How to repair a wetsuit
- Clean your wetsuit. Make sure your wetsuit is clean and dry. ...
- Open up the tear. Locate the tear in your wetsuit. ...
- Apply the wetsuit sealant. Apply a thin and even layer of your adhesive of choice to both surfaces. ...
- Let the glue dry. ...
- Bring both sides of the tear together. ...
- WETSUIT TEAR IS REPAIRED! ...
How to shrink a wetsuit?
- To maximize your shrinkage, use the longest washing size. If you just want to shrink it 1 size, you can use a normal wash cycle.
- If you are washing a small load of laundry, you only need one half of a cap of detergent.
- When checking the size, hold the wet sweatshirt in front of your torso and eyeball the size in the mirror. ...
How to wash and care for your wetsuit?
To clean and care for your wet suit, make sure you adhere to these guidelines:
- After wearing, immediately rinse your gear with fresh water.
- Do not use hot water; use cool or tepid water. ...
- Never wash your wet suit in a washer or with other garments.
- Use a special wet suit cleaner that will help remove salt, chlorine, and organic residues. ...
- Hang to drip dry away from direct heat and sun. ...
- Hang to dry inside out. ...
How to get out of a wetsuit fast?
So, let's learn how to wear a wetsuit properly:
- Reach inside the wetsuit with both arms;
- Grab around the hips;
- Cover your foot with a thin plastic bag;
- Get your first leg in;
- Slip it through the wetsuit;
- Pull the bag off and repeat the process with the other foot;
- Now that the bottom half is done, put the rash vest on;
- Get the left arm in and bring the excess to the top;
- Slip in the other arm;
How much should I spend on a wetsuit?
How much should you spend on a wetsuit? Wetsuits can vary in price based on a number of factors. In general, the low end is typically around $50 for shorty springsuits, while fullsuits typically start around the $75 range.
Can you repair a wetsuit tear?
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 tear in a wetsuit seam?
2:434:21How to repair a wetsuit torn seam - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipTake the glue on seam tape and paint the rubberized side of the tape not the cloth. Side. Allow bothMoreTake the glue on seam tape and paint the rubberized side of the tape not the cloth. Side. Allow both to dry this takes about 10. Minutes apply a second coat of glue to the inside seam.
How do I fix my wetsuit patch?
0:143:11How 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.
What glue do they use on wetsuits?
Use the product wetsuits are MADE with, Picasso 'Liquid Neoprene' Glue - 50g Tube. Picasso Neoprene glue is elastic to allow for neoprene's stretch. Wetsuit Warehouse perform all in-house wetsuit repairs using the Picasso Neoprene Glue.
Can I sew my wetsuit?
You'll only need wetsuit cement, glue-on seam tape, floss, and a needle. Don't forget that stitching punches tiny holes in the neoprene, which will cause small leaks. You'll need to sew a blind stitch in your wetsuit to counteract this issue.
Can you use superglue on a wetsuit?
I opted for 'water resistent' super glue in the garage. Taking a risk, I squeezed a few dabs on the holes, then re-applied one more dab each as some of the first soaked in a bit to the fabric. It dried solid in about 10 minutes – good to go!
How much does it cost to repair a wetsuit?
Fixing a rip, tear, or hole in your wetsuit is actually really easy, and it only costs about $5-$10.
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 iron on patches on neoprene?
With Tenacious Tape Neoprene Patch, fixing rips, holes and tears on anything made of neoprene is simple. Formerly known as Iron Mend, just cut patch to size and use a household iron to create a permanent repair to waders, wetsuits, boots and gloves.
Can you glue neoprene fabric?
Spray one side of the neoprene with an even, medium to thick coat of 3M 77 spray adhesive. This adhesive will dry clear, so if you get some on a part of the neoprene that the glue is not supposed to be on, don't worry.
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 restore 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.
How to fix a wetsuit?
Be sure to follow all safety precautions on the repair products packaging and use in a well ventilated area! Step 1: Fold the wetsuit over at the point of the cut so that the cut opens up to reveal the two surfaces that need to be glued back together. Step 2:
Who is Lauren from Wetsuit Wearhouse?
Lauren (LoLo) has been picking out the latest and greatest wetsuits and being the social media queen for Wetsuit Wearhouse since 2014. She learned to surf for the first time ever in Costa Rica but she gravitates more towards SUP. When she's not scouring the web for travel deals, you can find her either hiking, running, practicing yoga, studying holistic nutrition or reading a good book outside on a beautiful day.
How long does it take for cement to dry?
The cement will only take 1 to 3 minutes to dry (depending on room temperature and humidity). Wetsuit adhesives will take longer to dry (a few hours.) The adhesives look glossy when wet and will become matte when dry. Once it appears dry, check it by gently touching the glue surface.
Can wetsuits be bullet proof?
While we make every effort to ensure that our products use the toughest materials available, you should be aware that as a performance product, wetsuits are not bullet proof and small tears do occasionally occur. Should a tear or fingernail cut happen, repairing it yourself is a very simple five minute job.
How to repair a wetsuit?
Here’s how to apply the clear, flexible, waterproof adhesive and repair your wetsuit, waders, and more: 1 If your hole is larger than a pinhole, you’ll first need to create a “backing” with removable tape. 2 Fill the hole with the Aquaseal FD adhesive, going a ¼” beyond the tear. 3 Once the adhesive has completely cured (this should take 12-24 hours), remove the tape and use gear as you normally would.
How long does it take for Aquaseal Neo to dry?
Let the cement dry for five minutes. Apply a second coat of the adhesive and let dry for 10 minutes. Once the second coat has dried, press the two pieces together and let them cure for 5-10 minutes.
How to repair a torn neoprene patch?
Pre-heat iron to medium heat. Cut your Tenacious Tape Iron-On Neoprene Patch to size over the torn or damaged area. Place the heat shielding paper over the patch and press down on the iron and hold. Rotate the iron and repeat until secure, letting it cool a few minutes before you test it out.
What glue do you use to fix a hole in your wader?
Luckily, you can fix them overnight with our urethane-based repair adhesive, Aquaseal FD, which acts like a waterproof and ultra-tough glue.
Can contact cement be used in wetsuits?
As strong as neoprene is, being active out in the water means that eventually you’ll get a snag or a rip in your wetsuit, glove, gasket, or booties—but that doesn’t mean you have to replace your gear.
Can you use an iron on patch on a wetsuit?
When you’ve got a rip, tear, or an unraveling seam on your wetsuit in high-stress areas like the knees, elbows, underarm, and around the zipper, give it a strong and flexible repair using an iron-on neoprene patch. This strong, flexible patch can work on all types of neoprene gear including wetsuits, drysuits, and waders.
Supply List
This supply list is for all the small repair jobs that will be reviewed in this article.
Clean & Dry Your Wetsuit First!
It is super important to make sure your wetsuit is clean and completely dry before attempting to make repairs. Most people skip this step. I have made this mistake before and it didn’t turn out well.
1. Wetsuit Damage: Ripped Seams
Ripped, torn or separated seams are one of the most common types of wetsuit damage.
Step-by-Step Instructions: How to Repair Ripped Seams
Your wetsuit needs to be clean and fully dried. I am going to repeat myself often on this important step.
2. Wetsuit Damage: Cuts or Tears
Cuts or tears are a common type of wetsuit damage and could be caused by a lot of different things including: fin slices, wear and tear, stress tears while taking it on/off or damage while not in use.
Step-by-Step Instructions: How to Repair Cuts or Tears
As mentioned previously, make sure your wetsuit is clean and completely dry.
3. Wetsuit Damage: Holes
Small holes or abrasion damage can occur to the outer layer of your wetsuit. I usually get this type of damage from rocks etc. Typically, the damage isn’t all the way through.
How to repair a wetsuit seam?
A torn seam repair is quick and easy: 1. Apply glue to both edges and allow it to dry for 10 minutes; 2. Apply a second layer and allow it to cure for 2 minutes; 3. Lay the wetsuit on a flat surface and push the seams together evenly;
What do you need to reattach neoprene panels?
In the first case, you'll need to re-attach the neoprene panels. You'll only need wetsuit cement, glue-on seam tape, floss, and a needle. Don't forget that stitching punches tiny holes in the neoprene, which will cause small leaks. You'll need to sew a blind stitch in your wetsuit to counteract this issue.
How long does it take for neoprene to dry?
Let it dry for 8 hours; If you've damaged the rubber, buy wetsuit cement, floss, and a needle. Here's what you should do: 1. Apply the neoprene cement to both sides of the seam; 2. Add the first coat and wait 5 minutes; 3. Add a second coat and wait 10 minutes;
Should I put a plastic bag over my feet before I put on a wetsuit?
If you put a plastic grocery bag over your feet before sliding into your wetsuit, it will allow your feet to slip through a lot easier than without a bag. Especially if your suit is wet. If you are a cute girl and you rip your wetsuit down the middle… maybe you should just leave it. Kind of like this.
Can you use dental floss to seal a wetsuit?
If you have a long rip in your wetsuit, you will need to sew it together before applying the cement, otherwise it will probably rip again. The cement does a better job sealing than it does holding the neoprene together. You can use regular thread, or dental floss.
Can you use regular thread to seal a rip?
You can use regular thread, or dental floss. The dental floss will last longer, but thread should work fine too because you are putting the sealant over it. Sew the rip (great for bonding time with Mom) and put a few coats of the cement over each side of the rip. Let the cement cure overnight. YouTube.
