While most tents are durably made to last and can truly handle exposure to the elements for many years, they don’t last forever. At some point, your tent will tear or rip, whether it’s because some wild animal tried getting in to pry some of your provisions or because you accidentally nipped it with a zipper, you’ll need to repair it and that’s where the best tent seam sealer comes in.
The good news is that a tent sealer is typically accessible and easy to use and in the industrial age, there are plenty of options to choose from.
With a seam sealer in your backpack, you’ll be able to patch up any leaks that happen to your tent and it’s a quick on-the-go solution to tears.
Best Seam Sealer for Tents
Keep reading to find the best tent seam sealer on the market, as well as some tips on what to look for when shopping for a tent sealer.
1. GEAR AID Seam Grip SIL Silicone Sealant
First in our quest for the best tent seam sealer we have the GEAR AID Seam Grip SIL. This sealer is a valuable addition to your mobile repair kit because it’s designed to seal any item with a silicone finish. So, you can use it on tents, tarps, and backpacks to name but a few.
It’s lightweight enough to be packed into your gear if you want to travel with it and the tube comes with 1.5 ounces of product which can be used to seal 24 ft seams. Unlike the previous sealer, this one has a very thick consistency but using it will leave you with waterproof and windproof silicone gear.
You’ll also be glad to know that it’s flexible as well so you don’t have to be self-conscious when using your gear and it can withstand extreme weather conditions on either spectrum so it’s definitely handy to take with you on long trips just in case your gear tears or rips.
The best part is that even if you make a few mistakes when applying it, this sealant is very forgiving and can be removed with paint thinner. It really is the best tent sealer for adventurers.
2. Coleman Seam Sealer
Here we have this chemical-free tent sealer from Coleman. It’s an eco-friendly option that’s made from a water-based formula.
As a Coleman product, we were expecting a lot from this sealer and we weren’t disappointed. Not only is it affordable but a little goes a long way with this sealer and it dries up within an hour after application.
But if you want to make sure there won’t be any trace of stickiness afterward then you should ideally leave it on for about 4 to 8 hours in total. A lot of tent owners prefer to leave it overnight in preparation for their trip the next day. That’s why it’s important to check your tent ahead of time and pack your gear at least a day or two before you go on a camping trip.
The only caveat with this Coleman sealer is that it’s mainly designed for waterproofing a tent than repairing it. So, if you’re looking for something to patch up the holes in your gear, this isn’t it. But if you’re looking for the best seam sealer for tents then your search is over.
3. Gear Aid Seam Grip FC Fast Cure Sealant
The Gear Aid Seam Grip FC is the best tent seam sealer for anyone who’s in a hurry. It comes with a brush so that even a beginner can easily apply it and there’s a 2-ounce pot worth of sealant to work with, which means 60 feet of area that it can cover.
It cures within two hours and leaves the materials with a waterproof elastic seal that will last for years afterward.
And because it’s lightweight enough to carry in a backpack you can add it to your emergency repair kit as well. You can use it to seal and repair all sorts of camping gear from tents to awnings, and tarps. Plus, it’s suitable for different types of materials including canvas, polyester, and nylon.
The only potential downside to mention is the fact that it can leave a glossy finish behind but that’s just an aesthetic surface issue that won’t be a problem for most people.
4. Coghlan’s Seam Seal
Coghlan’s seam seal is the best tent seam sealer for anyone that’s shopping on a budget. It’s made from a water-based formula for use on gear that’s constructed from polyurethane-coated fabrics.
The included brush makes for easy application and there’s enough in the bottle to coat a regular-sized two-person tent.
The great thing about this seam sealer spray’s water-based formula is the fact that you can even use it in cold weather conditions with the only caveat being that it’s unable to cure in below-freezing temperatures.
But, this won’t be an issue for experienced campers because you know that leaks generally don’t even happen in those temperatures anyway.
5. Kenyon Seam Sealer Bottle
Kenyon’s canvas seam sealer is another versatile option that you can use to seal up and repair any kind of synthetic fabric. This includes nylon and polyester so it works on a wide variety of tents.
It’s made from a water-based formula so it has a thin texture but it’s eco-friendly and free from toxic chemicals so that’s a nice trade. Also, it makes up for its watery texture by coming with a dedicated applicator for ease of use.
It also dries quickly once applied and instantly forms a waterproof barrier that protects the material, while remaining flexible enough for regular use. It does leave a thin film behind but other people probably won’t notice it but you will since you’re the one who applied it.
Otherwise, you can wash and dry clean anything that you apply this sealer onto so it won’t affect your ability to use or maintain your gear in the long run.
6. Texsport Polyurethane Seam Sealer
I’ll come right out and say it from the get-go, this seam sealer isn’t the most affordable option but it’s surprisingly worth it.
I don’t say that about a lot of stuff but this sealer definitely deserves its props. It leaves behind an effective polyurethane coating that waterproofs your tent and whatever else you apply it on.
Another great thing about this sealer is the fact it won’t leave any distinctive color or odor behind either. It’s designed to protect the fabric from water sun exposure and even dirt, so it’s ideal if you plan on tackling rugged terrain with your gear.
This also means that your gear will still be flexible and washable after applying this onto it and there’s no risk of it peeling or cracking after use. The only issue I have with this sealer is the fact that it takes 24 hours to dry and you need two coats for it to work.
7. Stormsure Seam Sealer
Next in our best tent seam sealer review, we have this entry from Stormsure. It’s versatile enough for use on all kinds of camping gear, from tents to waterproof clothes and even awnings.
It will seal up your zips and seams instantly and you’ll want to add it to your repair kit too because it has the ability to go deep into any holes or threads on your gear.
There are 100 millimeters worth of sealant in the easy-to-use squeeze bottle that this comes in and it dries clear after application which means it leaves your products looking like new.
In addition to leaving no residue, this sealer is non-toxic and odorless.
How to Pick the Best Tent Seam Sealer
That’s our selection of the best tent seam sealer options available on the market.
Now, we did a lot of testing to compile this review list for you and we put each sealant through its paces.
To learn more about our criteria and what you should keep in mind when looking for a seam sealer for tents, keep reading!
Coating
Before you purchase a seam sealer, you must consider the type of coating that’s currently on your tent’s fabric.
For instance, if you have a silicone-coated tent that uses silpoly or silnylon, then you’ll need a silicone-based sealer. The manufacturer will have included this information in the spec document so check that if you’re not sure.
Another common tent coating is polyurethane and most tent sealers cater to this type of coating.
Besides, a majority of tent sealers are meant to work with a versatile number of fabric coating and some tents don’t even have a coating.
Use
Most seam sealers are also easy to use because they’re made for use on the go and even the difficult ones are usually very effective at their job so it’s well worth the effort.
You’ll be glad to know that most of the sealers on this review guide are really easy to use, even for beginners.
But it’s always a good idea to test any product that you’re going to use on the trail just to get some practice beforehand.
You may also speak to friends or family members who have used it to get an idea of how it works and how easy it is to use.
Durability
It’s also super important to ensure that your seam sealer is made to last.
That’s because you’ll be using it to seal up products that you use in harsh conditions so it should be able to keep you covered at least until you get back home.
The seam sealer will last you for two years while a cheaply made one might hang in there for a couple of months at best.
Thickness
Sealers also vary in thickness and viscosity and as with anything, there are pros and cons to each type of consistency.
Your goal should be to pick the consistency that suits your needs in terms of how easy it is to apply as well as how effective it is.
For instance, thick sealers are perfect for coating seams but they can be difficult to apply and require a lot of focus, whereas thin sealers are easy to apply but they can be wasteful.
The good news is that you can thin a thick seal using mineral spirits if you like so you can get the best of both worlds.
Quantity
Another important factor you should consider when shopping for the best tent seam sealer is how much is required to coat a tent of your size.
You should be able to seal up an entire tent with one tube that fits in your backpack.
But just to be sure, check the product to see how many seams the sealer can handle in one application.
Cost
You’ll probably have a budget in mind while shopping for a sealer or any outdoor repair kit gear for that matter.
Most sealers are affordably priced as they should but it’s also important to consider the quality of the product and this is often tied to its price.
You want to make sure that your sealer or tent waterproofing spray won’t peel off or crack when dry and that it can actually stand the test of time.
Also, online stores typically sell sealers for a much cheaper price compared to brick-and-mortar shops just because they have fewer expenses.
Final Thoughts
The key to finding the best tent seam sealer is to consider its quality, what materials it can handle, longevity as well as price. Once you’ve gone through your criteria, it shouldn’t be hard to figure out which option works for you.
But if you feel you need a little extra help, then we’ll be glad to recommend the GEAR AID Seam Grip SIL Silicone Sealant. It’s made for silicone-treated material, it’s easy to use, and can withstand extreme weather conditions.
All of this comes at an affordable price and if you happen to make a mistake while applying it, you can always remove it with paint thinner afterward.
I tell you, it doesn’t get better than this when it comes to tent seam sealers.