Seam Sealing Services for High-Performance, Waterproof Garments
We develop, test and set up seam sealing that keeps garments waterproof, windproof and durable, across fully taped, critically taped and bonded constructions, from the first sample to bulk production.
Keeping Water Out, Performance In: Our Seam Sealing Methods
Seam sealing covers a stitched or welded seam with a heat-activated thermoplastic tape. The tape closes the needle holes and the seam line, so water, wind and dirt are kept out. The right method depends on the garment’s end use, the fabric and its coating, and the waterproof rating the garment has to meet. As a garment seam sealing company, we provide seam sealing services for garment manufacturing from the first trial to bulk production.
Fully Taped Seams
Every seam is sealed with tape for maximum waterproofing. Used on hardshell jackets, rainwear and specialist protective clothing.
Critically Taped Seams
Only the high-exposure seams, such as shoulders, back yokes and underarms, are sealed. A cost-effective choice for softshells, mid-layers and casual outerwear.
Ultrasonic Welding and Seam Sealing Combined
Tape applied over an ultrasonic-welded seam gives a clean, stitch-free and watertight finish for activewear, intimates and performance apparel.
Seam Sealing Process Development
We develop and validate the tape, temperature, air flow, pressure and speed for your fabric and construction, then record them in an SOP for your factory.
Curves, Cross Seams and Corners
Hoods, armholes, pocket corners and cross seams are harder to seal than a straight seam. We set tape width, machine attachments and speed for these areas and test cross-seam mock-ups separately.
Hot Air Seam Sealing on Ardmel Machines
Ardmel has built seam sealing machines since the MK-1 in 1979. Our current machines use XYZ nozzle positioning, an automatic positive roller feed and an updated PLC program with torque control monitoring.
Seam Sealing Backed by Machines, Tapes and Production Experience
From Initial Sample to Bulk Production: How Seam Sealing Trials Work
Fabric Assessment
We check fabric composition, coating, laminate type and water resistance to confirm which tapes will bond to it and hold.
Tape Selection
We recommend single-layer, two-layer, three-layer or specialist tape, matched to the fabric, its stretch and the garment’s end use.
Machine Setup
We set temperature, air flow, speed and pressure for your fabric, including the settings for curves and cross seams.
Trial & Testing
We run peel strength, hydrostatic head and wash durability tests on sealed mock-ups and garments, repeating the trial until results meet your standard.
SOP & Bulk Handover
Settings go into a production SOP and your operators are trained. In bulk, machine settings are checked every two hours, with peel and hydrostatic tests on the line.
Choosing the Right Seam Sealing Tape for Your Fabric
Tape choice follows the fabric: its laminate type (2L, 2.5L or 3L), its coating chemistry and how many washes it has to survive. We test the candidate tapes on your fabric before recommending one.
| Tape type | Built for | Typical garments |
|---|---|---|
| Single-layer tape | PU-coated fabrics in lightweight waterproof garments | Lightweight rainwear, workwear |
| Two-layer tape | 2L and 2.5L laminates, where the tape sits on an exposed membrane or printed face | Lightweight jackets, packable shells |
| Three-layer tape | 3L laminates, with a textile face that matches the garment's inner surface | Hardshell jackets, technical outerwear |
| Specialist tapes | Stretch fabrics, dye-to-match colors, and hydrolysis-resistant ether-based tapes | Activewear, color-matched collections, kites and inflatables |
Ardmel produces and customizes seam sealing tapes, including dye-to-match colors. To order tape, visit ardmel.com.
Industries and Garment Types That Need Seam Sealing
Seam Sealing FAQs: Tape Types, Supply and Bulk Production
What does seam sealed mean?
A seam-sealed garment has a waterproof tape bonded over its seams on the inside. The tape blocks the needle holes and the seam line, which are where water gets into a stitched garment.
What's the difference between fully taped and critically taped?
Fully taped means every seam in the garment is sealed, for maximum waterproofing in extreme weather. Critically taped means only the most exposed seams are sealed, which lowers cost while keeping adequate weather resistance for mid-layers and casual outerwear.
Which tape type do I need for my fabric?
It depends on the laminate type (2L, 2.5L or 3L), the coating chemistry and the wash requirement. We assess your fabric and recommend single-layer, two-layer, three-layer or specialist tape.
Do You Help with Customer Developments and Bulk Production?
Yes. We support you from early development (fabric testing, tape selection, process setup and sample trials) through to bulk production, with machine setup, parameter optimization, operator training and troubleshooting during production.
Our sealed seams leak or peel after washing. Can you help?
Yes. Leaks, peeling and delamination after bonding or seam sealing, and wash failures, are the problems we are asked to fix most. We trace the cause to the tape, the fabric coating or the machine settings, correct the process and confirm the fix with hydrostatic and wash testing.
Which standards do you test sealed seams against?
We test sealed seams for water penetration, seam strength and wash durability, to international standards or your brand’s own method. The standards we work to are listed on our adhesive and tape testing page.
Can you train our seam sealing operators?
Yes. Training runs at your factory, at Ardmel in the Biyagama Export Processing Zone, or remotely. We have trained teams in India, Bangladesh, Vietnam, Myanmar and China.
Do you supply the seam sealing tapes as well?
Yes. Ardmel produces, supplies and customizes seam sealing tapes, including tapes for use on other brands of machine. We recommend the right tape for your construction, and tapes are ordered through ardmel.com.
Do you supply the seam sealing machine as well?
Yes. Ardmel manufactures seam sealing machines and attachments for jackets, boots, gloves, air balloons and other products, and can customize them to your requirements. Machines are available through ardmel.com.
Ready to Seal Your Next Collection? Talk to Our Seam Sealing Specialists
Send us your fabric and performance requirements. We will recommend the sealing method, tape and trial that fit.
Explore More Services
Garment Bonding
Stitch-free hems, pockets, edges and components, made with hot press, laydown and PUR dot bonding.
Ultrasonic Bonding
Thread-free garment construction using high-frequency vibration technology.
Adhesive & Tape Testing
Compatibility and durability testing for adhesives, seam tapes and bonding materials.
