Wetsuits aren't the cheapest to replace, and if you’re passionate about our environment, you know that repairing a wetsuit (as long as it’s not hanging by its last thread) is a more environmentally friendly choice than investing in a new one. Luckily, you can stitch up your suit in several ways, so it's almost as good as new!
At Wetsuit Centre, we sell various water sports equipment, from surfing wetsuits to open-water swimming suits. As water sports enthusiasts, we understand that dreaded feeling of finding a hole or a tear in your wetsuit. So, to ensure you can keep yours going for that bit longer, follow our wetsuit repair guide for tips and tricks - so you can repair yours at home!
PROFESSIONAL WETSUIT REPAIRS
Before forking out for a professional repair, you might want to consider whether you can fix your suit yourself or if you'd be better off with a new one! If the tear on your wetsuit is on the zip or covering a large area of the seam, you might be better off investing in the expertise of a local wetsuit repairer or simply purchasing a new one.
Investing in a repairer will be slightly more expensive than sorting it out yourself, but it will be much cheaper than buying a whole new suit, so it's worth considering if you're on a budget.
WETSUIT WARRANTY
Individual brands may offer a warranty on their wetsuits. If your wetsuit has become faulty before the warranty has run out, you will be entitled to having your suit repaired for a small fee.
In some cases, the repairs might be for free, depending on the extent of the damage. However, there may be a slight waiting period, but it's always handy to check!
It's also worth bearing in mind that the cause of the fault will need to be taken into account. If a fin caused the rip, then you probably won't get a free repair.
However, if the damage was caused by a manufacturer's fault, you should be entitled to replacement or repair.
At Wetsuit Centre, we cover manufacturing defects such as splits in the seam, loose stitching, broken zips or collapsed neoprene. Our warranty process does not cover any tears or holes that aren’t on the seam.
WETSUIT REPAIR KIT EQUIPMENT
To fix up your suit, you'll need to purchase the correct kit, including:
- Wetsuit glue: Standard glue can't be used; if anything, it can further damage your wetsuit. Instead, you will need to invest in a specific wetsuit adhesive. When searching for wetsuit glue, you will find several brands and products out there, so make sure to check which glue will work best for your specific suit.
- Extra neoprene: A piece of neoprene will be needed for any broken areas which may need to be reinforced. When purchasing a wetsuit, you will often find that a small piece is usually attached to the zip. This small section is often intended to protect the suit from any indents during transportation. However, it is a good idea to keep a hold of it in case of future repairs.
- Applicator (such as lollipop sticks).
Alternatively, purchasing a wetsuit repair kit will ensure you have everything you need (wetsuit glue, small pieces of neoprene, and an applicator).
HOW TO REPAIR A WETSUIT
It’s important to know that every wetsuit glue will vary on instruction. But if you need to learn how to fix a hole in a wetsuit, here’s a basic guide on how to repair your wetsuit:
1. DRY OUT THE WETSUIT
Before repairing, the suit will need to be completely dry. This is essential as any applied glue will struggle to dry on a damp surface, elongating the process. Make sure to turn your wetsuit inside out while drying.
2. APPLY THE GLUE
Before applying the glue, it's always best to check the manufacturer's instructions. Although we offer a general guide below, applications may vary from one type of glue to another.
Start by applying the glue to each section of damaged neoprene. You may want to use some form of applicator for a much more accurate result; lollipop sticks are often useful for this!
Depending on the glue, you will often want to wait for it to dry. Once it has dried, apply a second layer of glue and wait for it to become tacky for a minute before pushing the two sections together. Hold together firmly for a minute or two.
3. LET THE GLUE DRY
Once the glue has been applied and the pieces have been held together, the glue will then need to be left to dry. The time this takes will depend on the manufacturer's advice. It's often best to allow it five to ten minutes at the very least.
4. APPLY THE GLUE AGAIN
If you want to ensure your suit has been thoroughly repaired, you may want to apply another round of glue over the top of the repair. Once this has been done, you will need to leave the glue to dry once again.
It may need a bit longer to dry due to the extra application of glue but be sure to check the manufacturer's instructions.
OUR WETSUIT REPAIR TIPS
Below you'll find some of our repair tips and tricks you can use for fixing up your suit for a quality, seamless repair.
1. REPAIR YOUR WETSUIT ASAP
A wetsuit should be repaired as soon as the tear or hole has been discovered; this will prevent the damage from worsening.
2. LARGE WETSUIT HOLES
For bigger holes, you may need the additional support of extra neoprene.
You will need to make sure the wetsuit has been turned inside out. Cut the neoprene to size and ensure that it is slightly bigger than the tear itself. Glue the neoprene patch to the hole as previously instructed. Use a form of weight to press down over the suit to reinforce the glue as it dries.
The drying process will again depend on the glue manufacturer.
3. SEWING WETSUIT REPAIRS
It's best to avoid sewing your own suit, especially for open-water swimming wetsuits. However, people have been known to sew the seams of thicker suits with dental floss.
If you are not very experienced in sewing, then this can be a bit risky. When sewing, you will need to be extra cautious not to tear any rubber as you thread the needle through the neoprene, as this will enhance the existing damage.
Additionally, the sewing will need to be 'blind stitched', meaning you will only need to push the needle through one-quarter of the neoprene before glueing the rest of the repair. For the best results, a curved needle is recommended.
If you decide to sew your suit with dental floss, it's advised that two layers of glue are applied to the rip beforehand. Once the suit has been stitched up, another layer of glue will need to be applied and then left for a minimum of eight hours to dry.
4. GLUE ON SEAM TAPE
For additional security, glue some seam tape to the inside of the suit where the original damage is located.
WHAT CAN DAMAGE A WETSUIT?
Some things can further damage your suit. To help keep your wetsuit in tip-top shape, some practices should be avoided:
- Hot water can cause neoprene to lose its flexibility.
- UV rays can cause neoprene to age quickly, so be sure to dry your suit in a shaded area.
- Chlorinated water and salt water can break down neoprene. Always rinse your wetsuit down with fresh water after every use.
No matter the quality of your wetsuit, nails, rocks and reefs will always pose a threat to your suit. We hope this article has provided some use to fixing up your suit. However, if you're ever in need of a new wetsuit, why not check out our range of water sports equipment?
For more tips and tricks contact a member of our team or take a browse through our blog! You’ll find loads of handy articles such as our How Do You Fix a Broken Surfboard guide.
