OT - repair small puncture holes in tarp - what tape to use?

[aribert]

Greetings all:

I have several large tarps (20 x 30 ft) that have some small wear or puncture holes. I am looking for suggestions on a suitable tape that adheres (permanently) and will flex with the tarp as it is folded. I first tried duct tape but it soon began to wrinkle. I bought some "tarp repair tape" from a big box store and the tape is already beginning to peel / curl 24 hrs after installation! I am looking for a product that once stuck on the tarp, that will stay there permanently. Any suggestions?

[Joel]

I can't make a suggestion about tapes, but for smaller holes and probably weak spots, seam sealer (for tents, etc) might work well. You do have to look around to find a decent price and large bottle. It is possible that if you applied the tape over the the sealer while it is still tacky, it might stick appreciably better.

[lugnut]

I think you need some Flex Seal

[darryl]

You might try hockey tape. I've had pretty good luck with it for various uses. Another thing that comes to mind is prepping the area to be taped. There's a prepping agent that's meant for pvc fittings, found along with pvc cements. I don't know what it is, but if you're talking about a pvc tarp, then this might help to prepare the surface for the patch tape. You'd have to let it completely dry before applying the patch.

If it's a canvas tarp you're talking about, then use something like speed-sew to apply a thin cloth layer to one or both sides. As I type I'm wearing jeans that I repaired this way, about two years ago. Still no edges coming loose.

Comes to mind you could speed-sew a cloth patch to a pvc tarp as well. I think I would want to wait for that to mostly dry, then apply a seal coat over the patch and a bit out onto the tarp.

[Tony907]

Maybe medical tape? That stuff sticks really well and its reinforced. Never used it for an application like that though.

[Black Forest]

Do you know what material was used to make the tarps?

[Noitoen]

Some tarp material can be hot welded with the same tarp material and a heat gun.

[Black Forest]

Some tarp material can be hot welded with the same tarp material and a heat gun.

Yes, that is why I asked what material.

[JCByrd24]

Awning repair tape is pretty impressive.

[Arcane]

Do you know what material was used to make the tarps?

That's a prime bit of information the OP should have given us.

[MikeL46]

Go to a camping store (like REI) and get some tent repair tape. Adheres well, flexes, and has strengthening threads running through it.

Mike

[JoeLee]

I think you need some Flex Seal

That will seal it. It's still holding on my dehumidifier bucket.

JL................

[aribert]

Thank you all for your responses.

The tarps that I am trying to repair are the common plastic tarps. Construction of the tarps is a sandwich of two thin layers of (I am guessing) polyethylene with a course flat woven reinforcement. in the middle

[PStechPaul]

Here are some varieties of tarp tape:

https://www.tarpsplus.com/tarp-tape.html

Various tarp accessories:

https://www.tarpsplus.com/tarp-accessories.html

Many types of poly tarps:

https://www.tarpsplus.com/poly-tarps.html

All kinds of tarps:

https://www.tarpsplus.com/learntarps.html

More info:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tarpaulin

[flylo]

If you want good tarps cheap go to a billboard company you can buy ones 13 x26 IIRC for $1ea new in boxes & heaby vinyl like truckers tarps twice or three the size for about $40 that will outlast many of us. Someone's paid for them, they're in the way & just need to go. I gave them $100 & the filled every nook & cranny in a dodge caravan where I couldn't see to drive. I think I got between 250 & 300. Backs were all white with different signs on the front. We had a big storm go thru so I was giving them away & everyone wanted the head trauma ones. Saved a lot of attic & ceiling damage & U even had the plasticap nails to install them.