Summary
- STARLAB® Digital Domes are very durable, and they are made from a robust, light-proof fabric which has been specially reinforced at key places in the structure to provide integrity and maximize the lifespan of the dome.
- Most domes that are properly maintained are still in good condition after five or more years of operation.
- Avoid pulling the dome near the seams or by the inflation tube. Do not drag the dome over dirty surfaces.
- Normal wear and tear can facilitate the need for additional patching and repairs during the lifetime of the dome.
- As with any fabric, great care should be taken when unpacking and packing up the dome to ensure that the material does not tear or become dirty.
Cleaning the Fabric
- If the dome fabric becomes excessively dirty, you may use a lint free cloth to wipe off excess dirt.
- An old t-shirt is best to clean the fabric, as the material is both gentle and effective for this purpose. You may dampen the cloth with water to remove stubborn spots.
- Allow the dome to dry completely before storing it.
- Excess water or other chemicals on the dome fabric is to be avoided as these substances may cause fabric discoloration.
- Water has the potential to promote mildew growth, and it can loosen the glue holding the cloth strips over the dome seams.
Pinhole Patching
Small holes, or pinholes, can be patched with tiny circles of the extra dome cloth fabric that is provided along with fabric glue. Additional patches may be ordered if needed. Applying a pinhole patch requires two people.
Never use a black permanent marker on the dome! This is not a suitable solution, and it will look unsightly.
- One person is stationed inside the dome and the other person remains outside the dome. The person inside the dome should wait 5 to 10 minutes for their eyes to adjust to the dark before attempting to identify pinholes.
- To indicate a pinhole, the person inside the dome should poke it with one finger. The dome may need to be partially deflated partially to reach some of the holes.
- The person outside the dome is responsible for patching the pinhole. The person inside the dome will verify that no light is entering the dome from the newly patched pinhole.
- While the patch is drying, the dome must remain inflated.
- Dome patches must dry for at least an hour before the dome may be moved and/or deflated.
Pinholes below the horizon can generally be ignored, unless there are many of them and they are impacting the presentation inside the dome due to light pollution.
Larger Tears
- Larger tears can be repaired with larger strips of dome fabric and fabric glue. In extreme circumstances, a large tear may necessitate the dome being returned to our facility in Florida for repair.
- Most dome tears come from dome visitors pulling on the door as they enter or exit too quickly.
- Other causes of tears include sharp objects (e.g., pens, scissors).
- Proper flow management to ensure that people enter and exit the dome one person at a time will help to prevent most damage to the dome.
- Occasionally, the tape that covers the seams can begin to peel if the seams are exposed to extreme temperatures. This is mostly a cosmetic issue that can be remedied by applying a small amount of fabric glue to the underside of the tape and then applying pressure to the area.