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Old October 13th, 2007
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Re: wetsuit repair - applying a neoprene patch

(Optional added step)

The patch was now well adhered, but the squared-off edge stuck out above the surrounding wetsuit. I worried this raised edge might easily catch/tear and be susceptible to damage. I decided to attempt to glue the bare neoprene side-edge of the patch down onto the surrounding nylon surface of the wetsuit. The goal was to round the nylon outside edge downwards and smooth it out.

I painted a 3 mm wide coat of glue immediately surrounding the patch (using a small paintbrush). I also coated the bare neoprene side-edge of the patch itself. Wait 1-2 hours.



http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f3...y/IM002279.jpg

Apply another layer of glue. Wait 1-2 hours. I also added a few more coats to the small tears outside the patching area (see photo).

Appy a final coat of glue. Wait 5 min but glue should still be tacky when sticking surfaces together.

Press-down the side-wall of the patch onto the surrounding neoprene --- continue pressing and holding for 10 minutes.

Note: I first did only the top half of the patch edge, before adding glue to the rest. Once the first half was finished, stuck-down and dry, i repeated the process on the other half of the patch.

The result was the edges of patch were now (mostly) rounded-down --- it is hard to see but for the most part it worked.

Neoprene glue reaches full-strength after 24 hours.



http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f3...y/IM002282.jpg

Last edited by harbour seal; October 15th, 2007 at 05:55.
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