Westuit Repair

Moto · Since 03 Sep 2006 2698 Posts Still a gojo pimp! Moto Mouth

I need to fix a half inch tear on my wetsuit. Are all wetsuit repair products the same? I have done a quick search and see Aqua Seal, and rubber cement for wetsuits. I also see these Iron mend fabric repairs.

Which one is best?

Chooch · Thu Oct 07, 10 9:32 am

Aqua Seal works good for stuff like that.

If its on a critical seam that gets used a lot like your armpit you might want to look into getting it repaired since it will keep tearing as you use it.

Sasquatch · Since 09 Mar 2005 2102 Posts PNW Bigfoot

old section of mtn bike inner tube (for structural support for the floss), dental floss, needle, and some seam glue. Should work till you need to get a new suit.

hilton · Since 15 Aug 2008 803 Posts Opinionated

Seal Cement is much better than Aquaseal for most repairs.
Seal Cement dries black and stays flexibile like the suit.
Aquaseal usually leaves a hard gob of material that turns yellow with age and will eventually crack around the edges of the repair.

http://www.wetsuit.com/store/detail.cfm?product_id=535

The iron mend works well to reinforce the glue repair, but only on the nylon lining. It doesn't stick to the smooth skin rubber.

If the tear is less than 1" and doesn't go all the way through the nylon lining on the inside of the suit, the Seal Cement should be all you need.

The problem with Seal Cement is that it tends to dry out in the can once you open it, so it is hardly worth buying a whole can for a 1/2" repair. If you can't find a buddy who has some, stop by ProMotion in Hood River and they usually have an open can in the back. They can let you use some and show you how to do it.

DROCK999 · Since 31 May 2007 852 Posts Left Coast Opinionated

neorez

DOPEFLY · Since 13 Oct 2007 97 Posts Maui

Go to Picassoamerica.com and get some Yazbeck wetsuit glue. This stuff is super tough. Glue the rip first and then stitch with nylon stitch afterwards. Neoprene glue is worth having in the glove compartment, especially during winter temps when you spring a leak.

gorgebob · Since 25 Jun 2007 259 Posts Portland, OR Shop Owner

Wetsuit cement is the stuff. Hold open the slice and paint it into it. Let dry , repeat. Then push it together. You have one chance.
We have that same can in the back , sometimes the lid is glued shut. Drop by . If you buy a can shake it first to see that it is still in a liquid state.

kte · Since 07 Oct 2010 8 Posts Kook

reinforce repair with old dental floss...sewn under glue and patch

call if you can drop off harness or meet to exchange today at~ 40th/holgate
i lefft message on cell also

expecting east again midweek I hope.
thanks
todd
503-577-2170

Moto · Since 03 Sep 2006 2698 Posts Still a gojo pimp! Moto Mouth

Thanks everyone for your responses.

I decided to just sew it up by hand. I tried using a sewing machine but the material kept getting stuck underneath - in the bobin area. So I stitched it up by hand. While I was fixing the tear I noticed the stitching was coming undone in three other areas. The suit is five seasons old and is coming apart at the seems. Hopefully I'll get one more season out of it.