Ripstop

“I picked up some ripstop nylon that I am in the process of making a 2 person tarp ten out of. I am trying to figure out what it is so I know how to seam seal it. I can't breath through it, one side has a bit of a different sheen to it than the other. Water beads of one side like water off a ducks back but does not bead on the other side although it is waterproof from both sides (tested). What have I got, silnylon, urathane coated, dwr??? If there is no way to tell is there a universal seem sealer I can use on any I know nothing will stick to silnylon except silicon based sealer but will silicon dissolved in mineral spirits stick to dwr or urathane coated nylon???”

“why dont you make a sample seam and start trying the different sealants to figure it out?”

“Where did you buy/obtain it from? Can they help you figure out what it is? Also use the common sense factor: if it wasn't that expensive, it's probably your basic ripstop, either polyester or nylon. If it was more expensive, it *may* be silnylon. What's the weight? Figure how many sq yds you have, weigh it and divide the total weight in ounces by the # of sq yds. then go on a web site that sells this material and compare the weight of your fabric to the different ripstop materials they sell. Silnylon generally weighs considerably less than polyester or regular nylon ripstop.”

“It is from joannes fabrics but they are clueless as to what it is the end of the roll simply said ripstop nylon utility fabric no weight and nothing about if it was even waterproof but it was on a good sale so I bought it anyway to figuring I could experiment with it. It is non breathable so that was a pretty good indicator it would be waterproof. Brought it home and tested it proving this to be true. I was just wondering if anyone knew how to tell different nylons apart saving me from an experimentation process with seam sealers. Whatever it is I am just about done with the tarp tent and it it weighs about 28oz with poles and guylines and all the mosquito screening. Not too bad in my book for a 2 person shelter that cost me about $50 to make....”

“Nice deal!

I made a tarp for Birch w/ fabric from here: http://www.rockywoods.com/Fabrics-Hardware-Patterns-Kits/Ripstop-Nylon-Fabrics

the different weights and coatings are many! Good luck figuring it out.”

“I dont want to dis Joanne's Fabrics, Ive bought plenty of good stuff there over the years, however, given their retail profile (the slice of the pool of people they are trying to sell to), I would highly doubt that they would be selling Silnylon. I think what you've got there is conventional PU coated nylon ripstop.

That being said, let me congratulate you for making your own gear. It is something that precious few attempt, and even fewer complete successfully.

Did you make it from your own plans, or from a pattern that you bought or found. Either way, kudos to you!”