How to Repair Wetsuit Tears and Rips
- Before repairing your wetsuit make sure that it is clean and dry.
- Turn your wetsuit inside out.
- Clean the area around the rip with alcohol. Allow the alcohol to evaporate. Make sure there is no dirt, sand or wax around the ripped area. ...
- Open up the rip to reveal both sides of the tear.
- Apply a first coat of the adhesive to both surfaces. The glue can be applied with a short bristle brush or painter’s brush. Do not press the sides together.
- Let the glue dry for about 1 to 3 minutes (depending on room temperature and humidity), keeping the two sides apart. ...
- Once the first coat of glue is dry, apply a second coat of adhesive to both sides of the rip. Allow the second coat to dry for about 10 minutes.
- Firmly bring the two sides of the rip together, doing your best to keep the seam in a straight line.
- Use a weighted object to keep pressure on the tear while it dries and seals.
- Allow the repair to fully dry. The seal dries within 2 to 3 minutes, but the seal will form more fully if you allow it to dry for at least ...
- Optional strengtheners: An optional addition to your seal would be to use your brush to paint a coat of adhesive over the ripped seam once it has been pressed back ...
- If your wetsuit has a gouge, there are liquid fillers available for repair. These fillers are normally called liquid silicon or liquid rubber. ...
How do you repair a torn wetsuit?
How to repair a wetsuit 1. Clean your wetsuit 2. Open up the tear 3. Apply the wetsuit sealant 4. Let the glue dry 5. Bring both sides of the tear together 6. WETSUIT TEAR IS REPAIRED!
Can you use a wetsuit with a tear in it?
WETSUIT TEAR IS REPAIRED! If it’s race morning and you discover this tear and need to repair it, you can immediately use the wetsuit. But try to avoid any unnecessary pressure on the part you just repaired for up to 6 hours.
How do I know if my wetsuit needs replacing?
Inspect your wetsuit for rips and tears after each use. The rips and tears are much easier to fix when they are small, and will grow if they go unnoticed. Wetsuits can easily tear from things like fingernails and small rocks. Small tears (around 1-2 inches long) can be easily repaired at home.
How do you fix a wetsuit with a gouge?
You can also glue a piece of neoprene or neoprene tape over your repaired seal. Coat the piece of neoprene/neoprene tape and coat the repair with adhesive; join the two together and let dry. If your wetsuit has a gouge, there are liquid fillers available for repair. These fillers are normally called liquid silicon or liquid rubber.
Can you repair a torn wetsuit?
Small tears (around 1-2 inches long) can be easily repaired at home. Tears bigger than a few inches may require professional repair services. If the stitches or seams are torn it may also be a good idea to take your suit to a professional for repairs. Before repairing your wetsuit make sure that it is clean and dry.
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.
Can you glue a wetsuit?
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 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.
How do you sew a tear in a wetsuit?
A torn seam repair is quick and easy:Apply glue to both edges and allow it to dry for 10 minutes;Apply a second layer and allow it to cure for 2 minutes;Lay the wetsuit on a flat surface and push the seams together evenly;Sew a blind stitch with dental floss. ... Add a glue-on seam tape to the inside of the wetsuit;More items...
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.
Can you stitch neoprene?
What stitch to use? 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.
What thread is used for wetsuits?
bonded nylon sewing threadsNeoprene puts considerable strain on thread during the production of wetsuits, easily roughening the finish and making it look grey if improperly applied. To prevent this, we recommend using bonded nylon sewing threads.
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.
How do I fix a hole in my neoprene waders?
1:173:16How To Repair Neoprene Waders | Hole Patching Kit - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipWith the glue on the interior of the waders. You want to make sure that the glue is evenly spread.MoreWith the glue on the interior of the waders. You want to make sure that the glue is evenly spread. So that when we put the patch on it will also stick to the waders.
Can you stitch neoprene?
What stitch to use? 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 apply wetsuit seam tape?
0:171:06Tenacious Tape Iron-On Neoprene Patch by GEAR AID - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipCut the patch and place over the damaged area cover the patch with the heat shielding paper andMoreCut the patch and place over the damaged area cover the patch with the heat shielding paper and press down on the iron. And hold rotate the iron and repeat.
How do you sew a tear?
0:101:48How to repair a rip in clothing - Sew torn clothes - No machine - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipJust going in through the same side of fabric. And out through the other side and every now and thenMoreJust going in through the same side of fabric. And out through the other side and every now and then just put your needle through the loop of thread.
What thread is used for wetsuits?
bonded nylon sewing threadsNeoprene puts considerable strain on thread during the production of wetsuits, easily roughening the finish and making it look grey if improperly applied. To prevent this, we recommend using bonded nylon sewing threads.
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.
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 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 you spray silicone on a wetsuit?
Regular use of a silicone spray on your wetsuit like this one can make the neoprene of your wetsuit last longer too. If you swim in salt water, it can also be a good idea to give your wetsuit that extra care!
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.
What causes a wetsuit zipper to get stuck?
Stuck Zipper. Sand and salt water can cause a wetsuit zipper to rebel, so keeping the suit clean is the first line of defense against a stuck zipper. If the issue persists, skip harsh household lubricants like WD-40, which can both disintegrate wetsuit material and collect sand, making the issue worse.
How to get rid of urine smell in wetsuit?
Gently agitate the wetsuit in the water/shampoo mix, then let soak for at least 24 hours. Rinse several times, and let dry.
How long does it take for a neoprene suit to seal?
Once cooled, turn the suit right-side out and use cement to seal the neoprene side. “Be sure to let it sit for about 20 minutes before tugging on it to see that it’s completely sealed,” says Suddarth. “If you notice any areas where it is still open and exposed, reapply more of the cement.”.
Can you hang a wetsuit over a bike?
Don’t hang your wetsuit over your bike. “We see lots of arms and legs of suits get torn up in the bike chains and pedals,” says Suddarth. To keep the suit fresh and pliable (and hopefully avoid wetsuit repair), always rinse your suit in fresh water after a swim.
Can you sew back 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.”.
How to repair a hole in a torn wetsuit
Inspect your wetsuit for tears after each use, as they’re easier to fix when small. Small tears (up to a couple of cms) can be repaired at home (see below); tears bigger than a few inches may require professional repair services. Right, onto the fix…
How to avoid damaging your wetsuit
Now you know how to repair a tear in your wetsuit, let’s make sure that doesn’t happen again. The first step is knowing how to avoid things that can damage your wetsuit; like when putting on your wetsuit, avoid standing on hard or rough surfaces as they can damage the neoprene. Instead, place down a towel or board bag.
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 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.
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.
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.
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;
