Removing old seam sealant?

[Adrian]

Recently picked up a dcf/eVent bivy and wanted to redo the sealant myself because it looks a lil shoddy and it’s just sticking to itself everywhere.

Any ideas of what will work best and not damage the fabric? I would just assume mineral spirits or naphtha.

Also, any tips? I’ve heard powdering can make it less prone to bonding with itself.

A few pictures below.

Sealant

[JCH]

Do you know for certain what the sealant is?  Silicone? Seam Grip?  Knowing that may be key to identifying the solution.

If the only issue is that it is sticking to itself, I can confirm that baking soda or unscented baby powder can solve that.  However, it looks like it may be peeling off in places and that may be the primary concern.

[Andrew]

I don’t believe you can use liquid sealants with DCF which may be the reason it’s peeling. These products are usually sealed with DCF tape. If it was a PU sealant can try to clean with isopropyl alcohol and a stiff toothbrush. If silicone sealant was used than mineral spirits or naphtha can dilute it. You might want to test a small area to see what works.

[Adrian]

Thanks guys, the question is now, if I do get this off, what’s the best way to seal dcf and eVent together? Iirc tape won’t stick to eVent and vise versa.

[DAN-Y]

Someone should try this 3M tape and see how it stick to all the different fabrics. It’s 3″ wide and really tenacious:

https://www.uline.com/Product/Detail/S-13951/3M-Office-Tape/3M-845-Bookbinding-Tape-3-x-15-yds

[SIMULACRA]

Typical seam sealants do not work properly on DCF. They will just rub off if you work it with your fingers. If you manage to get the sealant all off. Use DCF tape to seal

[DAN-Y]

Use the 3 inch wide tape to seal over the old stuff.

[Jerry Adams]

yeah, you don’t have to remove all the sealant, just the loose sealant, then cover with tape

sort of like painting a house, you only need to remove the loose old paint

I’ve done that before with silicone sealant – rubbed off loose stuff then re-coated

[DAN-Y]

I’m going to use the 3M book binding tape this spring on the floor my Eureka Headquarters tent. (Family camping tent). I’ll let you know how it works out.

[Author]

Posts