A new type of seam repair for your damaged waterproof jacket seams #outdoorgearrepair, by Upcycle_kit on YouTube. 1 min 56 s.
- Video length
- 1 min 56 s
- Time to do it
- 30 minutes plus drying time
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Steps
- 8
What you need
Steps
Wash the jacket with mild detergent and no fabric softener, then let it air dry completely. Sealer will not stick to dirt, sweat or damp fabric.
Lay the jacket flat and look along every seam, especially on the shoulders, hood and back. Mark the spots where the tape is peeling, cracked or missing.
Press any loose seam tape back down or trim the ragged edges with small scissors. Loose flaps stop the liquid sealer from sitting flat.
Tape off the fabric either side of the seam if you want a neat line. A strip of masking tape on each side keeps the sealer on the seam only.
Shake the liquid seam sealer well, then run a thin bead along the seam. A little goes a long way, and a thick blob will dry unevenly.
Spread the bead with the applicator or a small brush so the seam is covered in a thin, even layer. Work in short sections of about 15 cm at a time.
Pull off the masking tape while the sealer is still wet, then leave the jacket flat to cure. Check the label for the exact cure time, often 12 to 24 hours.
Test the repair by holding the seam under a running tap or wearing the jacket in light rain. If water still gets through, add a second thin coat and cure it again.
Tips and common mistakes
Work in a ventilated room and wear gloves, since seam sealer is a solvent-based product.
Do not stretch or fold the jacket while the sealer cures, or the new layer will pull apart.
If the gap between the fabric and the tape is wide, a piece of seam tape over the cured sealer gives a stronger repair than liquid alone.
Re-check the seams at the end of each season, because sealer wears faster than factory tape.
Questions
Can I use liquid seam sealer on a jacket that has already been re-waterproofed?
Yes. Sealer works on the seam itself, not the surface coating, so a spray-on or wash-in water repellent does not get in the way. Apply the sealer first, then refresh the outer fabric.
Will the repair be visible?
Usually a little. Clear sealer leaves a slight sheen along the seam, and a coloured sealer will show against the jacket fabric. Masking tape keeps the line straight and tidy.
How long does a liquid seam sealer repair last?
It depends on how much you wear the jacket and how you wash it. Expect it to need a touch-up after a season or two of regular use, especially on the shoulders and hood.
This guide was drafted from the video's details and general task knowledge. It has not been checked against the full video. Check the video and relevant product instructions before following a procedure. Report a correction.
