Silicone coating

With silicone coating, a thin layer of silicone is applied to the fabric in a similar way to PU coating. This makes the fabric waterproof. Unlike polyurethane, silicone increases the tear resistance and tear strength of the fabric. This allows very light, thin but tear-resistant fabrics to be produced, which are used particularly in high-end tents (usually in combination with a ripstop structure, often referred to as silnylon). In contrast to silicone coating, siliconisation involves impregnating the fabric with silicone. This treatment is not as durable as a coating and does not achieve comparable waterproofness.