Wetsuit Repairs and Maintenance Tips

Wetsuits are not just regular clothes. You cannot just pop them in your washing machine whenever they need to be cleaned. Because of the materials used in them, they require special care and maintenance. Luckily wetsuit repairs and maintenance is easy to do.

What are Wetsuits made of?

Most, if not all wetsuits are made of neoprene. And to those who are not familiar with it, neoprene is rubber foam that is injected with air bubbles to enhance its flexibility. Apart from wetsuits, they are also commonly used in laptop sleeves because of their texture and cushion they provide electronics. This material is also the choice of wetsuit makers because it provides insulation and this foam does not absorb much water.

Care of neoprene in wetsuits is not really hard. To give you a better idea, here is some care and wetsuit repairs tips, which can help your wetsuits, last longer.

Wetsuit Hangars and Storage

You have to remember that a wetsuits in general stretches a lot. So when storing them, it will be important to keep them in such a way that they will not be deformed. You can lay them flat at the bottom of the closet or if you have extra cash, you can buy special hangers for them in the stores.

If your wetsuits have zippers, it will be best to spray them with some silicon prior to storage as this will prevent them from developing rust. Note that non – aerosol sprays are your best choice because oil or other chemicals can potentially harm the material.

Wetsuit Care During and After Use

If you are into scuba diving or surfing, try to stay clear from sharp rocks or corals as these may rip or tear their suits. After usage, rinse out the suit immediately in fresh water. This is important because the salt in the seas can damage both the fabric and the metal attachments.

When drying, try not to hang them in areas exposed to heat. This is because as you may already know, high temperature can cause the suit to deform.

Wetsuit Repairs

If accidents eventually cause rips and tears on the suit, do not worry. You can still repair your wetsuit by using wetsuit glue that is available in the market.

How do you use the wetsuit repair kit glue?

Here are the simple steps to follow:

1. Make sure that the suit is dry before even attempting to repair it.

2. Put the torn pieces together and dab a small amount on top of them. The glue will then dissolve the rubber and it will eventually connect the gap in between the tear.

3. Apply another coat of glue after 30 – 45 seconds.

4. If needed, press the damaged parts together until they dry. This should only take 5 to 10 minutes at a maximum.

5. Lay it flat and do not use the suit for at least 48 hours.

Those are the simple wetsuit repairs and maintenance tips that you have to know. As long as you follow them, you can be sure that you get the most out of your wetsuits for a very long time.