Bushwalk Australia

This post is about making a paper map waterproof by using DIY impregnation with diluted TRV silicone rubber.

It is a simple and cheap way of preserving walking maps for future use. I used 5g of clear acetic cure RTV silicone rubber plus 15g of clean mineral turpentine to make the impregnation mixture. It joins my long list of successful DIY uses of silicone rubber for backpacking gear:
https://timtinker.com/silicone-rubber-for-ultralight-backpacking-gear2/

The map survived a three-day return walk to Wonnangatta valley and a dunking in a wheelbarrow of water prior to the above photo being taken.

For more details please see:
https://timtinker.com/diy-waterproof-map-give-them-the-silicone-rubber-treatment/
Tim

Now, that is coool. I'm going to have to give it a go.

north-north-west wrote:Now, that is coool. I'm going to have to give it a go.

Hi North-north-west, I hope it works well for you. Avoid my little mistake of rubbing the printed side and causing little smudged patches. Tim

I do so much enjoy the lateral thinking. Thanks.

A

andrewa wrote:I do so much enjoy the lateral thinking. Thanks.

A

Hi Andrewa, Thanks. That is a very kind term for what some people consider to be a disorder. Tim

Hi Tim,

It is a disorder. I share it.

It allows for productive and enjoyable thought process when one needs a break from what’s going on around, and also for when one goes off to sleep.

I like lateral thought process.

A

andrewa wrote:Hi Tim,

It is a disorder. I share it.

It allows for productive and enjoyable thought process when one needs a break from what’s going on around, and also for when one goes off to sleep.

I like lateral thought process.

A

Hi Andrewa, Yes you have nailed it. It is a great escape and is always there, on-hand or in-brain, when waiting for something or you are surrounded by crap, dross and tedium. It also is much better than 'counting sheep' when going to sleep. The funny thing is that the solutions to the challenge don't come to me at this time. However, they often come later ~2:00 am and then I go quickly back to sleep. My 'intellectual property/patent diary' from my pre-retirement workplace reflected this with 2:00 am priority dates. I think it must be some subliminal processing while I am sleeping. Do you have a similar experience? Tim

There is also weatherproof paper available for inkjet printers for those of us that just don't like the smell of turps. I'm thinking of giving this a try https://www.meter.com.au/waterproofpape ... 00sheets/# . I don't suppose anyone else has any experience with it?

... and yes 2am to 3am is definitely cunning plan time.

deadwood wrote:There is also weatherproof paper available for inkjet printers for those of us that just don't like the smell of turps. I'm thinking of giving this a try https://www.meter.com.au/waterproofpape ... 00sheets/# . I don't suppose anyone else has any experience with it?

... and yes 2am to 3am is definitely cunning plan time.

Similarly, I've used this stuff: https://www.amazon.com.au/Toughprint-Wa ... B01M8GNOQH

Was great for a two week rafting trip, such that I was able to keep my current map page out and open attached to my pack in the raft and it didn't matter how wet it got (which was completely underwater a few times), and drenched many other times).