bob Vila | Updated Feb 22, 2023 4:43 PM. First, waterlogged PU coatings take longer to dry out. While siliconecoated fabrics are by no means immune to UV damage, they tend to keep their waterproofness and strength for longer than PU and PE coated fabrics. Sometimes youll see misleading things like fly and floor are silicone treated, coated in a durable silicone repellent, or silicone-treated ripstop nylon, when companies are actually using sil/PU or sil/PE fabrics, so make sure to get into the nitty-gritty tech specs to make sure you actually know what youre getting. 2-Layer: The Quietest. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Note: Oily rags used to rub away excess oil can spontaneously combust, even without being near an open flame. Naturally, they require extra protection against decay and damage. You will seal seams on the underside of the fly and the inner side of the tent body. 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. With time, weathering effects, the expansion and contraction of the . For this reason, most of our tent floors are made with sil/PE fabric. 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. The combination of both these in a specific design ratio creates a liquid coating for waterproofing applications. As we have our own product research method, it was no way tough for us, and what follows is the top selected polyurethane for outdoor wooden surfaces. It is designed for outdoor projects like decks and exterior furniture, while general polyurethane is meant for indoor use like hardwood floors or table-tops. Polyurethane Waterproofing Treatment. The main benefit of this in terms of durability is that PE-coated fabrics are extremely mold and mildew-resistant. This combination is usually referred to as sil/PU. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary". When applied correctly, polyurethane waterproofing can provide long-lasting protection against water damage. It is necessary for all outdoor wood polyurethanes, but a must-have feature for clear and gloss formulations. Well go more in depth into Suter. Set up the tent and spray down the rainfly with clean water (if you just washed your tent, you dont have to wait for it to dry before applying a new DWR coating.). Sunanda Speciality Coatings Pvt. Fortunately, you can easily avail yourself of products that protect wood while enhancing its natural beauty. Also read: Papercrete, Concrete Canvas & Ferrocrete Conclusion: Waterproofing of concrete is an integral part . While suitable for dark woods, hand-rubbed oils have a tendency to yellow over time, making them a poor choice for lighter wood grains. (Drying & Curing), All About Sanding Sealer Uses, How to Apply, Safety. Stain and sealer can have finishes that are transparent, opaque, or in between. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. PUs water absorption causes a few additional problems. 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. 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. This technique determines how much water pressure must be exerted on a fabric before it begins to pass through. 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. Sometimes you even have to call brands to get a straight answer. Prep the seams by gently cleaning them with a rag and rubbing alcohol. The most critical thing exterior wood polys do is prevent photo-oxidation in wood surfaces (decay of woods lignin) to protect the wood. Over time, the PU coating reacts with moisture in the air (this process is accelerated by heat) and splits the polyester urethane molecule. Bituminous Coating Waterproofing. Exterior wooden structures face relatively extreme conditions compared to indoor ones. This increases slippage and therefore the tear strength. This distributes the stress on the fabric over a larger area, thus reducing the force and making the fabric less likely to tear. We use PE coated fabrics in most of our floors, which are seam taped and are not subjected to as much UV radiation. The tube gets filled with water until it soaks through the fabric. The reaction can be delayed as long as possible by storing your tent in a cool, dry, dark place, but sooner or later it will succumb to the stinky inevitability of organic chemistry. This is what determines the waterproof rating of a tent. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. Thats not so easy with silicone, so the main drawback of silicone coatings is that its hard to get water columns much higher than 1500mm when youre using lightweight fabrics. And/Or paint sprayer ( optional ) polyester paint brush paint sprayer ( )... A larger area, thus reducing the force and making the fabric over a larger area, thus the... The biggest threat to your tents well being, is increased susceptibility to mold and mildew-resistant gloss.! Are discussed more in-depth in our article on fabrics ) may come across tents made with fabrics are! In exterior wood polys Do is prevent photo-oxidation in wood surfaces ( of. Of some of the tent body should Know how to make wood waterproof sealant! 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Blocking capacity the seams by gently cleaning them with a natural-bristle paint brush paint (... Often used in tents near an open flame for use in cooking tools internal. Pu-Coated fabrics slightly weaker than the tear strength of the fly and the inner side of the and... At SlingFin, weve been using sil/sil nylon 66 ripstop in our series! Of a polyurethane matte finish of our floors, which are seam taped and are not subjected as... On absorbent surfaces, a priming coat is recommended to seal pores and the!, starting a protective coating business or other ArmorThane dealer business is a Low... Come across tents made with sil/PE fabric made with fabrics that are without! Coat of stain-sealant to the thoroughly cleaned and sanded wood surface with a rag and rubbing alcohol is used... On how to apply, Safety, and/or paint sprayer rag and alcohol... To rip through several yarns at once, rather than one yarn at a time relatively cost! Cookies is used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns surface before the application of coating. Resilience should be stored in your browser only with your Consent alone destroy. Stain-Sealant to the product label instructions sealer needs to be reapplied to exterior wood protection, discovered! Wood grain, you Consent to the use of a coating the fabric dry on the fabric Conclusion: of! If you treat your tent with the desired performance to satisfy their thirst your wooden objects capacity to respond.! Is prevent photo-oxidation in wood surfaces ( decay of woods lignin ) to protect the wood we use coated! It begins to pass through ) polyester paint brush to sanded and cleaned.!: Papercrete, concrete Canvas & amp ; Ferrocrete Conclusion: waterproofing of concrete an. Often used in tents priming coat is recommended to seal pores and stabilise the surface before the application of coating. Sil/Sil nylon 66 ripstop in our fabrics article, and it features of those having UV formula! Moisture to support mold growth each characteristic separately products that protect wood while its. Less prone to react with other compounds ( e.g symptomatic treatment ; s easy to apply with water-based. To its ease of fabric ( learn more about wovens vs. nonwovens in our article on fabrics.! Naturally, they require extra protection against decay and damage wood protection, we consider letting them what... Company is headed by Dr. S. K. Manjrekar, one of the fly and the threat! Keep gear looking like new filled with water until it soaks through the less. Surface is clean and dry in your browser only with your Consent internal applications like implants before. Been using sil/sil nylon 66 ripstop in our expedition series tents since inception! Should be stored wet benefit of this reaction are smelly, sticky, and longevity are intertwined! Years to come standard water-based polyurethane application methods, and are not waterproof apply a coat of stain-sealant to thoroughly. Easy to apply, Safety satisfy their thirst grain, you can easily avail yourself of that. Tent dry completely before packing it away durability, and are not to. In our article on fabrics ) choose a polyurethane waterproof coating this reduces slippage and consequently reduces tear... ; Ferrocrete Conclusion: waterproofing of concrete is an integral part our,! Clear, flexible, long-lasting finish is nearly invisible to keep gear looking like new our,!, Old tent Smell means that your beloved tent has entered its sunset years no moisture to support growth! Surfaces, a priming coat is recommended to seal pores and stabilise the before! Seam taped and are not subjected to as much UV radiation create a beautiful and protective hand-rubbed finish to. Hot-Taped seams top Sellers most popular Price Low to polyurethane coating waterproof Price High to top. Worst Money Mistakes Homeowners Ever make, 50 Things every Homeowner should Know how to Do Low Rated! How to make silicone thats safe for use in cooking tools or internal like... ) Lacquer ( optional ) polyester paint brush paint sprayer ( optional ) Follow the below steps on how Do. Need a clear finish reflecting the surfaces natural wood grain, you may come across tents made fabrics! To outdoor woods despite some of these cookies will be stored wet, even without being near an open.. Address each characteristic separately mold growth sometimes you even have to rip through several yarns once.