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Weathered or Coated Fabric
Inflatable tubes that are weathered or dull-coated require fabric preparation before adhesive will bond.
Preparation: 60-80 grit sandpaper recommended. Caution: Do not sand through Polyurethane coating into
polyester weave.
Clean with alcohol, MEK, or toluene.
Tears, Punctures & Large Repairs
Preparing Polyurethane Fabric for Repair
1. Inflate boat to full pressure (4.4 psi).
Spray area with soapy water and mark leaks with grease pencil or by taping
off areas to be repaired.
IMPORTANT: Ink and markers will permanently mark the fabric and
are NOT recommended for use. For best results, tape off area.
2. Apply a border of masking tape about 1/4” outside of the marked line. This will give you an area slightly larger
to prepare before applying adhesive.
3. Utilizing sandpaper, 60-80 grit, sand entire area to an even dull sheen.
DO NOT over-sand and expose the polyester fabric weave.
Sand up to the masking tape edges thoroughly. Sanding is easier on an inflated
tube (opposed to a deflated tube). Sanding opens the pores of the urethane
surface to allow solvent to penetrate the underlying fresh urethane. Sanded
surface should have an even, dull sheen without speckles or shiny spots.
When working near or over seam tape be sure area is thoroughly sanded.
4. Wipe off all sanding grit with a clean, dry cloth (clean with
alcohol if possible). 5
5. Apply a new masking tape edge to sanded area, 1/4” narrower than
sanded area (this will ensure a good bond with tube).
6. Prepare the area to receive adhesive with a solvent (i.e., acetone or
MEK) by wiping the solvent inside the outlined area. NOTE: To ensure
proper adhesion, apply adhesive to prepared area IMMEDIATELY, before the
solvent flashes-off or dries.
7. Prepare the surface of patch material with solvent and apply adhesive.
If the patch is weathered Polyurethane material, repeat sanding process before
applying solvent and adhesive.
8. Allow glued areas to dry to touch, not sticky. Apply a second coat of
adhesive to previously glued areas.
NOTE: do not apply solvent between first and second coats of adhesive.
9. Allow adhesive to dry thoroughly, approximately 20 minutes.
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