Waterproofing Maps

[JoshK]

I generally print my own maps on an inkjet from TOPO. A while back somebody mentioned a good product to use for waterproofing them, that you could spray on I think. Anybody know what to use?

[marylou]

I use the spray fixative sold at art supply stores. Similar, but not as good, but cheaper, is clear spray paint.

 

Scotchgard works too if you can get your hands on it.

[Gary_Yngve]

Sweet, I was about to ask the same question!

[Luna]

I've used packing tape. Keeps the maps in pretty good shape.

[marylou]

Adds more weight though, esp if you are doing a lot of maps.

[Coopah]

Clear acrylic spray...works great!

[chirp]

I use the TOPO ADVENTURE Paper. Stuff seems pretty bombproof from a waterproof and from a general wear and tear standpoint. Its even pretty Jumar (the dog) proof to a degree although she will render the map into a 3d form. A bit more expensive but I think worth it.

[Dr_Crash]

I use MapSeal (bought at REI). Works well, about $8 for 4-6 maps (not counting my first, on which I used way too much product).

 

drC

[JoshK]

I like the adventure paper but with as many maps as I print, I would quickly go broke.

[chirp]

I like the adventure paper but with as many maps as I print, I would quickly go broke.

 

Yup thats the drawback. I agree with Dr Crash and Marylou regarding over the counter coatings.!

[Pandora]

Like Dr_Crash, my dad uses MapSeal. He applied too much coating on the first one, and it caused the map to stick to the surface beneath and rip. The next applications went more smoothly and he was quite satisfied with the results. Less is more!

[snoboy]

I think MapSeal is simply watered down Varathane, available at any hardware store for much less money, so that's what I started using for my maps. Spraying it would be nice.

[Dr_Crash]

I think MapSeal is simply watered down Varathane, available at any hardware store for much less money, so that's what I started using for my maps. Spraying it would be nice.

 

Does it work well, and what dilution ratio did you use?

 

drC

[arlen]

I walk on the wild side and just print them at 7" x 7.5" and keep them in a ziplock. So far so good.

[cj001f]

I walk on the wild side and just print them at 7" x 7.5" and keep them in a ziplock. So far so good.

Ziplocks are the way to go!

[snoboy]

Does it work well, and what dilution ratio did you use?

 

drC

 

Worked fine. Jus like MapSeal. Don't remember what ratio I used though Just make sure to get the water based stuff.

[Off_White]

I think MapSeal is simply watered down Varathane, available at any hardware store for much less money, so that's what I started using for my maps. Spraying it would be nice.

 

like this?:

[lummox]

I generally print my own maps on an inkjet from TOPO. A while back somebody mentioned a good product to use for waterproofing them, that you could spray on I think. Anybody know what to use?

ziploc bags work. an you can use em to put your stinky socks in for the drive home.

[Mal_Con]

I heard once that Mapseal is just Thompsons Water Seal repackaged for $$ It works just as well but, I don't know about inkjets.

[btowle]

Before I tell you my advice on this topic, you should know a couple of things:

 

1. I once only took 9 essentials on a day trip.

2. Once I climbed Mt. Adams south side route leaving my ice axe on my pack and just used hiking poles.

 

Okay, now that you know that I am a real risk taker, take the following advice at your own risk. Use the ziplocks. The gallon size fits a 8.5x11 sheet of paper pretty well and you can fold larger ones and just flip the ziplock over to see the other side.

 

You can leave them laying around the snow cave without worrying, store other stuff in them, and they cost very little. You can use them over and over.

 

If you get a pin hole, you might get a 1/4" blur, but if you are going to die because you can't read one little spot on a map, well....Darwin had a theory about that.

[Dru]

hell what about tool dip

[catbirdseat]

Try it Dru. We expect a full report.