Working with water resistant webbing

Water resistant webbing is made of two materials. The core of the webbing consists of a PVC fabric over which a layer of thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) is applied. The combination of the two materials gives the webbing those unique features that you will find so useful. See for yourself how easy it is to work with this stuff.

Characteristics of water resistant webbing

Flexible and pleasant to touch polyurethane protects the strong PVC core fabric. The TPU ensures resistance to water, chemicals, sweat, bacteria, UV radiation and weather.The antibacterial surface is well accepted by animals. It does not get abraded and its properties are stable at low and high temperatures alike. The webbing meets the requirements for receiving the REACH and ROHS certificates.

A great advantage of water resistant webbing is easy maintenance – it can be cleaned with soap and water. Despite its thickness, the webbing is soft and flexible.

This is the most modern replacement for leather. Its main use is for making dog collars and leashes, harness, halters and lunge lines for horses, and manufacture of sporting goods, particularly belts – safety, military, or fashion belts for both men and women.

If you use stainless steel or brass fittings, you will produce a high-quality, long-lasting items that will be resistant to water, sweat or chemicals, and will keep these properties for a very long time.

Cutting and holing the water resistant webbing

• cutting the webbing with a box cutter

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• cutting straight, round and slant ends with scissors

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• cutting a decorative tip using a strap end punch

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The webbing can be easily cut with a knife or sharp scissors. Force is needed when cutting with a utility knife, (similar to cutting leather). The cut is smooth and free of burrs. Unlike classic polypropylene straps, water resistant webbing straps can be easily trimmed into round and decorative tips.

Riveting the water resistant webbing

Riveting is the easiest, fastest and most commonly used way to join two lengths of water resistant webbing. The riveting procedure is reviewed in our earlier article on How to Master Manual Riveting.

The punched hole is free of burrs and keeps the desired undistorted shape. Classic polypropylene webbing can not be punched by hand punches.

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Sewing water resistant webbing

Water resistant webbing, like classic polypropylene (PP) or cotton webbing, can be decorated and/or joined together by stitching. Two layers of water resistant webbing are easily sewn together on an industrial sewing machine or even with a classic (metal) home sewing machine.

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When sewing on a hobby machine, it is necessary to increase the tension of the upper thread and use a stronger needle, number 100-120, or use a special denim or leather sewing needle.