Repairing dings on a surfboard is an important skill to maintain your board's integrity and longevity. Whether you're dealing with a small crack or a larger hole, repairing the ding properly will keep your board performing well. Once you get the hang of it, it only gets easier. Pro tip before we dive in-don't wear your favorite board shorts, favorite shirt, or fleece because it could get messy. Here are five in-depth tips for effective surfboard ding repair:
1. Clean the Area Thoroughly
Before you begin the repair process, it’s critical to clean the damaged area properly. This ensures that the resin adheres properly to the board and that debris or water doesn’t affect the repair quality.
Drying the Ding: Make sure the board is completely dry, as any water inside the foam or in the surrounding area can prevent the resin from curing correctly. You can use a towel to dry the area, and in some cases, a hairdryer (on low heat) can help dry out any trapped moisture.
Cleaning the Area: Use sandpaper (around 80-100 grit) to lightly sand the surface around the ding. This roughens the surface slightly and ensures that the repair resin has a good grip. Be gentle, as you don’t want to damage the surrounding areas unnecessarily.
Remove Debris: After sanding, wipe down the area with rubbing alcohol or a clean cloth to remove any dust, dirt, or oil that could prevent the resin from bonding effectively.
2. Use the Right Repair Resin
Choosing the right resin is essential for a strong, durable repair. The most common types of resin used for ding repairs are epoxy and polyester resin. Which one you use depends on the type of board you have.
Epoxy Resin: If your board is made from epoxy (often the case for newer boards), you should use epoxy resin for the repair. Epoxy resin is stronger and more flexible than polyester resin, which makes it a better choice for repairs on modern epoxy boards.
Polyester Resin: If your board is made of a traditional polyester-fiberglass construction, use polyester resin. Polyester resin is more affordable and easier to work with, but it is not as durable as epoxy and can break more easily.
Choose UV-Cured Resin: For quick repairs, some people opt for UV-cured resin, which can be cured with direct sunlight or a UV lamp. It’s especially handy for small dings because it hardens quickly without the need for mixing.
3. Fill the Ding and Build Up Layers
Once you have your resin ready, you’ll want to fill the ding and build up layers to match the board's thickness.
First Layer: Start by applying a thin layer of resin over the ding, ensuring it completely fills the crack or hole. For deeper or larger dings, you may need to use some fiberglass cloth as a reinforcement. Cut a small piece of fiberglass cloth to fit inside the ding and place it on top of the first layer of resin. Then, apply more resin over the fiberglass to saturate it.
Building Up Layers: After the first layer cures (this usually takes 15-30 minutes depending on the resin), you can build up the repair by adding additional layers of resin. Each layer should be a bit larger than the last one, helping to gradually rebuild the board’s surface. Wait for each layer to cure before applying the next, and always sand lightly between layers for a smooth surface.
Thickness Match: Continue adding resin until the repair is slightly above the level of the surrounding board surface. You want to make sure that the area is slightly raised so that you can sand it down to a smooth, level finish.
4. Sanding and Shaping the Repair
Once the resin has cured completely (which can take anywhere from 2-24 hours depending on resin type), it's time to sand the repair. Sanding properly ensures that the repaired area is flush with the surrounding board and restores the smooth finish of the board.
Start with Coarse Grit Sandpaper: Begin with around 80 or 100-grit sandpaper to shape the repair and remove any excess resin. Sand the repaired area in circular motions, gradually blending the resin with the board’s surface. Avoid pressing too hard, as this can damage the surrounding board.
Progress to Finer Grains: Once the repair is shaped and level with the board, switch to finer grits (such as 220, 320, or even 400) to smooth out the surface and remove any visible marks or imperfections.
Wet Sanding: For a high-quality finish, consider using wet sanding (wet the sandpaper and the surface with water while sanding). This technique helps to reduce dust, provides a smoother finish, and can prevent the sandpaper from clogging.
5. Finishing Touches & Sealing
After sanding and shaping, you'll want to ensure the repair is sealed and protected from water damage.
Polish the Repair: Once you're satisfied with the sanding, finish up the repair by polishing the area with a fine polish or compound. This will restore the glossy finish to your board and make the repair blend in seamlessly with the rest of the board.
Sealing the Repair: If you're repairing a board that's likely to get wet frequently, apply a UV-resistant clear coat to the entire board or just the repaired area. This will protect the repair from UV damage and prevent the resin from yellowing or deteriorating. Be sure to allow the repair to cure fully before taking it back into the water.
Check for Leaks: Before going out into the surf, do a quick check by pressing gently on the repaired area and seeing if any water leaks into the board (this can happen if the repair isn't fully sealed). If you notice any water intrusion, you may need to do a more thorough patch-up job.
By following these steps carefully, you can repair your surfboard’s dings and extend the life of your board. Just remember that the quality of your repair will determine how well your board performs, so take your time and be thorough.
