Protecting Threads on Sail Covers ?

[puddlejockey]

After Mucho ado, and significant foul language aimed at the sadistic witch who designed sewing machines ( And finally giving up and asking my wife for help...)

I've managed to resew the canvas sail cover on my roller furled Genoa; using supposedly UV, rot and Moisture resistant "extra strong upholstery thread".

I don't know if I trust it to the constant battering from UV and weather, though, since "resistant" is a relative term.

Does anyone know of anything (silicone. etc??) that I can SAFELY apply to the nylon thread on the sail cover, and perhaps the entire cover itself, to add additional UV and weather protection?

I may be going overboard since the cover is "sacrificial"; but that term, like resistant, is relative......

Thanks!

 

[justsomeguy]

Recently, elastomeric paint was suggested.

 

[Bill Roosa]

I find the acrylic thread (93something) from sailrite that can even be purchased in the correct color to be EXTREMELY weather PROOF. Made of the same stuff that sunbrella is.

 

[Chef2sail]

We use the 92 thread from Sailrite and it works very well actually. As Bill said it comes oin many colours. We made all our outer canvas as well as the sacrificial piece on the jib.

Dave

 

[puddlejockey]

Thanks, guys- but you're missing a key component of my challenge...its already sewn with the nylon upholstery thread....

 

[woodster]

why not get the 92 somthing model thread and put the machine in zig zag mode and go over it all again...just asking.....

regards

woody

 

[puddlejockey]

why not get the 92 somthing model thread and put the machine in zig zag mode and go over it all again...just asking....

well....crap. That's probably what i should do. I hate the sewing machine. The feeling is mutual.

 

[higgs]

Some things fall into the catagory, "it is what it is"

 

[RichH]

Just about the only thread that will last as long as Sunbrella polyester fabric is 'Tenara', a PTFE (Teflon) by W.L.Gore. ..... Quite expensive; but, so it the hassle of resewing with polyester, even V92 polyester.
If you make the poor selection of polyester thread, choose black polyester thread which is vastly longer lasting in constant UV exposure because the 'solution dyeing' improves UV resistance. 'White' polyester has no dyes added; therefore the resistance to UV is quite poor.

Don't even 'think' about using white NYLON thread, even with UV stabilizers.

 

[rfrye1]

I just had all canvas redone on my H376. Canvas guy offers lifetime repairs on all seems/thread. He uses the Gore thread too. Yes a little more but worth it. Unless you enjoy sewing canvas.

Bob.

 

[Patrick S/V Shangra-La]

Thanks, guys- but you're missing a key component of my challenge...its already sewn with the nylon upholstery thread....

If at first you don't succeed....Your sewing job will last a season or two, but be prepared to do it again.

 

[Chief RA]

OK, this is probably what you want to hear. I just sprayed my Nautique rain jacket with Techron outdoor furniture guard. It cautions to test it first; in your case on the thread and a spot on the fabric. Has UV sunscreen formula and supposedly water proofs too. I just used it TODAY and waiting for it to dry. Its 90 out there so it might get dry. ha It comes in a spray can and probably can find it or an equivalent at various stores. Hope this helps! Chief