HOW TO REPAIR
- Purchase/use standard wetsuit adhesive. Most swim, triathlon, or sporting goods stores carry this product; we recommend...
- Lay the wetsuit on a flat surface.
- Gently pinch open the tear in the wetsuit to expose both surfaces. Apply a thick, equal layer of adhesive to both...
- Position the tear so that it is flat (sitting naturally without any bumps or folds in...
How do you repair a torn wetsuit?
Wetsuit repair materials are designed to be applied to dry neoprene, so lay the suit flat until completely dry before starting the repair process. For a tear of any size, Suddarth says to resist the urge to sew up your suit: “Using thread or floss to try and sew back a triathlon wetsuit is a bad idea.
Can you sew back a tear in a triathlon wetsuit?
For a tear of any size, Suddarth says to resist the urge to sew up your suit: “Using thread or floss to try and sew back a triathlon wetsuit is a bad idea. Because triathlon wetsuits are made with closed cell neoprene, it’s not going to hold the way it may in a surf or dive wetsuit.”
Can you use duct tape on a triathlon wetsuit?
Because triathlon wetsuits are made with closed cell neoprene, it’s not going to hold the way it may in a surf or dive wetsuit.” Ditto for duct tape: “The tape is not flexible, it will restrict movement. It will also peel away and will leave behind the sticky adhesive that will make putting on your wetsuit that much more difficult.”
What happens if you tear your wetsuit liner?
It will also peel away and will leave behind the sticky adhesive that will make putting on your wetsuit that much more difficult.” So long as the damage is to the neoprene and doesn’t go through to puncture the liner, a small tear (like a fingernail tear) can be treated with specially designed glues like Aqua Seal + Neo ($7.75, Gearaid.com ).
Can a wetsuit be repaired?
Repair a wetsuit cut with neoprene glue Wetsuit repair glue, or neoprene glue, is a type of contact adhesive specifically designed to glue neoprene panels together. Neoprene glue is flexible and remains waterproof. Wetsuit glue is affordable and it's available in most surf shops.
How do you fix a broken wetsuit?
Repair Adhesive/Sealant/Neoprene Cement: there are brands of adhesive and sealant made specifically for wetsuit repairs, such as Neoprene Queen and Aquaseal. You can also buy a “puncture repair kit” from any bike store (the glue used to fix a bike tire inner tube is basically the same).
What glue can I use on wetsuit?
The Black Witch glue for neoprene is one of the most popular choices for wetsuit repair.
How do you fix a ripped seam on a wetsuit?
Here's what you should do:Apply the neoprene cement to both sides of the seam;Add the first coat and wait 5 minutes;Add a second coat and wait 10 minutes;Press both sides firmly together;Thread the floss through the needle;Carefully sew the damaged area.More items...
How much does wetsuit repair cost?
Fixing a rip, tear, or hole in your wetsuit is actually really easy, and it only costs about $5-$10.
Can you patch neoprene?
For a rip or tear in your neoprene apply two thin coats of the Gear Aid Aquaseal+NEO Contact Cement to the edges of the tear. Wait 5–10 minutes, then press the edges together. If this is in a high-stress area, you'll want to reinforce the repair with a patch.
What is the best glue for neoprene?
3M™ Neoprene High Performance Rubber and Gasket Adhesive 1300 is one of our most versatile solvent-based adhesives for rubber and gaskets. This adhesive bonds neoprene, reclaimed, SBR and butyl rubbers to metal, wood and most plastics.
Can you use super glue on neoprene?
Don't Glue Neoprene Rubber, BOND Neoprene Rubber.
How do you put a patch on a wetsuit?
0:193:11How To: Patch Neoprene - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipWith a rip or tear you'll want to apply two thin coats of a net seal cement to either side of theMoreWith a rip or tear you'll want to apply two thin coats of a net seal cement to either side of the tear. Wait five to 10 minutes and then push both sides of the tear back. Together.
How do you sew wetsuit material?
2:417:05How to Sew With Neoprene - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipWhat you can use is use Clips like quilt binding clips to hold it together or. If it's a really hardMoreWhat you can use is use Clips like quilt binding clips to hold it together or. If it's a really hard one that's really not staying together you can put some fabric glue.
How do you tape a wetsuit seam?
3:275:22Time To Tape Your Wetsuit Seams? - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipBecause that can happen the taping up the wetsuit for 10 20 bucks with you just use an iron to ironMoreBecause that can happen the taping up the wetsuit for 10 20 bucks with you just use an iron to iron on this sticky tape it's a great inexpensive way to spruce up your wetsuit.
How do you use neoprene glue?
0:231:50Wetsuit Repair Using Neoprene Queen Repair Adhesive - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipNow align the two edges and firmly press them together and then keep pushing them together for aMoreNow align the two edges and firmly press them together and then keep pushing them together for a minute while the glue dries.
Can you repair a wetsuit zip?
Wetsuit Zip Repair or Replacement If teeth are missing or damage from your zip track, the only effective repair is to replace the zip. In some instances we may be able to replace 1 side of the zip track, reducing the cost of repair. In cases where this is not possible, Bodyline Wetsuits can replace the whole zip.
Can you stitch neoprene?
You can definitely use a straight stitch when sewing with neoprene. However, if you're doing it in a butted seam you might want to do a zigzag stitch to make sure that you're choosing a slightly longer stitch such as a three or three point five.
How do you put a patch on a wetsuit?
0:193:11How To: Patch Neoprene - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipWith a rip or tear you'll want to apply two thin coats of a net seal cement to either side of theMoreWith a rip or tear you'll want to apply two thin coats of a net seal cement to either side of the tear. Wait five to 10 minutes and then push both sides of the tear back. Together.
How do you use neoprene glue?
0:231:50Wetsuit Repair Using Neoprene Queen Repair Adhesive - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipNow align the two edges and firmly press them together and then keep pushing them together for aMoreNow align the two edges and firmly press them together and then keep pushing them together for a minute while the glue dries.
How long does it take for a seal to dry?
You should find that the seal dries within 2-3mins, but the seal will form more fully if you allow it to dry for at least 6hrs. The best option would be to allow it to dry overnight to allow the strongest seal possible to form.
How to apply neoprene glue?
Apply a first coat of neoprene adhesive to both surfaces (find online). The glue can be applied with a short bristle brush. Do not press the sides together.
Repairing Your Aquaman Triathlon Wetsuit
You’re celebrating one of your best triathlon swim times, when a blemish in your Aquaman wetsuit catches your eye. How did that cut get there? It looks like a crescent moon shape, about half an inch long. Hate to say it, but a cut in your wetsuit is most commonly made by finger nails when grabbing and pulling the suit on or off.
Step One
Hold the cut open as much as possible so that the glue can get deep inside the cut.
Step Two
Using a toothpick or q-tip put some glue inside the cut. Be sure to put glue all over both edges without too much excess.
Step Three
Let glue sit in the cut with the cut open for about 4 minutes. This allows the air to activate the glue.
Step Four
After the glue has had time to bond while sitting open, firmly press down with your finger to ensure the two pieces match up.
Your Wetsuit Repair is Now Complete
The end product will look similar to the picture below. The suit will be left with only a small scar.
How to fix a wetsuit tear?
Make sure your wetsuit is clean and dry. Check for dirt, sand, or other debris. If the repair area is not completely clean, the glue may not work well and you may not be able to completely fix the wetsuit tear.
What do you need to cover a tear in a wetsuit?
You will need some sort of wetsuit glue or adhesive to cover the tear.
What does it mean to have a wetsuit patch kit in your swim bag?
Having a wetsuit patch kit in your swim bag for training or transition bag on race day means that if you rip your wetsuit as you’re preparing to get in the water, you can get that hole patched up quickly without too much stress!
Why use a wetsuit hanger?
Use a wetsuit hanger like one of these instead of a traditional hanger so the shoulders don’t get worn out. A wetsuit-specific hanger will also decrease the stress of the wetsuit material.
How to seal a cut in a wall?
Apply a thin and even layer of your adhesive of choice to both surfaces. Keep the cut open while the adhesive is drying. You don’t want to allow the two sides to come together before the sealant is dry.
How long does it take for adhesive to dry?
The adhesive will take a few minutes to dry, so continue to keep the two side separated. Once it looks dry, you can check it by gently touching the adhesive with your finger. If it doesn’t stick to your finger, you can consider it dry.
Can a wetsuit tear?
While there are steps that you can take to ensure good care of your wetsuit, even the best wetsuits can end up with a tear or a hole.
Know when (and how) to fix your suit so it will last through multiple race seasons
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Forget about it
A small nick that doesn’t penetrate down to the jersey material lining the inside of the suit isn’t a big problem. These can either be left or repaired at home.
DIY-fixable
Slits in the neoprene that go down to the jersey fabric should be glued shut with rubber cement. Get a jar of Elmer’s from a craft store and spread a small dab on the inner flap of the cut. Firmly press the flap back into place and hold for three minutes without letting the glue seep out the back.
Seek expert help
If a seam breaks open or a cut in the neoprene penetrates the jersey liner, the hole needs to be sewn shut. Ship your suit to a repair service such as Madison Wetsuit Repair ( Madisonwetsuitrepair.com) to ensure it lasts for several more seasons.
Pro Repair Review
We shipped a badly damaged suit to Madison Wetsuit Repair in Wisconsin and it returned looking almost brand-new. The torn seam was brought back to near-perfect condition, and gouges in the neoprene were barely noticeable. The company’s typical turnaround time is one week, and price is determined per job.
