Regular cleaning and waterproofing activities make your tarps significantly more robust and help them protect you better when you are up against the elements. A poor quality tarp can be rendered ineffective by UV rays over a very short period of time. They can tear more easily and lose their structural integrity as well. Over time, the buildup of dust and dirt can also mean that water clings to and is absorbed by the tarp’s material.
It is also worth mentioning that a tarp being advertised as water-resistant or waterproof don’t stay that way over time. It’s true that you likely don’t have to give them any extra proofing treatment after purchase because they will maintain their water-resistance for quite a few uses before mellowing out. You should know, however, that a well-worn tarp doesn’t need to be cast out into the wild if you notice it underperforming. All you need to do is to use the right product to bring it back to life.
You must always keep a tarp in your car or home ready to meet any sudden camping plans or emergencies. As per https://www.cnbc.com, camping is an affordable way of enjoying the last few summer weeks and we know that Americans are increasingly developing a passion for camping and regarding it as a pastime or hobby. Almost 61% or two-thirds of the American households have at least, one family member who is into camping.
Finding Out If Tarp Needs Reproofing
A simple water spray can go a long way in telling you if your tarp needs reproofing. If water is soaking through in some places rather than beading on the outside, it’s a sign your tarp needs some TLC. The waterproof coating flaking off is a great sign too. It’s worth remembering that you need to start off with a dry tarp, lest you should end up mistaking perfectly normal condensation on the outside as a sign of vulnerability.
Picking Out a Suitable Waterproofing Spray
The most important thing for you to do is to find a waterproofing spray that is tarp-friendly and high-quality. The quality of this solution will determine the final resistance of your waterproof tarp to rains and snow-melt, which means you really shouldn’t skimp on quality here. You can also look into proofing solutions for your other gear, but at the very least, the tarp that you use for shelter must be rendered impervious to the elements.
Getting Started
A warm, dry day is an absolute must for going about your waterproofing duties. Remember to thoroughly clean your tarp before any treatment. You must spread out the tarp as wide as you can so that you have unrestricted access. You could also pitch it like a tent or set it up the way you intend to set up camp, but it depends entirely on which solution is most convenient for you. You can also look into step-wise videos on YouTube to see how others go about their proofing.
Don’t Follow Generic Advice
A lot of what you do during the waterproofing process has to do with what product you use. Some sprays require your tarp to be wet, while other products can work with wet or dry surfaces. Read the instructions carefully, preferably before purchasing the product. If you are using a dry-application product, leave it to dry for a few hours, maybe even an entire day, before any further treatment.
Conclusion
With these steps, your tarp should be all set to head into the great outdoors again. You must note that any spots you miss will come back to hurt you on future expeditions, so a good deal of care must be taken on the first time you waterproof your tarp. Ensure full coverage with the reproofer, using a sponge or brush if needed. Spray cans are great too, but you have to ensure that every inch is covered evenly. Use a damp cloth to wipe away surplus, and when you’re done, give it at least, 24 hours or more if possible, before stowing it away. The tarp needs to dry thoroughly before being folded, as any premature handling can compromise the protective layer. Keep a tarp ready at all times for any unexpected developments as they are versatile and serve multiple purposes.
