How to Fix Holes and Rips in Your Tarp
Step 1: Assess the Damage
Before you start any repair, it is important to assess the damage. Depending on the extent of the rip, here’s what you’ll need to do:
- For minor tears and holes, an easy sew might do the trick.
- For larger tears and holes, patch it up with fabric adhesive and spare fabric.
Use a fabric that is the same
as or at least similar to the fabric of your tarp. Refer to the
manufacturer’s label to know the correct fabric required.
Step 2: Prep Work and Cleaning
- Take the tarp off the area or object it was covering.
- Place the tarp on a flat surface for easy maneuvering.
- To clean the tarp, simply brush off light debris. Use mild soap and water to deal with dirtier patches. Avoid using any harsh methods or chemicals.
- Allow it to dry completely before you start any repair.
Step 3: How to Sew Your Tarp
Sewing and patching up your torn tarps is an easy DIY if you use the right materials and methods. Here’s how you go about it.
It’s
better to test the repair method on a corner of the tarp before you commit to a
full repair. If you find it difficult to stitch by hand, use a sewing machine.
Sewing By Hand
- Use a heavy-duty needle with a polyester or a nylon thread for small gaps where only a few stitches are required.
- While stitching by hand, use a thimble to protect your fingers and make sure that the needle easily passes through the fabric. Thread your needle and make a knot at its end.
- Start from the underside of the fabric and hold the edges of the tear as closely as possible.
- Push your needle diagonally across the tear to the opposite end. Aim to push the needle not very close to the tear and leave at least half an inch.
- Pull through until the knot stops the thread.
- Now that the needle has emerged on the top of the fabric, complete the stitch by looping it over the fabric, towards you and back to where you first started.
- Repeat the process as you move further along the tear of the fabric and stitch the gap entirely.
- To secure the stitches you will need to do a backstitch. Instead of going forward with the next stitch, insert the needle a little behind the last stitch you made. Make sure it doesn’t pass through the same hole.
- Repeat this process and move back to where you started. Tie a knot to tighten the stitch to the fabric and cut the remaining thread.
While most tarps, like
canvas can be easily sewn, vinyl tarps may pose a challenge because of their
thickness and coating.
Always refer
to the manufacturer label to better understand the material and the type of
thread that is most compatible.
Stitching With A Machine
- For larger rips and holes, it’s best to use a sewing machine.
- To thread the machine, set your machine to a longer stitch length to avoid stress on the fabric.
- Position the tarp so that the tear is right under the needle. Lower the presser foot and begin to sew slowly. Make sure that the stitches are straight and cover the gap entirely.
- After you have reached the last stitch, sew a few centimeters beyond it.
- To backstitch and secure, you would have a backstitch lever or button. If you’re not sure, follow the manual instructions and move backwards on the fabric to backstitch.
- Instead of overlaying the stitches, apply a coat of waterproof sealant over the stitches.
While
you may think that overlaying your stitches might offer more durability, doing
so can actually tear the fabric. Avoid overlaying stitches.
Step 4: How To Patch and Seal Your Tarp
For
larger gaps and holes, look for the same fabric material so that you can stitch
and patch it up. Generally, these fabrics are easily available in stores and
also come in a fabric repair kit if you intend to invest in one.
- Cut a piece of fabric slightly larger than the size of the hole. Place it over the damaged area and stitch it together.
- Alternatively, you may use an adhesive to stick the patches together. Press the patches firmly after applying the adhesive and ensure no air bubbles.
- Exposing the patch to a source of hot air will also work. Using a heat gun or a sealing iron will allow the PVC to melt and stick together.
- Polyethylene tarps and vinyl tarps are best repaired with adhesive patches or heat sealing.
Before
tackling the tear, practice on a spare piece to get the hang of the heat and
how it affects the material. Be careful not to apply too much heat for too
long.
Work in a well-ventilated
area. Wear gloves to protect your hands from the heat and a mask to avoid
inhaling any potential fumes when bonding the tarp material.
Maintenance Tips
Caring
for your tarp goes beyond just knowing how to fix any rips and tears. Regular
cleaning, maintenance and proper storage is key. Here’s what you should do:
- Use a broom to sweep away any dirt and debris that has accumulated. Clean any accumulation before the tarp is overloaded with its weight and do so gently.
- For larger areas and quicker results, you may use a garden hose to water down the tarp.
- If you’re looking for a deeper clean, use a mild soap solution to clean.
- When not in use, remove your tarps and fold them neatly. Before storing your tarps away, check whether they are clean and dry.
- Store your tarps in cool and dry areas. Avoid keeping it under direct sunlight. This will prevent moisture and mildew build-up over time.
Whatever
the cleaning method, make sure that it is not abrasive in nature or it may
compromise on the integrity of the fabric.
When To Replace
With
these easy-to-follow steps on repairing and maintaining your tarp, you can
considerably increase its lifespan. At the same time, it is also important to
know when you should do away with them. Sometimes, the damage caused to your
tarp is too severe and extensive and is just not restorable. For instance, the
fabric has started to considerably thin out and fray, or some tears are too
deep and large. In such cases, it is always practical to consider a
replacement.