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Craftsmen's Corner / Re: Drip "candle" plastic for kayak repair?
« on: August 14, 2024, 08:07:52 AM »
I'm not a pro, but have used this technique for many years to repair polyethylene. Practice on a scrap piece of plastic like an old bucket with a crack. You will need a propane torch, an couple of old knives with different shaped tips, and a hot glue gun. Heat the knife tip dull red and carefully soften the damaged area but not to the point where it melts thru. Immediately squeeze hot glue on this primed area and wait a minute or so to semi harden. Take the knife tip to smooth the semi liquid hot glue. Repeat as necessary. Never put hot glue on a cold surface or else it will just peel off.
If repairing a crack it's a good idea to drill a very small hole at each end of the crack to release tension before gluing. Also I find that automotive dent pulling glue sticks are stronger than the hobby grade stick usually used in glue guns.
If repairing a crack it's a good idea to drill a very small hole at each end of the crack to release tension before gluing. Also I find that automotive dent pulling glue sticks are stronger than the hobby grade stick usually used in glue guns.