An illustrated procedure for small punctures in a PVC skin. Confirm the material and the damage before applying adhesive; stop if you are unsure.
An orderly workstation prevents interruptions while the two adhesive coats are drying.
This procedure is only for PVC skins and small, simple punctures. Identify the material with certainty and check that the damage does not involve a seam or the structural layers.
Stop if the material is uncertain, the cut is extensive, there is delamination or an earlier repair has already failed.
Lay out every tool on a clean, stable surface. The SUP must be clean, dry and supported without creases around the repair area.
Check the adhesive label first: proportions, waiting times, temperature and reactivation distance can vary between products.
Cut a patch that extends beyond every side of the puncture and round all its corners. Clean the board and patch separately with the specified cleaner, following the SDS, then avoid touching the prepared surfaces.
Rounded corners reduce lifting points; both surfaces must be dry and free from dust or grease.
Dry-fit the patch, centre the puncture and trace its perimeter. Add two small alignment marks and mask the area outside the outline.
Test the alignment now: once reactivated surfaces touch, correcting the position becomes difficult.
For an adhesive that specifies 6% catalyst, mix 50 ml of adhesive with 3 ml of catalyst. Use these amounts only when the product label or technical data sheet confirms them, and mix for one minute or for the time specified by the manufacturer.
Trim a small brush’s bristles to roughly half their length. The stiffer brush helps spread a very thin film.
Apply an extremely thin, even film to both the patch and the masked area of the SUP. Avoid pools, thick deposits and uncovered spots.
Let both surfaces rest for 10 minutes unless the adhesive label or technical data sheet specifies a different time.
After the first wait, apply another extremely thin film to both surfaces. Cover the adhesive container immediately to limit evaporation and contamination.
After the second coat, wait another 10 minutes unless the product manufacturer specifies a different time.
Move all MEK, cloths, containers and solvent residue away. Ventilate until vapours have dispersed; only then heat both dry adhesive films using the temperature, distance and movement specified by the adhesive or repair-system manufacturer.
Do not apply a standard temperature: use only the temperature and distance specified by the manufacturer and do not overheat the PVC. If your system does not require heat, do not use it.
Hold the patch by its edges, follow the reference marks and make the first contact lightly. Press with the spatula from the centre outwards, working around the full edge, then remove the masking tape.
Wait for the adhesive manufacturer’s full curing time before inflating the SUP or taking it onto the water. Bubbles, open edges or a moving patch require professional assessment.
A patch cannot solve every type of damage. Request an assessment before working if any of these cases applies:
Send the measurement and photographs to RiparoSUP. We will assess the case before you arrange shipping.