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Navigating
Waterproofing Your Maps
and Charts
Keep your maps dry and
readable
A map that has blurred or fallen apart is next to
useless. Take these step to prevent you from falling into this situation.
Some ways to
waterproof a map are:
- Covering both side of it with
clear contact paper-(shelving paper - in your grocery store) making the map waterproof but very stiff
. Use an ink marker to highlight your route or make notes. When done, it is
possible to clean up the marks with a gauze pad soaked in rubbing alcohol.
- Paint on a product
called "Stormproof" or other map waterproofing treatments by
Aquaseal or Nikwax--available at most map and outdoor specialty stores. The
clear chemical coating renders the map waterproof, flexible, and able to be
written on.
- A coating of
"Thompson Water Seal" or other brick and masonry sealant will make
a map water-repellent, but not waterproof.
- Spray it with clear shellac- laquer
- epoxy or similar available with the Spray paint at
your local hardware store (Even Rustoleum has one) Apply in
light layers or the print may run or the paper may curl. Dry
thoroughly before rolling or folding.
- Spray dry silicone lubricant or
"Camp Dry" that you most likely have for
waterproofing you tent. Need to be repeated at least once per
season and will make the map feel slippery.
- Use 2" wide (or wider) Clear
"Scotch Tape", applying in strips that
slightly over lap the previous strip. Do this on both
sides. Be sure to go beyond all edges and either either
fold it over the edge or laminate it to the tape that is
applied on the opposite side.
- In a dire situation where you
didn't waterproof before leaving home you can use rendered
animal fat (fat that has been cooked until it turns in to a
boiling liquid- then cooled). This will be messier and may
attract wild animals so use precaution. See "Bears
and other dangerous animals" in our Wilderness Camping
page
Please that you can use the above mentioned silicone,
Nikwax, and rendered fat (sold under the common name of "dubbin, Bears fat,
Mink oil) as boot water proofing material. |
