Difference between revisions of "Waterproofing Techniques"
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== Waterproofing Containers == | == Waterproofing Containers == | ||
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* Check the seals on containers before placing them. Here are a couple ways to do this: | * Check the seals on containers before placing them. Here are a couple ways to do this: | ||
| − | ** Fill up a sink or bathtub, close the container with some tissue paper inside it, and weigh down the container so it is fully submerged. After a few | + | ** Fill up a sink or bathtub, close the container with some tissue paper inside it, and weigh down the container so it is fully submerged. After a few hours, retrieve and open the container. There should be no water inside. |
| − | ** Place the container outside with some tissue paper inside it. Choose a location | + | ** Place the container outside with some tissue paper inside it. Choose a location that exposes it to rain/sprinklers at least as much as the cache's intended location. After a few weeks, open the container. There should be no water inside. |
| − | * Use good containers. Cheap containers (e.g., semi-disposable storage containers) tend to leak more. | + | * Use [[Cache Containers#Good cache containers|good containers]]. Cheap containers (e.g., semi-disposable storage containers) tend to leak more. |
* Spread a thin layer of silicone caulk around the edge of the lid. | * Spread a thin layer of silicone caulk around the edge of the lid. | ||
| − | * Wrap some teflon tape around the threads ( | + | * Wrap some teflon tape around the threads of containers with screw-on lids (for example, pill bottles). Teflon tape comes in rolls, about a dollar each. Three wraps should keep your cache dry. |
| − | * | + | * Check the gasket of an [[ammo can]] (on the inside of the lid, all around) before you buy it. |
== Waterproofing Documents == | == Waterproofing Documents == | ||
| − | * Labels, stash notes, and other documents can be laminated. If you don't have a laminating machine, most copy shops will laminate documents for a modest charge. | + | * Labels, [[Stash Note|stash notes]], and other documents can be laminated. If you don't have a laminating machine, most copy shops will laminate documents for a modest charge. |
* Various waterproofing/sealing products (e.g., Mod Podge) can help seal decals or labels that you have printed on a home computer. You can find them in most craft stores. | * Various waterproofing/sealing products (e.g., Mod Podge) can help seal decals or labels that you have printed on a home computer. You can find them in most craft stores. | ||
* [[Log book#Waterproof paper|Waterproof paper]] can be used to print stash notes, log sheets, and other documents. | * [[Log book#Waterproof paper|Waterproof paper]] can be used to print stash notes, log sheets, and other documents. | ||
| + | * [[Stash Note|Stash notes]] and [[Log book|logs]] can be placed in a ziplock bag inside the container. However, ziplock bags eventually leak (especially if pens/pencils are placed inside them too), and then they just trap moisture and hasten the deterioration of the documents. | ||
Latest revision as of 07:50, 15 January 2010
[edit] Waterproofing Containers
At some point, most geocachers have opened a cache and found a mass of wet paper, leaves, and mud inside. Here are some ways to make sure your own cache doesn't become one of these waterlogged messes.
- Check the seals on containers before placing them. Here are a couple ways to do this:
- Fill up a sink or bathtub, close the container with some tissue paper inside it, and weigh down the container so it is fully submerged. After a few hours, retrieve and open the container. There should be no water inside.
- Place the container outside with some tissue paper inside it. Choose a location that exposes it to rain/sprinklers at least as much as the cache's intended location. After a few weeks, open the container. There should be no water inside.
- Use good containers. Cheap containers (e.g., semi-disposable storage containers) tend to leak more.
- Spread a thin layer of silicone caulk around the edge of the lid.
- Wrap some teflon tape around the threads of containers with screw-on lids (for example, pill bottles). Teflon tape comes in rolls, about a dollar each. Three wraps should keep your cache dry.
- Check the gasket of an ammo can (on the inside of the lid, all around) before you buy it.
[edit] Waterproofing Documents
- Labels, stash notes, and other documents can be laminated. If you don't have a laminating machine, most copy shops will laminate documents for a modest charge.
- Various waterproofing/sealing products (e.g., Mod Podge) can help seal decals or labels that you have printed on a home computer. You can find them in most craft stores.
- Waterproof paper can be used to print stash notes, log sheets, and other documents.
- Stash notes and logs can be placed in a ziplock bag inside the container. However, ziplock bags eventually leak (especially if pens/pencils are placed inside them too), and then they just trap moisture and hasten the deterioration of the documents.
