“Can You Replace a PVC Coated Fabric for Dry Bag with Gunite?” – SUPER VINYLTARP – PVC Fabric for Outdoor Sport Bag Manufacturer, PVC Coated Fabric for Dry Bag Wholesale, Made in China
Dry bags, commonly used by outdoor enthusiasts for water-related activities like kayaking, canoeing, and rafting, are designed to keep belongings dry even when submerged. They’re typically made from durable materials such as PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride) coated fabric. Given the importance of this function, the choice of material is crucial. An intriguing question is whether gunite, a material more commonly associated with swimming pools, can be used as a substitute for PVC coated fabric in the making of dry bags. Let’s delve into the characteristics of both materials to get a clearer picture.
What is PVC Coated Fabric?
PVC coated fabric is known for its waterproof properties. It’s essentially a fabric (often polyester or nylon) coated with a layer of polyvinyl chloride, providing both strength and water resistance. Key properties include:
- Durability: Resists wear and tear, ideal for rough handling during outdoor activities.
- Flexibility: Can be folded and rolled without compromising its waterproof quality.
- Lightweight: Suitable for carrying gear without adding significant weight.
- Watertight Seal: When sealed correctly, a PVC dry bag ensures belongings remain dry even when the bag is temporarily submerged.
What is Gunite?
Gunite is a mixture of cement, sand, and water applied pneumatically, usually at high velocity, to a surface. It’s a popular choice for swimming pool constructions because of its adaptability to various shapes and its durable nature. Key properties include:
- Durability: Hardens to a rigid structure, resisting wear and tear.
- Rigidity: Unlike PVC, gunite is not flexible and cannot be folded or rolled.
- Weight: Significantly heavier than PVC coated fabrics.
- Water Resistance: While gunite is used for water-containing structures, it’s not inherently waterproof. It’s the tiles or finish applied on top of the gunite that provides the waterproof seal.
Comparison: Can Gunite Replace PVC Coated Fabric?
Given the characteristics of both materials, several challenges arise:
- Flexibility: A primary advantage of dry bags is their ability to be rolled or folded for storage and to fit in tight spaces. Gunite’s rigid nature would eliminate this advantage.
- Weight: Gunite is considerably heavier, making it less practical for on-the-go activities.
- Seal: The watertight seal that can be achieved with PVC dry bags might be challenging with gunite unless an additional sealing mechanism or material is used.
- Manufacturing: Creating a dry bag from gunite would require a different manufacturing approach, making it less cost-effective and more time-consuming than using PVC coated fabric.
Conclusion
While gunite possesses certain qualities that make it an excellent material for specific applications, it isn’t a suitable replacement for PVC coated fabric in the context of dry bags. The flexibility, lightweight nature, and watertight sealing capabilities of PVC coated fabrics are unmatched by gunite in this scenario. For now, those looking for reliable dry storage during water-related activities are better off sticking with the tried and true materials.
