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schweady
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YetiJedi: "...it is probably coming to the end of life, in my opinion..."
Agreed. I've had tarps, tents, packs, and bags in the past that all eventually exhibited that same tackiness to varying degrees. My more recent (and higher quality) purchases have so far not done that. Time will tell, I suppose.
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jhb8426
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I had a Eureka tent fly like that. Sprinkled it with talcum powder and it was good for a couple more seasons.
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sedges
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It is likely an old urethane coated fabric. Over time and exposure to water, heat and light the urethane molecules hydrolyze and break apart. One of the byproducts is that old smelly tent odor and one is sticky. It won't get better and it will not be an item that you count on for performance when you need it.
Time to retire your tarp. Silicone coatings are much more stable and should last a long time.
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HowardSprague
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Thanks all - at $40 ten+ years ago, I won't feel bad pitching it. And I will point out to my wife that I actually threw something away and watch her jaw drop!
Now to check out my other backup tarp - the Gear Guide one. :)
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martian
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I could be wrong but I thought I read that urethane fabrics could be washed, stripped of urethane finish and re-sealed using a silicone solution. Provided the fabrics in good shape that might be an option.
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pswith5
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Hey, that's quite a coincidink . (As my daddy used to say) I just put my guide gest in the trunk about an hour ago. Gonna check it tomorrow.
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YetiJedi
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Yuck...it is probably coming to the end of life, in my opinion. Sometimes the finish on those tarps starts to break down and can feel sticky like you indicated. Whether it is broken down beyond use or not, I suggest hanging it, washing it, drying it, and then treat it with a waterproofing product. Hope you find a solution.
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HowardSprague
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I have a CCS 10x14 1.9 as my main tarp, but have the smaller green Campmor tarp from the days before I had the CCS. Planning on taking it as a supplemental tarp. But I pulled it out of the stuff sack and find it to be sort of tacky on the underside, rather than feeling dry. I’ve never stashed it away wet or even slightly damp. Is this thing shot?
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