Proper Adhesive to bond plastic tarps

[Bunky]

I need to combine two plastic tarps into one larger one and want to bond them together (overlapping lap joint).

When I go down to the hardware there are quite a few different types of adhesives so wondering which one to select.

I obviously need something that is flexible, has some sheer/tenstile strength, resist water, creates a waterproof seal - can create multiple beeds and not leak at normal temps (anything above freezing), apply with a caulk gun, fills gaps, etc.

My initial reaction is silicone based since they are usually flexible even when cured. It seems if you add the word "automotive" the costs seems to be higher -- maybe more chemical resistant.

I cannot tell if the "new" adhesives are new (now use clever marketing names) or just better names for older technologies.

Thoughts?

 

[JohnZ3MC]

I think you're doomed Bunky.
Those tarps are usually woven polyethylene and I don't think there's any adhesive that's going to work like you want it to with poly.

Poly does melt though, so you might be able to weld them together.
A plastic welder (expensive),
A soldering iron/gun with a rheostat,
A hot glue gun,
could be used to weld them together with your lap joint.
Too little heat and you wouldn't get the weld. Too much heat and you'd burn holes into the poly. Hence the rheostat to control the heat.
Then there's the practice time to get the temp and technique right.

Economy and time wise, I'd go and buy a larger tarp, and I have a plastic welder.

 

[Bunky]

I think you're doomed Bunky.
Those tarps are usually woven polyethylene and I don't think there's any adhesive that's going to work like you want it to with poly.

Poly does melt though, so you might be able to weld them together.
A plastic welder (expensive),
A soldering iron/gun with a rheostat,
A hot glue gun,
could be used to weld them together with your lap joint.
Too little heat and you wouldn't get the weld. Too much heat and you'd burn holes into the poly. Hence the rheostat to control the heat.
Then there's the practice time to get the temp and technique right.

Economy and time wise, I'd go and buy a larger tarp, and I have a plastic welder.

I think you are right. I priced out some larger tarps and actually quite cheap -less than $50. I figure I woudl spend $10 to $15 in adhesive.

 

[JohnZ3MC]

Thinking your tarps might be vinyl, which can be glued, I priced out a tin of HS-66 - works like a champ on vinyl. It was 20 bucks. Plus shipping if you couldn't get it locally. Ouch! So even if you had vinyl tarps, the glue would be pricey, about half of your new tarp.
So, good choice on the larger tarp.

 

[Old Pirate]

Try Gorilla Glue Bunky, I think it will work for your project. We at work glue a paint sharker to a concrete floor ( to stop from dancing around ) and still it's stuck on the floor.