| Recommended solvent: MEK (methyl ethyl | | | | waiting time (timed) between them. |
| ketone). It is often available at paint, hardware or | | | | You are preparing the fabric for glue adhesion. |
| plumbing stores, sold as a cleaner for PVC pipes | | | | Abrading these PVC fabrics is not recommended |
| or lacquer thinner. | | | | or necessary. |
| For non-critical bonds you might substitute | | | | Glue Application (3 thin layers) 6. Apply a thin glue |
| acetone. | | | | layer with stiff brush to both sides. Aggressively |
| Glue: Zodiac #7097 Universal Glue; Polymarine | | | | work it into the fabric with the brush. If it looks |
| Urethane (PVC) Glue. Do not use Avon Adhesive | | | | too thin, it is probably correct! 7. Wait five |
| (one or two part) or | | | | minutes (timed) If glue still looks wet, wait longer. |
| ‚® or other Hypalon or | | | | 8. Repeat steps 6 & 7 (total of 3 layers with 5 |
| rubber glues. | | | | minute open time between) 9. Wait 10 minutes |
| They will not work on synthetic materials. | | | | after third layer of glue. |
| 1. Atmosphere: Glue with humidity less than 70%; | | | | 10. Join the surfaces during the next 10 minutes. |
| and not in direct sunlight; Temp. | | | | Start from one edge and slowly lay the patch or |
| €šÃ‚° to | | | | accessory down onto the glued area. |
| €šÃ‚°F is best. | | | | Press out all air bubbles and wrinkles from the |
| 2. Preparation: Gather rags, glue brush; solvent; | | | | center to the edges. On deflated boat rub as hard |
| timer with second hand or stop watch; make sure | | | | as possible with smooth tool, e.g. the back of a |
| all the old glue is cleaned off; get your patch cut | | | | large tablespoon - force air out from between |
| out, position noted and marked. It always leaves | | | | boat and patch. Careful not to scratch the fabric. |
| a neat tidy finish if you tape off the perimeter of | | | | For davits and hard based accessories, deflate |
| the patch area with masking tape to avoid over | | | | boat and press through from other side to make |
| glue. (If you need more details on this part, read | | | | sure of adhesion. Wipe off excess glue with |
| these general tips) 3. Mix accelerator and glue | | | | solvent. |
| thoroughly either now or while waiting between | | | | If over 10 minutes or if glue has spots of white |
| the solvent wipes below. Accelerator is toxic; | | | | haze the glue has picked up moisture and you |
| keep off skin. Keep mixed glue covered (foil or | | | | should try to "reactivate" it. With a clean rag wet |
| wax paper) when not using. Pot life is about 1 | | | | the glue surface with MEK but do not rub the glue |
| hour. It may still look liquid, but will have lost | | | | off (one quick swipe). Then assemble immediately. |
| effectiveness. | | | | Press hard. For accessory on an inflated boat you |
| Solvent Cleaning (3 times - to prepare the fabric | | | | can rub it down vigorously with a rag. Make sure |
| for a chemical bond with the glue) 4. Scrub both | | | | there is no MEK on the rag when using it to run |
| sides (boat and patch or accessory) with MEK on | | | | down the part or patch. |
| a rag to clean surface. Be careful not to wipe the | | | | 11. Wait at least 48 hours before use. |
| MEK on areas of the boat or patch that will be | | | | Chemical bond will continue to strengthen over |
| seen as MEK will make the fabric sticky and shiny. | | | | next 7 days. Don't be tempted to shorten the |
| Use masking tape around the perimeter to | | | | process. Don't cut this curing time short: your |
| minimize this. Wait 5 minutes after the first MEK | | | | patch could peel off like a Post It note! Pressure |
| wash. (time it) Mix glue and accelerator while | | | | test if you want to be sure. |
| waiting, if not done already. | | | | Blow it up to full pressure. Leave it overnight. |
| 5. Apply two more solvent wipes with 5 minute | | | | |