| Recommended solvent: The solvent used at the | | | | after the first MEK wash. (time it) Mix glue and |
| factories is called Toluene or Toluol. | | | | accelerator while waiting, if not done already. |
| It is often available at paint, hardware or plumbing | | | | 5. Apply one more solvent wipe with 10 minute |
| stores as a cleaning solvent. | | | | waiting time (timed) between them. |
| You can also use MEK (methyl ethyl ketone). It is | | | | You are cleaning the fabric for glue adhesion. |
| often available at paint, hardware or plumbing | | | | Glue Application (2 thin layers 20 minutes apart) 6. |
| stores, sold as a cleaner for PVC pipes or lacquer | | | | Apply a thin glue layer with stiff brush to both |
| thinner. | | | | sides. Aggressively work it into the fabric with the |
| For non-critical bonds you might substitute | | | | brush. If it looks too thin, it is probably correct! 7. |
| acetone. | | | | Wait 20 minutes (timed) If glue still looks wet, |
| Glue: Zodiac #7097 Universal Glue. You can also | | | | wait longer. Check for no tackiness with knuckle, |
| use Avon Adhesive (one or two part) or | | | | no adhesive should stick to your skin. Humidity |
| ‚® or other Hypalon or | | | | control while glue is drying is critical. Keep door |
| rubber glues. | | | | closed. Don't breathe on glue area while inspecting. |
| 1. Atmosphere: Glue with humidity less than 70%; | | | | 8. Repeat steps 6 & 7 (total of 2 layers with 20 |
| and not in direct sunlight; Temp. | | | | minute open time between) 9. Wait 10 minutes |
| €šÃ‚° to | | | | after second layer of glue. |
| €šÃ‚°F is best. | | | | 10. After 10 minutes, join the parts together. |
| 2. Preparation: Gather rags, glue brush; solvent; | | | | Start from one edge and slowly lay the patch or |
| timer with second hand or stop watch; make sure | | | | accessory down onto the glued area. |
| all the old glue is cleaned off; get your patch cut | | | | Press out all air bubbles and wrinkles from the |
| out, position noted and marked. It always leaves | | | | center to the edges. On deflated boat rub as hard |
| a neat tidy finish if you tape off the perimeter of | | | | as possible with smooth tool, e.g. the back of a |
| the patch area with masking tape to avoid over | | | | large tablespoon - force air out from between |
| glue. (If you need more details on this part, read | | | | boat and patch. Careful not to scratch the fabric. |
| these general tips) 3. Mix accelerator and glue | | | | For davits and hard based accessories, deflate |
| thoroughly either now or while waiting between | | | | boat and press through from other side to make |
| the solvent wipes below. Accelerator is toxic; | | | | sure of adhesion. Wipe off excess glue with |
| keep off skin. Keep mixed glue covered (foil or | | | | solvent. |
| wax paper) when not using. Pot life is about 1 | | | | If over 10 minutes or if glue has spots of white |
| hour. It may still look liquid, but will have lost | | | | haze the glue has picked up moisture and you |
| effectiveness. | | | | should try to "reactivate" it. With a clean rag wet |
| IN ADDITION: you must abrade/scuff the fabric | | | | the glue surface with MEK but do not rub the glue |
| to remove any oxidation and to allow the glue to | | | | off (one quick swipe). Then assemble immediately. |
| attain a mechanical bond to the scuffed area. Use | | | | Press hard. For accessory on an inflated boat you |
| 100 grit sandpaper or a Dremel tool. Do not cut | | | | can rub it down vigorously with a rag with MEK |
| into the threads under the protective coating. You | | | | on it. |
| just need to cut through the surface to allow the | | | | 11. Wait at least 48 hours before use. |
| solvents and glue to penetrate. Some accessories | | | | A mechanical and chemical bond will continue to |
| rubber surfaces have been preprocessed and do | | | | strengthen over next 7 days. |
| not need abrading, rub just the boat fabric. | | | | Don't be tempted to shorten the process. |
| Wipe clean to remove grit and residue. | | | | Don't cut this curing time short: your patch could |
| Solvent Cleaning (2 times - to clean the fabric for | | | | peel off like a Post It note! 12. Pressure test if |
| a strong "mechanical bond" with the glue) 4. Scrub | | | | you want to be sure. |
| both sides (boat and patch or accessory) with | | | | Blow it up to full pressure. Leave it overnight. |
| MEK on a rag to clean surface. Wait 10 minutes | | | | |