Hi, Does someone know what double sided tape is used for deckgrips as I’d like to make my own, but can’t find the right ref. I know 3M makes some double sided tapes that are used for this purpose, but I don’t know the right reference. Any help appreciated, Pierre
Call the local 3M rep and say you are starting a traction pad company. It’s ok to fib a little. Ask for free samples of every PSA they have. They’ll load you up with heeps to try. Try the same tactic with your closest EVA foam supplier. I learned this technique 24 years ago with large chemical houses that make polyester resins and epoxies. They would send me 5 gallon pails for free by the heeps. Now I actaully use heeps of epoxies for a living and also get to design EVA pads. To shape your EVA , put it in the oven at 240 degrees F for about one minute. Pull it out and put a pattern mold on it and stand on it until it cools. Make pattern mold out of wood with saws, dremels, routers, drills, etc. You can actually mirror fine details all the way to the wood grain even. If you don’t have enough body girth to replicate fine detail, invite a well fed friend to stand on your mold. Charge! Love Delbert Pumpernickel
Hey Delbert Pumpernickel you rule - this is not the first time I have gotten great info from you. I too, am planning on making my own deck stuff - I bought a dozen 18"x18" EVA pads for @ $10.00 from Costco. They were intended for standing on for cushion/comfort. I had thought about grinding into it to make traction - would this work? I like the molding idea too. Could I, as I have planned, use contact cement to put it on? Much thanks for your knowledgeable insights. tO Ps. Dale Solo - Where are you?
contact cement works even better than the stock sticky on a regualar deckpad. you can peel off old ones and put them down on a new stick with contact cement - VERY hard to pull it up again. http://groups.msn.com/thegrasshoppersurfboard/shoebox.msnw