Anybody have a source for wetsuit seam tape?
Anybody have a source for wetsuit seam tape?
Thanks!
Just what I was looking for.
A bonus was learning that paint thinner is an acceptible cleaner for neoprene.
Thank you, I didn't know about paint thinner. Sounds like a good exchange!
I was looking for tape also and found this place for 1.95 a yard instead of 4.99 a yard.
http://www.seattlefabrics.com/mcnett.htm#Tenacious%20Sealing%20and%20Repair%20Tape
Thanks for the lead! I think I’ll try it. But as I don’t have any similar heat bonding experience, I think I’ll buy a couple of heat shields as well (at $0.50 ea).
The tape may be relatively inexpensive (1 yd of tape for $1.95), but one needs to consider any other related costs as well. In addition to the tape, I ordered 2 heat-protect pads ($0.50 ea), and a 2 oz tube of Aqua Seal Seam Cement ($4.75), for a total item cost of $7.70. However, with shipping and handling ($11.61), the total came to $19.31. Fortunately there are some options:
(1) heat bonding,
(2) use the neoprene cement that I already have,
(3) use the Aqua Seal Cement.
The cost of option 3 is $18.31 (after removing the cost of the heat pads from the list above).
The cost of option (1) is $7.80 (tape = $1.95, plus $1.00 for the 2 heat pads,
plus $4.00 seattlefabric handling charge, plus the USPS charge of ~$0.85).
The total cost of option 2 comes to $14.30 ($7.50 for purchasing the seam cement locally, plus $1.95 for the tape, plus $4.00 seattlefabric handling, plus ~$0.85 USPS charge). Note that I assumed here that one would need to purchase seam cement locally–in my case, since I already have it, the cost would be $7.50 less, or $6.80).
Normally I’d be inclined to go with options 1 or 2. However, the problem is that I don’t know the relative bonding strengths of the three methods, nor the level of difficulty in executing them (esp. option 1). So I chose to purchase the components for option 3 as that will allow me to make comparative tests among the three methods.
Hey mtb - I like the way you think. Are you making a suit or doing repairs? If you are making something, please post pics if you can, and/or a report.
I’ve often thought about trying my hand at making a suit, as they just don’t last that long anymore… Given the new super stretch stuff is great, but don’t get me started about gloves and booties.
Did you get my PM? I’m looking forward to reading what you think.
Sincerely -
I’m neither making a suit nor repairing a suit, just strengthening an area subject to high stress. The suit is “brand new” in the sense that it is 1 year old and it’s only been used once. It’s a 6/5/4 hooded, asymmetric zipper, front entry full suit. The first time the previous owner put the suit on it developed about a 1/2" long tear at the terminus end of the zipper entry during the entry/exit process. The owner concluded that the suit may be a bit small for him, so after repairing the tear he decided to sell it. After making various measurements, I came to the conclusion that it would be a good fit for me.
I’ve no prior experience with front entry suits, but my impression in partially putting the suit on is that there is a lot of stretching (and stress) involved. In this suit the outside skin of the neoprene at the location of the zipper is smooth, while the inside surficial skin is nylon. When the zipper is open the “car” is at the end of the zipper where the tear occurred. Although this is the “end of the line” for the zipper car, the two (facing) edges of the zipper track continue into the area beyond and the gap between them creates a weak spot. It is in this area where the tear occurred. So I plan to reinforce the area by adding a piece of wetsuit tape spanning across (and beyond) the two zipper tracks. A reinforcement with tape on the outer skin can be bonded to the wetsuit skin using either heat or neoprene cement, But since the inside skin has the surficial nylon fabric, I’m guessing that bonding with heat on this skin may not be appropriate (and risky perhaps for even an experienced person doing the repair).
I plan to choose the bonding method (options: heat, cement#1, cement#2) that produces the strongest bond. This will be determined by testing all possible “pairs” of bonding methods on lap joints. More specifically–one end of a “linking” rectangular strip of neoprene will be bonded to another rectangular strip. The other end of the linking strip is then bonded to a third strip. All bonds will have the same bonding area. The two ends of the assembly are then pulled apart until one of the joints fails. The bonding method that fails is then rejected. If H represents a bonding using heat, while C1 and C2 represent bondings using cement#1 and cement#2, respectively, the possible combinations are obviously:
<-H–C1->
<-H–C2->
<-C1–C2->
In regard to making a suit…
I’m sure it’s possible, but I’m not sure about the quality of the final result unless one is experienced.
An aside:
In 1958 or 1959 I saw an ad for, or an article on, a wetsuit in a magazine. It gave an address for the company and directed you to write them to get more details. Which I did. In a couple of days I got a response back which included a drawing of a person and on the drawing the locations where you were to make measurements and then record the result. You then sent the completed drawing back, along with payment (I have a very vague recollection that it may have been around $35, but it could have been more). A week or so after I sent my order, I received a box from the company. In it were cut pieces of neoprene, one or more (don’t remember) cans of neoprene cement, a zipper, the twist-locks (for the “Beaver Tail”), and instructions on how to put/glue everything together. As best I recall, the thickness was about 1/6" (4 mm) or 1/4" (6 mm). What I do remember is that with that thickness and “old fashion” neoprene the wetsuit was very stiff and restrictive.
(TaylorO) Yes, I did get your PM. Will respond as soon as I can track down a reference.
Good day - mtb. Sounds like some serious investigation. I’ve fixed similar problems by gluing a peice of neoprene w/nylon ('Cuz that’s what I had.) over the ripped stess area. Gluing the tear first, the gluing the reinforcing patch over the area. Worked well. Looking forward to hearing you test results.
Love the story about the mail order wet suit “kit.” How did it work?
Thanks for remembering me - looking forward to reading your thoughts on the other subject.