[Ben]

Hi Matt,

Thanks for the reply.

I think Dave meant (correct me if I’m wrong Dave) that only the TPU coating was damaged i.e. the fabric and underlying PU coating were in tact.

I’m using a temperature controlled iron, so I don’t have any issues with melting the fabric itself. Only the TPU coating melts when I place my iron on it, and this is regardless of how long I leave the iron in contact for.

What I am concerned about – if my interpretation of Dave’s message is correct – is that water is able to leak through the fabric when only the TPU coating is damaged. If this is the case, this is a serious concern. The fabric I bought has a PU coating on the opposing side which I was led to believe would kept the fabric waterproof regardless of the integrity of the TPU coating e.g. loss due to melting, or thinning due to abrasion etc.

When I get a chance over the weekend I’ll be sure to test out my own fabric.

Regards,

Ben.

[Ben]

Hi Dave. I’m currently making a packraft and have unfortunately damaged the TPU coating a few times now myself.

I am surprised to hear that water is passing through your fabric though, even with a damaged TPU coating…

To my understanding, the fabrics sold through Matt’s site have a PU coating on one side in addition to the heat sealable, TPU coating on the other. In which case, the fabric should still be impermeable to water.

Matt – are you able to shed some light on why this might be happening?

[Author]

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