Repairing Guides

how to repair an inflatable

by Brendan Lynch Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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To repair your inflatable:

  • Clean and dry the damaged area
  • Apply one to two drops of repair adhesive to the hole
  • Allow the adhesive to dry for 24 hours For large holes, be sure to use a vinyl patch. To complete this type of repair, you’ll need to:
  • Cut one of the vinyl patches to a size that covers the hole and beyond it by about 1/2 of an inch
  • Form the patch into a round or oval shape without corners
  • Smear a thin layer of repair adhesive across the surface of the patch as well as along the area that requires repair
  • Before positioning the patch on the inflatable, permit the adhesive to dry for two to four minutes until it’s tacky to the touch
  • Place the patch over the damaged section of the inflatable
  • Beginning at the center of the patch, press down and slide your fingers out to the edges to create a seal
  • Set a heavy object like a diving weight or a landscaping stone over the patched section to ensure that it dries flat
  • Allow the adhesive to dry for an additional 24 hours (minimum)

Part of a video titled How To Repair an Inflatable Boat or Inflatable Kayak - YouTube
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Once you've found your leak dry the area and mark the spot with a pencil. Now deflate the boatMoreOnce you've found your leak dry the area and mark the spot with a pencil. Now deflate the boat entirely. For a small hole such as this trace the outline of a penny onto the patch material.

Full Answer

How to repair your inflatable boat or dinghy?

  • Step Two: You'll need help with this step. ...
  • Inland Marine Sealant $55
  • Inland Marine Liquid Rubber $55 x 3 = $165
  • Inland Marine Topside Paint $39
  • Inland Marine Patch Kit $32
  • Miscellaneous items $50
  • Xylene thinner
  • 2-inch chip brushes
  • Fiberglass
  • Diamond-plate aluminum

How to fix an Airblown inflatable?

q: how can i repair tears in my airblown inflatable? A: Rips or holes in your Airblown can be sewn by hand (no special thread is required) or taped with clear packing tape. You can also use tent repair tape to patch your Airblown, which can be found at most sporting goods stores.

How to clean and maintain your inflatable boat?

Ultimate Rigid Inflatable Boat Maintenance Guide

  • Clean Your Boat Regularly. Especially if you use your RIB in saltwater, thoroughly cleaning it after a day’s use will keep your boat looking nice.
  • Store Your RIB Properly. ...
  • Make Regular Maintenance a Priority. ...

How to setup your Airblown inflatable?

  • Durable enough for outdoor use
  • Energy-efficient lighting illuminates your winter wonderland
  • Train inflatable measures 4 ft. ...
  • Polar Express theme creates a classic Christmas scene
  • Plugs in for dependable power
  • Self-inflates for hassle-free assembly
  • Inflatable comes with ground stakes and tethers for secure placement

More items...

How to repair inflatables with adhesive?

How to find a leak in an inflatable?

How long is the warranty on Kwik Tek water tubes?

How to remove a towable tube?

How to find a leak in a water tube?

Why are inflatable water tubes made of durable materials?

How to get rid of bubbles on a boat?

See more

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How do you fix a hole in inflatable seams?

2:013:55Invisible Seam Repair on an Inflatable Toy - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAround i push the vinyl of the toy down against the glue covered patch this squeezes out some of theMoreAround i push the vinyl of the toy down against the glue covered patch this squeezes out some of the vinyl cement. So i quickly reach for the paper towel to dab away the excess.

How do you fix a hole in an inflatable float?

Patch the Hole If using a patch or duct tape, make sure the piece is large enough to cover the surface area around the hole. Then, cover the hole with your patch or piece of duct tape. Once the seal or patch has been applied, allow the area to completely dry before using the inflatable in water.

How do you repair an inflatable vinyl?

1:504:18Best way to repair air leak in vinyl inflatables, like pool toys, towables ...YouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAll I did was I applied a little bit to the air leak. And let that dry I applied a little more I putMoreAll I did was I applied a little bit to the air leak. And let that dry I applied a little more I put a patch over it. And then applied even more shuuyu over the top of it.

How do you repair a torn inflatable decoration?

0:103:00How to Repair Inflatable Santa Claus Christmas Holiday DecorationYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo I found these vinyl patch repair kits at Home Depot ended up buying three of them. The piece ofMoreSo I found these vinyl patch repair kits at Home Depot ended up buying three of them. The piece of plastic measures. Two feet long by six inches tall. And you get that you get the adhesive.

How do you fix a hole in an inflatable bounce house?

Steps To Apply A Bounce House Patch:Clean the area to be patched.Cut the patch into the shape of a circle.Flatten the cut areas.Apply vinyl glue around the leak.Apply vinyl glue to the patch.Press the patch on and apply pressure.Check that edges are sealed.

Can you use super glue to patch a pool?

If it's under water, wet, or covered with dew, you need “Super” Super-Glue. The folks who invented Super Glue just introduced a new two-part waterproof epoxy adhesive that can be applied to wet surfaces, even underwater, like say, if a swimming pool tile comes off. Just mix, give it a spritz, put it back and it sticks!

Can you use super glue on inflatables?

0:061:45How to make a Quick Inflatable Boat Repair - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipQuick easy fix is just common old superglue he's a gorilla glue elephant glue all those things youMoreQuick easy fix is just common old superglue he's a gorilla glue elephant glue all those things you can find from hardware shops and supermarkets.

How do you fix an air mattress without a patch?

0:044:21How to: Fix an air mattress hole WITHOUT patches! Dirt ... - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipI let it get a little bit melty. And then started going in with it. And this is the result here andMoreI let it get a little bit melty. And then started going in with it. And this is the result here and I've had this mattress blown up for oh I'd say maybe about 30 minutes and it hasn't blown down yet.

How do you fix a ripped inflatable pool?

0:473:29Fix Leaks inflatables Pools Rafts Towables Air mattresses EtcYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipOut. Probably not I'll just take the shoe goo and the pool is actually usable if it's a small hole.MoreOut. Probably not I'll just take the shoe goo and the pool is actually usable if it's a small hole. Just like that this stuff is thick enough or something low pressure like this pool.

How do you sew inflatables?

0:101:48Repair Damaged Stitching using a Sewing Awl Kit: HOW TO | Magic ...YouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipStart off roughly a quarter inch away from the damaged. Area. With your sewing awl kit push theMoreStart off roughly a quarter inch away from the damaged. Area. With your sewing awl kit push the needle through the vinyl and pull the end of the thread all the way out.

Why do inflatables stop working?

Inflatable Blower Stopped Working Check all opening to the fan for any debris that could be causing this issue. Check the fuse on your plug. Replacement fuses are very cheap, so if your inflatable has a blown fuse, it's an easy fix to swap a new one in.

How long do outdoor inflatables last?

Most manufacturers recommend that you do not keep your inflatable plugged in for more than 8 hours at one stretch.

Can You Use Flex Seal on inflatables?

A: The Flex Seal Inflatable Patch and Repair is an easy to apply one-step solution consisting of self adhesive, strong, rubberized, crystal clear patches that are designed to instantly seal air leaks in all types of PVC plastic inflatables.

Can you sew inflatables?

Stitching or special repair patches fix damaged inflatables. The downside to inflatables is that they are prone to leaks, punctures or tears that render them unusable. Rather than discarding your favorite holiday inflatables, many of them can be patched with tape or a vinyl repair kit.

Can you use epoxy on inflatables?

3:304:16How To: Inflatable Repair Adhesives Guide - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipYou'll want to use G flex epoxy G flex is a very strong and flexible epoxy that will stick to justMoreYou'll want to use G flex epoxy G flex is a very strong and flexible epoxy that will stick to just about anything as long as the surfaces are prepared properly.

Can you use Gorilla glue on air mattress?

1:297:37How to use Brown Gorilla Glue to Patch Air Bed Leaks Busted Seams ...YouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipIt.MoreIt.

Can you use Gorilla Glue on inflatables?

Gorilla tape is strong and water-resistant, making it perfect for virtually invisible repairs.

How do I keep my inflatables from falling over?

You can keep your inflatables in place with bags filled with sand or gravel. Please make sure you use two or three, and when filling them up, don’t overdo it as these will need to fit through the hole where they go on top! Once everything is well-secured, tie off tight so that nothing spills out while placing into the base.

Will PVC glue work on inflatables?

Both PVC and Hypalon materials are slippery, making them difficult to glue.

What to use for small tears in inflatables?

For small tears, a simple sewing kit will do the job if you know how to use it. This method of repair will be the least visible to onlookers, but if you bunch the fabric too much it could create a strange divot in your inflatable. For holes and tears in highly visible areas, we recommend Fabric Repair Tape.

What to do if your blower is not working?

If you still don’t get any action from your blower, try a different outlet if possible or at least plug another device into the same outlet to make sure the outlet is live. If your blower is working, but the inflatable isn’t inflating all the way, you likely have a tear in your fabric.

Can an inflatable blower have LED lights?

Your existing inflatable blower may have an LED plug attachment in it if it has internal LED lighting. If that’s the case, you may be able to find a blower that’s compatible with your existing lights.

Can you replace an inflatable blower fuse?

Replacement fuses are very cheap, so if your inflatable has a blown fuse, it’s an easy fix to swap a new one in. If those steps fail, sad to say you need to look into replacing your inflatable blower. Here are the best ways to go about it.

Can you put inflatables outside?

When it comes to your best yard inflatables, placing them outside inevitably puts them in harms way for potential damage. It could be anything from wild animals to a bad snow storm that could cause your inflatable to break, leaving you with an expensive pile of fabric on your lawn and not much else.

Can you repair a tear in a vinyl inflatable?

Repairing Vinyl Tears. Vinyl is typically only used on large, see-through sections of yard inflatables. If you have something like a snow globe display for a Christmas inflatable with a clear outer shell, it’s likely vinyl. Vinyl repairs require a different toolkit.

Can you put LED lights on an inflatable?

It is possible, but it takes some electrical/wiring skills to pull off. The below LED light could be used to adhere inside of your inflatable, just like the non-working versions, but you’ll need to attach them to the power supply somehow. This largely depends on how your inflatable is set up. View on Amazon.

What Kind of Inflatable Boat Do You Have?

Not every inflatable boat is created equal. If you have a serious, good quality inflatable, it’s probably made of one of two materials. You either have PVC or Hypalon.

Watch for Air Bubbles

Repairing an inflatable boat has an inherent problem. That’s finding what needs to be repaired. A big tear is easy to see. A tiny hole is not. These can be a real needle in a haystack situation to deal with. Small holes are nearly invisible. So you need a way to track that hole down. That’s where soapy water comes in.

How to Repair Inflatable Boats – PVC Boats

Let’s start with fixing PVC inflatable boats. The process is very similar to repairing a Hypalon inflatable. However, there are a few different considerations. But if you want a secure, permanent fix, this is what you need to do.

Cut Your Patch

We recommend some prep for your patch. If you bought a square patch, cut it into a circle. Most patches are sold as squares. That gives you good surface area, sure. But the corners can easily snag. A round patch will seal better.

Sand the Patch

Bonding this kind of plastic fabric to itself isn’t too hard, but you want to help it out. Use some sand paper and get your patch a little rough. Not a ton, just give it some texture. You’ll want to do the same thing over the area that’s going to be patched. Don’t destroy the boat by any means.

Clean the Area

You want a clean patch and a clean boat. You can use isopropyl alcohol here. But we recommend a proper PVC cleaning solvent. You can buy solvents specifically made to clean and prepare PVC and other plastics. This is the best bet to get the job done right. Apply it to both the rough side of the patch and the boat itself.

Apply Your Adhesive

You’ll need a PVC adhesive for this. If you bought a repair kit, it should have its own PVC adhesive included. Otherwise, make sure you find the right kind. Something like Stabond PVC glue works well.

How big of a damage to an inflatable bounce house?

If the damage to your inflatable is larger than 6 inches, we recommend having it repaired by a professional bounce house repair center.

What is a Magic Jump Repair Kit?

Our Repair Kit provides a fast and easy solution for small cuts and punctures. Your order of a Magic Jump Repair Kit includes multi-colored vinyls and 8-ounce vinyl cement. Make sure to have this Repair Kit handy when accidents happen.

How to contact Magic Jump Inc?

website visitors. If you are a bouncer repair company and would like to be included in this list of inflatable repair centers, please contact us at 818.847.1313 or email us at [email protected].

How to repair a small hole in an inflatable?

Step 1: Deflate and clean. To begin your quick inflatable repair, deflate your item completely. Then, clean the small hole or tear with isopropyl alcohol. Step 2: Patch the leak.

How long does it take to fix a pinhole in an inflatable?

Fixing a pinhole leak only takes about five minutes —and, in fact, finding the area where your inflatable is leaking may be the most time-consuming part of the process. To fix a pinhole leak in your inflatable, follow these instructions: Estimated Repair Time: 5 minutes. Step 1: Locate the leak.

How long does it take to get an inflatable back up and running?

Though large holes and tears take longer to fix than a pinhole or small leak, you can still get your inflatable fishing or water gear back up and running in about 12 hours.

How to find pinhole leak on inflatable?

However, if you’re unsure, a trick to finding a pinhole-sized leak on a large inflatable is to pour dish soap into a bowl filled with water. Inflate the item and then pour the soapy water all over it. When you press down on the inflatable you should see bubbles appear in the area where your leak is.

How long does it take to cure packing tape?

Isopropyl alcohol. Packing tape or masking tape. Estimated Repair Time: 5 minutes to prep and 8-12 hours to cure. Step 1: Deflate and prep. Deflate your item and clean the repair area with isopropyl alcohol. To create a backing for easier adhesive repair, place packing or masking tape in the hole and apply pressure.

How long to wait after applying Aquaseal FD?

Tips: For a faster repair, wait for 30 minutes after applying Aquaseal FD, then place a clear Tenacious Tape patch over the adhesive. Just ensure that the patch edges only touch dry portions of the inflatable as it won’t stick to the wet adhesive.

Can inflatable pontoons be repaired?

If your inflatable pontoon, SUP board, boat, river tube, PVC or Hypalon raft, or even your large vinyl unicorn floaty have holes in them, they can easily be repaired. ...

How to stop air from escaping from air mattress?

To stop escaping air in your air mattress, use nail varnish for a temporary solution. Place the varnish directly onto the hole to create a film on top of the puncture. Please wait for the air mattress to dry, ensuring that you don’t move it in the process. Once dried, you may need to repeat the application. Up to six layers will usually do the trick so you can use your airbed again.

How to find a leak in an air mattress?

Another method to find a leak in air mattresses is by using tissue paper. Beginning at one end of the mattress, lay the tissue flat onto the surface and apply pressure to the airbed all around to direct the air to the section you’re focusing on.

How to position yourself on an air mattress?

How you position yourself on the air mattress makes a big difference in its longevity. Instead of lying on your side, lay flat on the bed to maintain its high quality. This way, you can evenly distribute your weight onto the airbed, which means you’re not applying all of the weight from your body onto one section.

Can you jump on a mattress?

Besides, don’t jump on the bed, as this can result in further pressure— especially if you’re wearing clothes, which might have sharp objects that can contribute to rips.

Do it once, do it right!

There are many advantages to owning an inflatable boat: they are very portable, they are lightweight, incredibly stable, super safe and perfect for many applications like fishing, diving, exploring or use as a tender for a larger boat.

Step 1

Identify the area that needs a repair. This may sound simple but often a hole can be very small and not easy to find. We use a spray bottle with a mixture of water and dishwashing liquid. Always spray a much larger area than where you think the hole might be as often there will be a second hole you haven't spotted.

Step 2

Cut out some suitable sized patches using the same fabric that your boat is made from. As a rule of thumb try to have 25mm or 1 inch of patch cover outside the area needing repair.

Step 3

Use the water soluble pencil to trace around the patch. This gives you the exact area that needs to be masked off for glue application.

Step 5

Clean both surfaces using the rag and the MEK solvent. This cleans and primes the surface for the glue

Step 6

Thoroughly mix the 2 parts of glue together according to the instructions that come with the glue you have. With the products that we use, we mix together at a ratio of 10% activator. Allow a few minutes for the glue and activator to combine.

Step 7

Take the small paint brush and cut the bristles to around half length. This makes the brush bristles stiffer and allows you to apply the glue more evenly over the surfaces.

How to repair inflatables with adhesive?

If you’re repairing inflatables with the kit’s patches, add a little more adhesive to the edges of the patch after the drying process is complete to increase the strength of the seal. Also, confirm that the adhesive is completely dry and that the repair was successful before launching the inflatable back into the water.

How to find a leak in an inflatable?

How to Find the Leak. Before diving into the task of locating a leak on the surface of your inflatable, check the valve. These leaks are often caused by grit or sand that jams the device and prevents the one-way speed safety valve flap from closing properly. Use an air pump to blow out any foreign fragments from the valve.

How long is the warranty on Kwik Tek water tubes?

All Kwik Tek towable tubes carry a 1 year warranty, but if your product falls outside the warranty period, this handy guide will help you get some extra life out of your investment by providing ...

How to remove a towable tube?

Remove the tube section of the towable from its protective cover, and add air to it until the tube is taut. The next step is to dip a sponge or cloth into the dish soap mixture. Then, apply it to the tube section. If there is a hole in the tube, bubbles will begin to form around the spot.

How to find a leak in a water tube?

If you don’t have soap with you, then you can locate the leak by removing the tube from the protective section of the inflatable. Deflate the tube until it’s about 3/4 full of air. Take the partially inflated tube and slowly submerge it under the water. Submerge the tube section by section.

Why are inflatable water tubes made of durable materials?

Built to Last. Inflatable water and snow tubes are made from durable materials, but because the covering is malleable, it is susceptible to punctures and abrasions. Proper care is the best way to prevent repairs.

How to get rid of bubbles on a boat?

You’ll need it to locate leaks in towable inflatables. In the bucket, combine a squirt or two of soap with water until you have a mixture that your kids could use to blow bubbles.

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