Field Repair

Here are some basic instructions on how to field repair your inflatables, including sewing torn seams and how to apply patches.

Needle and thread:

1)    You must use an equivalent 207 denier polyester thread.
2)    Locate area on inflatable that requires repairing. If a mattress seam or wall seam, quite often you can pull this section out through a nearby deflation zipper and sew from the back side. If necessary, you may need to open a small section of the bottom of the inflatable which has an outside seam. Locate the necessary repair area, stitch up and re-sew the open seam on the bottom.
3)    Place thread through needle and length approximately ½ inch past needle point.
4)    Insert threaded needle through material.
5)    On the opposite of material, take the end of the thread and pull out to a length of about 18 inches, or twice the distance of the seam you wish to sew.
6)    With the loose end of thread in one hand grasp needle firmly with other. Withdraw needle from material until there is 1 ½ inches of thread between material and point of needle. In this position, begin the second stitch by inserting needle at the proper distance through the material for length of stitch desired. Now slowly withdraw the needle part way out. This will form a loop on opposite side of grove in needle.
7)    Insert loose end of thread through loop. Pull the needle and thread with equal force in opposite directions to form the stitch. Repeat steps 4 and 5 for the entire length of seam.
8)    To end seam, insert needle through material and pull thread approximately 3 inches. Cut thread ½ inch from needle and pull needle from material. Tie remaining two threads together. Repair is complete.   



Tear Aid Patch:

For best results apply to a clean, dry surface. Clean the surface to be repaired with an alcohol prep pad, or 50/50 mixture of rubbing ( isopropyl )  alcohol and water. Before proceeding make sure surface is dry.

Surface temperature of the materials to be repaired should be 50 F or warmer.

Tear Aid is at approximately 50% adhesion upon application and 100% adhesion after 24 hours.

1)    Cut patch to size with scissors allowing for patch size to extend 1 inch beyond all edges of the tear. If using more than one patch, allow for patch size to overlap at least 1 inch. Do not cut patch with any corners, allow a curved end to all cut patches.
2)    Carefully peel back ½ inch of paper liner. Tearing the paper liner while stretching the edge of the patch will help to separate the liner from the patch – especially when the patch has been cut into smaller sizes.
3)    Position and anchor exposed ½ inch edge – allowing the patch to extend  at least
1 inch beyond all edges of the tear. Slowly peel back the liner while carefully applying the patch over the tear – take care to avoid air bubbles. Rub all edges to seal Rub entire patch aggressively. Follow steps 1-3 on the back side of the repair if you have access to the back side. Repair is complete
4) To make patch more permanent and secure to vinyl, it is recommended to add heat from a hair dryer.  Slowly move hair drier over the patch until the patch turns clear.
    

Vinyl Cement Patch:

Vinyl cement is used to apply patches ranging from a couple of inches to several feet. It is relatively easy to work with and can be used in the field as it requires no power or special tools, however, it does not make the best-looking patches.

Clean the surface to assure that it is free from dirt, oil or other contaminants. Before proceeding make sure surface is dry.

Always refer to the manufactures recommendation when using any cleaning or adhesive product.

1)  Prepare the surface area to receive the patch by cleaning with Rubbing Alcohol.
2) Cut a round or oval patch. If using a rectangular patch, round the corners. Rounding off the square corners improves the edge bonding. Also, try to lineup the scrim pattern of the patch with that of the unit.
3) Apply a thin layer of vinyl contact cement to surfaces. Allow 2 to 5 minutes of drying time until the surface becomes tacky. If the surface is wet or stringy when touched, allow additional drying time. When using large patches, apply the cement in sections to achieve a more even drying of the glue between the two surfaces.
4) Apply the patch to the unit. Clean off the excess glue from around the patch with the      same solvent used to prep the surface (listed in Step 2 above). Be sure to wipe off all excess solvent, as it will dissolve the vinyl if left on the surface. Talcum or Baby Powder  will also help to absorb the excess cement. Just sprinkle on and wipe off.
5) Allow proper curing time. Allow two (2) hours minimum before folding the unit. Allow a minimum of 24 hours before using the unit. Contact cement achieves its maximum strength in approximately 48 hours. Repair is complete.