Silicone seam-sealing

Give it at least 6 hours on a warm day.

Eric

You can use the small brush that comes with the Sil-Net or a very small foam brush. Dilute 3 parts (spirits) to 1 part (Sil-Net). Let dry for at least 24 hours if you want it really dry, the longer the better. Don't forget to put a few fairly wide stripes across the floor to prevent sliding mats.

I was hoping for a dry time closer to 90min. This presents a problem. I'm not expecting anything more than a light to moderate rain lasting no longer than an hour or two. What is my best option? Seal the tent with a dry time of 2 hours, or chance it without the sealant? I'm thinking the Contrail is going to be waterproof enough without the silicone seams. I'm only looking at three days, with a light chance of rain.

Thinking about how warm and dry my days are going to be, anything that may get wet with a little rain will dry out the next day very quickly. I think I'll skip the sealant for now.

alex

It will dry somewhat in a few hours, but still be a bit tacky when you unfold it. Over a period of time after that it will dry, and really do no harm to the Contrail. It dries on the slow side and to get really dry takes close to a full day in fairly dry conditions. So you have the option to either do it first and understand that it will be a bit tacky, or wait until you can leave it up for a considerable time. Unless you were expecting a prolonged substantial rain it could certainly wait.

While silicone may dry to touch for handling purposes once the solvent evaporates, many silicones require moisture from the air for full cure which takes 7 days at 50% RH and 75 F, or 22 C. If you live in a dry climate like I do, then hanging the item in the bathroom for a few days while showering helps; wait until the solvent odor is gone. I use low odor mineral spirits or lacquer thinner.

If you need to fold something up before it is fully cured, you can dust the sealant with talc or baby powder to prevent is sticking to itself once is dry to touch, but this isn't something that leaves a nice finish on the sealant.