Can I buy a wetsuit repair kit, you know, the glue and tape? What are you guys using? And does it work on geoprene also (Matuse)?
I use contact cement with a little black pigment added in.
Huck,
I’ve been using the black neoprene cement that most surf shops sell, but with mixed results. The cement is very strong and works well, but I think the problem is the wetsuits themselves.I’ve been using Oneill Psychos & I think that with all the high tech stretchy materials used today, the constant salt water & sun, breaks the material down much quicker. I’ll glue one tear (or seam) back together and another one will open up nearby.
Kind of frustrating when you spend $400+ for a “quality” suit & then it only lasts 6 months to a year. I’ll be buying a new suit right after the new year & think I’m going to try a different brand (maybe the Boz brand-I’ve read some good things on this site about them).
Hope you find something that works for you.
thanks - I seldom frequent the surf shops, forgot they sell neoprene cement, do they sell tape too? I guess so, need to stop in next time I pass a surf shop.
BTW, I have a Coral Reef and a Matuse, the Coral Reef was used when I got it like 5 or 6 years ago, and its still going strong, but I got snaked and run over by a guy with sharp fins and it made a few cuts in my wetsuit. the Matuse is like 2 or 3 years, but still in nearly brand new condition, despite getting almost daily use some weeks. I always rinse good and hang on hanger, never leave in sun longer than it takes to dry. I recommend either brand, I have a friend with same wetsuit as you, and he has the same complaints, and he’s a guy who takes care of his wetsuits too.
Source for wetsuit tape and glue - www.foamorder.com
Use the black Aqua seal, not the clear, which does not hold as well.
cheers
Most dive shops have kits available. Check around.
I got a tube of aquaseal from a local dive shop, used dental floss and a big needle to sew up the tear, then sealed with the goop using disposable gloves. Looked like a biker scar, but still going strong after several years.
Huck, thanks for the recomendations on suits. I’ll have to check those out. Probably have to buy online; I don’t think any shops on the california central coast carry those brands.
I bought the Matuse online from wetsand in Ventura when they had a sale. I sent it in for repairs to the zipper once, and Matuse lost it… and they sent me a brand new model! Its takes a bit of break-in time, the wetsuits are lighter than others, and fit like a second skin. They absorb very little water, and tend to dry very quickly as a result. Its been a couple years since I got my new model, and its almost as good of shape as the day I got it. Just very well made.
I don’t know if you’re able to get Aquaseal where you are but that stuff is the duck’s nuts. You don’t need much. Use it with some polyestre thread for bigger repairs. Store it in the freezer and it’ll last indefinitely. I had one tube that I used on and off for over five years.
Aquaseal is terrible compared to good old contact cement. By the way, if you go to a surf shop and pay $20 for the stuff pictured below, basically all it is is a $5 jar of contact cement with black pigment in it.
Agreed on all counts. Aquaseal is crap and not really compatible with neoprene. Best off using what the suit was built with, contact cement.
I recently needed some wetsuit glue and searching online yielded a lot of over-priced stuff like that O’Neill glue. Went to the local hardware store and bought contact cement. I don’t care if it isn’t black, it works.
We’ll have to agree to disagree on this one. I’ve tried contact cement a few times.
Contact cement is good for seams (raw neoprene on raw neoprene); aquaseal is for filling holes and/or bonding to the poly/nylon lining that covers the raw neoprene. Both work OK for the intended purpose AS LONG AS you are very careful about following the directions (making sure the material is clean and dry; don’t stick the contact cement together until it’s dry; etc.).
T E S T I F Y !!
Dental floss is the best thread for many repairs, it’s nylon, it’s waxed, it’s waterproof , it’s strong as hell.
I’ve sewn up wetsuits, clothes, outdoor furniture, shoes, and a few coral cuts with dental floss.
I learned wetsuit repair from the owner of a dive shop. Using contact cement (wetsuit glue), you apply a thin coat to both edges of the seam or tear. Wait ten minutes, apply a second coat. Wait another five minutes, press together firmly. The big mistakes made with cement are using too much and not allowing it to set up before joining together.
Bingo! I was given the same lesson, by a pro wetsuit maker.
I’m gonna have to try the contact cement on my glove. I got a hole in the wrist area last winter and it creates a slow leak. Luckily it was in like March so I survived. Have to buy new boots this winter anyway, so trying not to by gloves as well.
I’ve used dental floss on my 1.5mm top, which is like six years old. It worked pretty well. I put some of that wetsuit repair stuff on the area then sowed it together. Then I covered both sides with the repair stuff in hopes of protecting the new seam. I also suck at sowing and totally could have done a better job, but it works. It didn’t come apart this summer. I’m kinda unsure about using floss on the glove, as to not introduce any more holes for 35 degree water to come through.
El Ninio…we don’t need no stink’n glue…Ha Ha
…Gentlemen…I can buy a quality wet suit for less than your time and money…I don’t like the fact that they’re all made overseas…But…thats a fact… I fix things…I make things work…but wetsuit fixing is not a good idea… When you wear out your wet suit…buy a new one…
Right…
Why spend $10 and a half hour of my time to fix a suit when I can just buy a new one for $200?