Breathing life into an old tarp?

[ChasB]

I've got a ten year old tarp that's gone a bit crispy in the sun. It still folds OK, but I'm worried it may crack.

Is there anything I can apply that will soak in and make it more flexible? It's only job is to cover windows.

Many thanks.

 

[Plum]

I've got a ten year old tarp that's gone a bit crispy in the sun. It still folds OK, but I'm worried it may crack.

Is there anything I can apply that will soak in and make it more flexible? It's only job is to cover windows.

Many thanks.

In my experience, no, but if it is a tailored fit, before it cracks and while it fits correctly, use it as a pattern to make a new one.

Www.solocoastalsailing.co.uk

 

[thinwater]

No. The UV has damaged the vinyl.

There are products that claim to improve flexibility. I have tested many, and though it feels smoother and more flexible to the hand, when you measure the flex resistance it is unchanged. A sort of optical illusion based on the wax making the surface more slippery.

What Plum said. Use it as a pattern. It did it's job. It protected the windows.

 

[ChasB]

Thanks!