Bag Waterproofing

[DaPats]

Coating the bottom of bags is awesome. I have done 2 of my Innova bags and they stay dry on the bottom and now keeps my back dry. I went to Home Depot and bought a can of Plastic Dip for $8 and was able to do 2 bags. It works the same as Line-x and is cheaper. It doesn't crack either.

[ChUcK]

DaPats, is that the stuff they market for coating plier handles in rubber? I can't believe that would hold up to the type of abuse bag bottoms endure. Can you post some pics, especially the oldest application? I'd look into it myself if I knew it lasts.

For everybody salivating over Tim's Simian, it's no foolin'. That coating is solid. It looks like it was applied by a drunken Picasso wannabe, but who needs aesthetics when you're rolling in a Sherman tank?

I think I'll scotch-guard my Carolina tonight. Couldn't hurt, right?

[some call me...tim?]

For everybody salivating over Tim's Simian, it's no foolin'. That coating is solid. It looks like it was applied by a drunken Picasso wannabe, but who needs aesthetics when you're rolling in a Sherman tank?

It's not THAT bad, a couple runs here and there, an errant drip, and some masking tape firmly embedded that's just going to have to wear away over time, but I don't think it's too much of an eyesore. But yeah, probably safe to say I was more channeling Pollock than Monet on that.

As to questions on the flexibility and cracking, I suppose only time will tell, but so far it's not an issue. I know with the professional Line-X jobs on the Phenix bags, it's not a problem, but that's a slightly different compound, and from what I've seen, they put it on a lot thicker than I did.

[Claytoon]

Coating the bottom of bags is awesome. I have done 2 of my Innova bags and they stay dry on the bottom and now keeps my back dry. I went to Home Depot and bought a can of Plastic Dip for $8 and was able to do 2 bags. It works the same as Line-x and is cheaper. It doesn't crack either.

BUMP

I'm curious about this PlastiDip also...Think the flexibility could be cool, and it would be cheaper than ordering Grizzly Grip. But does it hold.

Also, I guess Grizzly Grip can only be ordered online? They don't have a 'locate a dealer' link that I can see.

[DaPats]

no cracking at all with the Plastic Dip. It just wears down like everything else. I usually do a 10 minute touch up once a year. What is good about the Plastic Dip is the first coat you put on soaks into the fabric. Then you slap on a second coat over that. sometimes you will need a third. Tape up your bag first as to how high you want it from the bottom. Do the bottom first. Use a well ventilaed area too. You will also need 2 cheap brushes that you will throw away. My back still has not been wet in 2 years from putting it down in anything wet. Side note, it wont look perfectly smooth.

[some call me...tim?]

Yeah, AFAIK Grizzly Grip is only available online. I was actually first looking at the aerosol bed liner you can pick up from auto parts stores, but read some less than stellar reviews about the stuff (granted, those were from guys actually using it for its intended purpose.) I also figured that the spray process could get rather messy, so wanted to find something I could brush on. I forget how I stumbled on the Grizzly Grip, but it was the one place I found that didn't sell the stuff by the gallon.

I'll say again that I really don't think cracking will be an issue with this stuff. It's hard to describe the texture--it's rubbery yet rigid, kind of like a car tire (it doesn't feel like a tire at all, but that's the closest approximation I can think of).

In any case, I've played in soggy conditions on several occasions since lining the bottom, and it really does make a big difference. Everything stays nice and dry in my pockets and stash area in the Simian, and my back stays drier too. Whether you choose to go with PlastiDip or Grizzly Grip, or some other method, it's a mod I'd recommend to anyone.

[what'shisname]

Tim, that sim mod looks great! I hate when I'm playing in wet conditions and the shit in the pockets gets wet. I haven't had a problem yet with my sim as I've only used it on frozen precipitation so far, but when this starts melting it's going to be soggy and it'd be nice to keep the pockets and the area under the discs dry as I like to keep clothes, etc. in there.

Did you mask off the feet and the grommets in the cup holders or just dip it right over them?

[Claytoon]

The first coating of my PlastiDip spray on the bottom of my bag is drying as I type...figure it will take 3-4

[MotoDj]

now i feel foolish for posting a link to the plastic dip on the other thread...
but i too think it would be better, its pretty tough for tools, as long as it adheres correctly, the fact i've seen it in stores makes it easier on the impulse buying... i may be a sucker for it here soon...

[Claytoon]

That was the main reason I went for the PlastiDip. I could run 2 minutes down the road to Lowe's and pick up a spray can for $8. It was in the spray paint section, next to the Rustoleum.
The first coat came out good...it really looks like it is going to stick really well, like it is even absorbing slightly into the fabric, just enough. And the spray can went on really easily, just like a thick spray paint. I'd say 1 more coat would be fine, but I'll do two more to be thorough.
There was a bit of a hiccup. I did it outside, then let it sit for an hour, then it started raining a little. So I brought it inside, and left it downstairs. Within 10 minutes, while I was getting ready for bed, I could smell the fumes upstairs...pretty strong and there are warnings that the vapors are harmful. So just a warning to be careful with the fumes is all.
So had to leave it outside under an awning, but it still got splashed on a little. Now it has a nice texture, not sure if that came out naturally or is a nice side effect of the accidental rain drops. Also, the masking tape didn't hold perfectly, so my lines won't be crisp. Will probably retape with something that will adhere better to fabric...maybe some scrap vinyl?
Overall, good product, looks like it will work great.

[DaPats]

Let us know how the spray can stuff works after it is done. I have only used the PlastiDip in the tube. It should soak into the fabric good for the first coat. The more you put on the less you will have to worry down the road about touching it up. Barely puts any extra weight onto the bag. Works good for fixing coozies that are starting to have the bottoms blow out too.

[ChUcK]

It would be more time consuming than tape, but taking an old sheet or Tshirt, cutting some strips, and then pinning it on as your masking agent could work well.

I don't think vinyl will work. When at Lowe's, look for high-tack masking tape, and launder your bag before doing it. There's probably a lot of built up dirt and grease keeping the tape from sticking.

[Danforth]

Whatever happened to good old Scotchguard?

[Mason65]

The first coating of my PlastiDip spray on the bottom of my bag is drying as I type...figure it will take 3-4

Well, how did it turn out? Pics?

[cmlasley]

Whatever happened to good old Scotchguard?

3M decided it hurt the environment, so they axed it. Edit: and Scotchguard doesn't waterproof. Double edit: They reformulated it, but I've heard it doesn't work as well, but I've not used the reformulation.