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So does Fabsil does what it says on the tin? What age of tent is likely to benefit most and how easy is it to apply?

Thanks in advance for any replies and apologies if this subject has been discussed previously- couldn't find it on any threads.

Fabsil is perfect for canvas tents, but they should only need treating when they are around ten years old, or after a thorough cleaning if that is really necessary.

With synthetic tents the waterproof coating is on the inside, and when this starts to break up after 5-6 years (looking milky or crazed), then a coat of Fabsil may give the tent another years lease of life before it goes to that big campsite in heaven.

A slight off topic:

I have seen a comment on here that the seam sealer should be applied inside. Is this true for both polyester and polycottons?

Must say it seems odd to me either way.

Quote: Originally posted by Tidburyboy on 04/10/2009

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A slight off topic:

I have seen a comment on here that the seam sealer should be applied inside. Is this true for both polyester and polycottons?

Must say it seems odd to me either way.

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I'm not familiar with polycotton, but I doubt that the seams would need sealing - canvas seams certainly don't.

Most synthetic tents are already sealed with seam sealing tape in the factory, but sometimes the tape comes adrift in places, so you can get leakage through the stitch holes. In this case, seam sealer should be applied to the inside, and the tent should be left pitched for 24 hours to allow the sealer to dry thoroughly, otherwise it will stick to the parts of the tent which it is rolled up against. You can buy seam sealing tape which you have to iron on, whilst protecting each side of the seam with a thick cloth. Tape is much less messy.

<<In this case, seam sealer should be applied to the inside, and the tent should be left pitched for 24 hours to allow the sealer to dry thoroughly, otherwise it will stick to the parts of the tent which it is rolled up against.>>

In an emergency a light dusting of talc applied after the sealer is 'touch dry' will solve this problem.

Quote: Originally posted by Basket Boy on 06/10/2009

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Haven't used Fabsil on my tent, but have used it on a pop-up gazebo we use for Guides/fetes etc.

The gazebo was supposed to be "shower proof" but wasn't! One coat of Fabsil - fantastic result, the rain just runs off.

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