DIY Wetsuit Repair
If your wetsuit has been torn, ripped, or the seam has split apart, and you just can’t afford to go get it properly repaired right now. This DIY wetsuit repair article will show you how to repair your wetsuit and get back out in the water quickly!
Start with a clean and dry wetsuit before attempting any repair. If your wetsuit has remaining moisture in it, wetsuit repairs will not be as strong, and may not hold up very well.
Things you will need:
– a small piece of neoprene (as long as the rip or tear plus an extra inch), this will act as your neoprene tape. You may be able to find a piece of neoprene at a local surf shop or pop down to Bodyline Wetsuit Repairs (bring cakes!).
– black neoprene cement (Please read warning label and use in a well-ventilated area. Avoid direct contact with the skin).
Prep the wetsuit
Take the small piece of neoprene you have and cut a 1″ wide strip. Cut it as long as your tear plus about one inch extra. This will be your neoprene wetsuit tape. Put the neoprene tape to one side for now. Make sure your wetsuit is still inside out, and spread apart the wetsuit tear and hold apart, so both the torn edges will not be in contact with each other. Shake up neoprene cement, and apply a thin layer of the glue to both the torn or ripped edges of the neoprene. Be careful to keep both edges apart. Let the first coat dry for 5 minutes and apply a second thin coat to the area. You will now have to wait about 8 minutes depending on temperatures and how thick you applied the neoprene cement (please see neoprene cement instructions for full details).
Put the tear back together
After letting the second coat of neoprene dry, do your best to align the torn or ripped edges back together evenly. If you are a little off lining the tear back up it is better to leave it than to pull it apart. You may then have to repeat with another coat of cement. After aligning the neoprene press together firmly all along the repair.
Put the wetsuit tape on
After you glue the wetsuit back together and you are happy with your repair, make sure the wetsuit is still inside out. Put a thin coat of cement on your neoprene wetsuit tape and a thin layer of cement on the inside of the wetsuit along the length of the repaired tear. If your tape is one inch wide have the neoprene cement cover a little wider than that to make sure the tape will get a good bond when you apply your tape to the inside of the tear. Let the first coat dry for approx 5 minutes. Now apply a second thin coat of neoprene cement on the wetsuit neoprene tape, and on the inside of the wetsuit all the way along the repaired area. Put the tape over the tear on the inside of the wetsuit and press the tape firmly down. Try also to press the neoprene tape edges down as well for an extra strong bond.
Let your wetsuit repair dry and go surfing!
We recommend letting your wetsuit repairs dry for at least a few hours (preferably overnight). Keep an eye on the repair job and if you see any of the edges start to come up, dry the wetsuit out and re-glue the tape down.
I hope this helps you!
For specialist wetsuit repairs please do not hesitate to contact Bodyline Wetsuit Repairs. We offer a fast and cost effective service. No job is too small!
