by rcaffin » Thu 05 Mar, 2020 8:10 pm
Yes, I tested it. Not happy with the results on the new LS-series fabrics. The older X-Pac fabrics were a bit better, but I still had problems with heat-applied tapes and adhesive tapes (inc Venture).
There are two main problems:
The first is that the fabric seems to have a DWR on both sides (which is nice of course), but getting either heat-activated seam tape or other adhesive tapes to adhere to the DWR surface is not all that successful. I suspect the DWR rejects adhesion.
The second is that applying the heat-activated tape properly is HARD. A manufacturer will use a commercial machine with a controlled heat gun and a pressure roller, and get fairly consistent results (on other fabrics). I tried to use what the ordinary MYOG enthusiast might have: an iron. But the temperature cycling of the iron meant that half the time the edge or surface of the iron was too cold, and the tape did not adhere very well - on top of the DWR problem. When the iron got to the top of the cycle it was too hot.
Most frustrating.
Cheers
Roger