how to repair a surfboard ding

by Nicholas Friesen Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago

How to Repair a Surfboard Ding

Clean your board. Clean your board by using a wax comb, then remove excess surf wax with your wax remover. ...
Color match (optional). Most people repair dings without color matching. ...
Apply resin. Once your board is dry and clean, thoroughly apply resin to the damaged area. ...
Cure the resin. ...
Sand it. ...

Full Answer

How to repair dings and dents on surfboard?

Here are the steps to repairing dings and dents on your surfboard: Step 1: Cut it Out The first thing that you must do it remove the damaged part of the board by cutting out the ding with the razor blade provided. This will help to remove any part that has broken, crushed, or rotted.

How do you fix a broken surfboard?

Once the epoxy is hardened, remove the tape. Sand using 180 grit sandpaper to blend the repair area into the existing part of the surfboard. Once the area is blended, sand the whole patch to flatten. Sand the rails by hand as the epoxy there will be thinner than other parts of the repair.

How do you fix a ding in a fiberglass boat?

#2 Wipe the area free of any powder. Tape off around the ding. #3 Next, you will need to fill the damaged area. This guide is best suited for fiberglass board repair, the process for filling the ding in an epoxy board is slightly different as you will need to cut a plug to fill the ding.

How do you fix a ding in a pool table?

Step 1: Cut it Out The first thing that you must do it remove the damaged part of the board by cutting out the ding with the razor blade provided. This will help to remove any part that has broken, crushed, or rotted.

Can surfboard dings be repaired?

There are excellent ding repair kits for polyurethane foam boards, and specially formulated UV curing resin for repairing epoxy and polyurethane surfboards. After you've applied the fiberglass and resin, expose it to sunlight to harden. Then reapply an additional coat of resin to fill in and create a smooth surface.

What is needed to fix surfboard ding?

Surfboard Repair: DIY Steps to Fix a DingYou can also save money in another way. ... Gather the necessary supplies. ... Remove rotten and damaged area. ... Clean the area. ... Protect the surrounding areas with masking tape. ... Fill in the gaps/voids with Q-Cell. ... Sand the area down. ... Glass the repair.More items...

Can you fix dents in a surfboard?

Surfboard Dent Repair. If you've inflicted minor damage to your surfboard, you can fix it yourself! There are many ding repair techniques and a variety of products and kits on the market, so it can be tricky to know where to start.

How much does it cost to fix dings on a surfboard?

STANDUP PADDLEBOARDS1 Ding 2 Dings 3 Dings$85+UP $110+UP $130+UPLong Box$100+UPFin System$100+UPLeash Plug Existing$100+UPLeash Plug New$110+UP8 more rows

What resin should I use to fix my surfboard?

0:443:33Tips on which resin to use for epoxy and polyester surfboards - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThis is a is the sun cure polyester resin so this can not be used on epoxy because it will eat theMoreThis is a is the sun cure polyester resin so this can not be used on epoxy because it will eat the foam. I found out the hard way a long time ago that it could not be done. So lesson learned and so we

How do you tell if your surfboard is epoxy or fiberglass?

How do you tell epoxy from regular boards?, Well to start with look at the manufacturers logos (the “stickers” under the glass work), most reputable board builders will put the word epoxy on most or at least one of these, so READ them all first, if you find the word epoxy on any of these than it is an epoxy… as for the ...

How do you fix a dent in a epoxy surfboard?

2:226:40How to: Rail Ding Repair on Painted Epoxy Surfboard or SUP - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo we're going to cut a patch that's a little bit bigger than our repair. Area and thenMoreSo we're going to cut a patch that's a little bit bigger than our repair. Area and then concentrically patches that are an eighth to quarter inch smaller.

Do dings affect surfboard?

Pressure dings will generally affect your surfboard, but it is not always in a negative way. The location, depth, and size of a ding will determine the negative or possibly positive effect it may have.

How long does ding all take to dry?

*Cure Times for laminations: 30 - minute working time, 2 to 3 hours of Gel time and 6 to 8 hours full cure figured at 77 F.

How much should a ding repair cost?

The dent repair cost may range from $50 to $2,500. Although that's a broad range, most small dents that are roughly an inch in size may cost around $50 to $125. Small indentations may come from a flying rock or piece of hail. Dents stemming from a collision are typically larger and cost $150 or more.

How long does it take to fix a surfboard ding?

All it takes is a few minutes and $5 or $10. Stairways and doorways are some of the most common places to ding your surfboard. If you're not super careful, one miscalculation of your board's length could leave a crack in the tail.

Can you fix a crack in a surfboard?

If you notice a crack in your board, don't worry! You can repair most cracks at home as long as you clean the area, properly apply and cure the resin, and smooth the board.

Can you duct tape a surfboard ding?

Can I Use Duct Tape To Repair My Surfboard? You can, but in general I (and a lot of others) wouldn't recommend it as the little fiber strings that criss-cross duct tape actually absorb water. Gorilla Tape (a tougher version of duct tape) works great and is mentioned below.

How do you fix a ding in epoxy surfboard?

2:056:40How to: Rail Ding Repair on Painted Epoxy Surfboard or SUP - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo we're going to cut a patch that's a little bit bigger than our repair. Area and thenMoreSo we're going to cut a patch that's a little bit bigger than our repair. Area and then concentrically patches that are an eighth to quarter inch smaller.

What is Q-cell filler?

Q-Cell Filler is used to thicken Polyester and Epoxy resin to create a ” Foam White” fill paste that is easy to sand. Q-Cell, also works great with Sun Cure UV Resin. - Q-CELL provides an economical way of extending resin, and in applications where a light weight is of primary importance.

How do you fix a small crack in a surfboard?

To repair a cracked surfboard, clean and dry the board, and remove any rotten foam from the cracked area. Sand the crack until the fiberglass layer is exposed. Then, fill the crack with a UV-activated resin, and cover the resin with clear plastic before setting the board in the sun for 5-10 minutes.

How to repair a ding in fiberglass?

Before beginning any type of ding repair be sure you put on a respiration mask and gloves. Safety goggles are also a good idea. #1 First make sure the dinged area is dry, no water droplets should be leaking out. You may have to cut back a little of the fiberglass using a knife to allow the foam to dry completely.

Is sanding an art?

Sanding the newly repaired area is an art. With practice, you can make it appear as if nothing ever happened.

Can you use epoxy to repair a fiberglass board?

It will contain everything you need to get the job done. Note that you can not use epoxy to repair a fiberglass board and visa-versa. If you have an epoxy surfboard, get an epoxy ding repair kit.

Is it empowering to repair a surfboard?

Repairing a surfboard or DIY ding repair as it is otherwise known, is definitely an empowering endeavor. Besides being empowering, there are other bonuses to learning how to repair a surfboard.

Is it better to repair a surfboard or buy a new one?

Learning how to repair a surfboard is WAY more environmentally friendly than buying a new factory-made surfboard. Surfboard manufacturing is not kind to the planet.

Is solar res better than fiberglass?

You are less “repairing” your board than you are “sealing” it, just to keep the water out. The advantage of solar res is that it is quick and easy to use, and is more compact to travel with than a traditional fiberglass repair.

Can you repair a surfboard yourself?

The first time you learn how to repair a surfboard and do it yourself, you might use a solar resin. This is a specific resin that does not need to be mixed and hardens with exposure to the UV rays of the sun. You are less “repairing” your board than you are “sealing” it, just to keep the water out.

How to replace foam in a board?

Place an ounce of sanding resin in a mixing cup and slowly stir in Q-Cell. Once you have a thick paste, add 10 catalyst drops. Stir again and then apply on the dinged area. This will serve as a foam replacement.

How to repair a broken glass door?

Glass the repair. Cut 2 circular pieces of fiberglass. Make sure that one is a little bit bigger than the other, and both are a bit bigger than the repair area. Mix an ounce of sanding resin and 10 catalyst drops. Stir well until it begins to warm up/kick. 8.

Can you fix a surfboard ding?

Being a surfer is not just about time spent in the water. You should also know basic surfboard repair, particularly when it comes to fixing a ding. Dings are fairly common especially if you’re a beginner, although experienced surfers, due to normal use and abuse, have to deal with dinged boards pretty often as well.

How to Fix a Surfboard Ding on the Rail

Riding the waves creates an exhilarating feeling of freedom. Life on top of the water offers a rush of adrenaline. Keeping your surfboard in excellent condition ensures you will be catching and riding wave after wave. Take time to check your board for dings and keep it in top shape.

Materials Needed to Repair Dings

Some of the materials needed to repair dings are found in many garages since they are used for other household needs.

Preparing Your Surfboard to Repair Dings

Repairing your board is not too difficult a procedure. The time between steps is key to ensure drying. Depending upon the water damage from the ding, you may need to let it sit for a few days to dry out.

Steps to Repair the Dings in Your Surfboard

Understanding the construction of your board will help you visualize the repairs. Briefly and simplifying the process, your board is made of foam material. This foam is then covered with fiberglass. Fiberglass cloth makes your board resilient. Next resin is applied to affix the fiberglass to the foam foundation to solidify the material.

Importance of Repairing Dings

The ding has cracked the outer resin, which acts as a laminated protector of your board. Fiberglass, which is the layer below the resin, can now separate from the foam. The reliability of the surfboard is now compromised. Regardless of the cause of dings on your surfboard rails, it is important to fix them quickly and meticulously.

Reducing Dings in Your Surfboard

Though it seems cool to do, riding all the way into shore can damage your board. The pieces of shells and rocks at the edge of the water can cause dings in your board.

How to repair a ding on a surfboard?

Step 1: Cut it Out. The first thing that you must do it remove the damaged part of the board by cutting out the ding with the razor blade provided. This will help to remove any part that has broken, crushed, or rotted.

What to do if you snapped your nose on a surfboard?

In the unfortunate event that you have snapped off your nose or there are serious gashes in the fiberglass and foam, your best option is to take the board to the local surf shop and see what they can do.

What materials are needed to repair a ding?

The materials that can usually be found in a ding repair kitinclude sandpaper, fiberglass, masking tape, mixing cup, sanding resin and catalyst, acetone, safety mask, wax comb, razor blade, paintbrush, safety glasses, and Q-cell filler.

What is the last step in sanding a board?

The last step involves a process known as wet sanding. What you’ll need to do is provide a little bit of water to the surface and then use sand paper, sanding in slow circular motions. A paste will develop on the sandpaper and any remaining resin can be washed off the board.

How to smooth out fiberglass?

Pour some of the resin on top of that fiberglass layer and spread out the coating evenly, making a smooth surface. Finally, apply the smaller of the fiberglass sheets in the same manner and once again, pour on resin, ensuring that the coating is smooth.

Why is it important to learn to use a ding repair kit?

Learning to use a ding repair kit might possibly be as important as learning to stand up for your first time. Not only does it prevent you from having to drop off your surfboard at the shop and wait for them to repair it, but you’re also going to save money on a price tag that is certainly not going to be easy on your wallet.

How to get rid of wax on surfboard?

Initially, you will need to use the wax comb to get rid of any wax that is around the area you cut. To make sure that it’s a clean surface around the cut, pour some of the acetone on it to help breakdown any other substances that might still be on the board (check out the article on how to clean your surfboard).

How to fix a fiberglass blister on a surfboard?

The fiberglass patch that was cut out was able to be salvaged as it was in excellent shape, however it was convex in shape so it needed to be flattened before being glued back to the surfboard. Using a heat gun the blister was heated gently until it flattened out, a block of wood was used to help keep it level.

What is the last step on a surfboard?

The last step and is optional is polishing, polishing will help blend the repair area in with the rest of the surfboard. I like using an automotive clear coat polish. I use a cloth and apply a little polish and start working at the surfboard, it will take some elbow grease! You can also use a buffer if you have one and will speed things up.

How to soak fiberglass in epoxy?

Using an automotive body filler squeegee, move the epoxy around the board giving it time to soak into the fiberglass. Don't rush this, let the fiberglass get saturated.

How to repair fiberglass blisters?

Determine the area that needs to be repaired and remove the fiberglass. Using a marker the blister was marked where it separated from the foam. Then using a rotary tool with a cutting disc the marked area was cut out, a vacuum was used to keep the dust down while cutting. Don't forget to wear a dust mask to keep the fiberglass dust out of your lungs.

What to do with a blister on a board?

Cut out the bad section of the board, in this case a large blister

How to get rid of dust on epoxy board?

Vacuum to get rid of any dust, avoid touching the board with your hands as they have natural oils that can contaminate the surface causing adhesion issues with the epoxy.

What tools do you use to sand a wood floor?

You can use a hand sander, palm sander or other sanding tools.

Do you worry about dings on a surf trip?

If you’re on a surf trip, don’t even worry about dings. “You already paid a lot of money to be there, just don’t worry about your board and make sure you get your waves,” Martins says.

Can you use spackle to fill surfboard foam?

Spackle—yes, spackle —can be used to fill little holes in surfboard foam if you don’t have Q-cell or some other traditional filler. Speaking of Q-cell, mix it thicker than you think you need to. It should resemble the consistency of toothpaste, which helps it hold the shape of the space you’re trying to fill.

Can you put wax over a ding?

Wax—no, never. Ever. Wax must be completely dug out of a ding to fix it properly. Resin won’t adhere to wax, so throwing a small layer of resin over a waxy ding is useless. To properly fix a ding then, you’ll have to cut out the foam that’s touched the wax, making what was maybe a small repair job much more complicated.