How to Waterproof a Tent

by Alex Wittle

Most tents are designed to be waterproof, but if you’ve had yours for a while or if it wasn’t designed that way, you might start seeing water dripping inside while you sleep. And it’s not just in heavy rain or cold weather—dew can get in even on clear nights. So, does that mean you need to buy a new tent? Nope! You can actually waterproof the one you’ve got. Here’s how.


When to Waterproof Your Tent

 

blue tent set up in the middle of a forest
Credit: Envato Element/ Garakta-Studio

Here's when you need to waterproof your tent:

  • The tent’s seams and fabric look worn out.
  • The waterproof coating feels flaky or sticky.
  • After long exposure to the sun.
  • If you notice leaks.
  • You have a worn-out tent fly or rain fly.

The Different Ways to Waterproof a Tent

 

tent set up in a dewy rainforest
Credit: Envato Element/ olegbreslavtsev

There are three ways to waterproof your tent:

  • Seal the Seams: This is great if you only see leaks around the seams (where the tent's fabric is stitched together). You’ll want to reseal these areas to keep water out.
  • Reapply Waterproof Coating: If your entire tent is leaking and is not as waterproof as it was, it’s probably time to reapply a waterproof coating.
  • Use a Durable Water Repellent (DWR): If you’re looking to improve the overall waterproofing, this is a great option. It’s super easy to do.

Seal the Seams

The seam is where the fabric of your tent is stitched together, and over time, especially if you camp a lot, the seam tape can wear out. When this happens, you'll have water dripping into the tent.

Here's what you'll need to fix it:

  • A seam sealer compatible with your tent’s fabric (Silicone-treated fabric will require a sealant different from polyurethane-coated fabrics). Most tents have a poly urethane coating fabric. You can find what type of fabric your tent is made out of by checking the manual it came with or by directly asking the tent manufacturer.)
  • Damp cloth
  • Rubbing alcohol

 

Here's how to fix the seams:

  1. Pitch your tent up in a sunny area so you can easily see the seams. You'll need to seal the seams inside the tent body and on the underside of the fly. Flip the fly inside out for easier access.
  2. Use a damp cloth dipped in rubbing alcohol to wipe down all the seams and remove any dirt or dust. Make sure everything is completely dry before you move to the next step.
  3. Use a small brush or the applicator that comes with the tent sealant and apply it along the seams of the tent. Be sure to cover any stitching or areas where the fabric joins together.
  4. Leave the tent pitched for a few hours to let the sealer fully dry and cure. It usually takes at least 8 hours.

Reapply Waterproof Coating

If your tent’s floor or rainfly is losing its waterproof layer, you’ll need to reapply a new coating. This works best for tents with peeling or flaking waterproof layers.

Here's what you'll need to fix it:

  • Mild soap (avoid harsh cleaners, as they can damage the fabric)
  • Waterproof spray or liquid that’s compatible with your tent’s fabric
  • Rag

 

Here's how to fix the waterproofing issue:

  1. Clean the tent thoroughly with a mild soap. Rinse it off with clean water and let it dry completely.
  2. Hold the tent-specific waterproofing spray or liquid about 6 inches from the fabric and apply an even layer on the tent’s exterior. Don't forget the rainfly, the top of the tent, and the tent floor/ ground tarp since these get the most exposure to moisture.
  3. Take a clean cloth and wipe off any excess to avoid streaks or build-up.
  4. Set up your tent and let it air dry in a well-ventilated area. This could take up to 24 hours.

Use a Durable Water Repellent (DWR)

DWR is best for maintaining your tent’s outer fabric. If you notice that water isn’t beading up on the surface anymore, it’s time to apply a fresh layer of DWR to make your tent water-resistant.

Here's what you'll need to re-waterproof your tent:

  • Soft brush
  • DWR spray
  • Hairdryer

 

Here's how to make your tent waterproof:

  1. Just like the other methods, you’ll want to start with a clean tent. Use water and a soft brush to remove any dirt, then let it dry.
  2. Hold the DWR spray bottle about 6 inches from the tent fabric and apply it in long, even strokes to get a thin coating. Cover the entire outer surface of the tent, especially the rainfly. You can skip the inner tent walls.
  3. After spraying, use a damp cloth to wipe off any excess coating.
  4. Some DWR sprays recommend heat setting. If that’s the case, use a hairdryer on low heat to gently go over the fabric.
  5. Allow your tent to fully dry before packing it away.

Summary

Waterproofing your tent ensures that you stay dry and comfortable no matter what the weather is. To waterproof it, you can either seal the seams, reapply a waterproof coating or use a durable water repellent (DWR) coating.

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