Can you plastic weld a kayak?

A crack in your beloved kayak doesn’t mean game over. Welding up a crack, or even a hole, is possible with the right tools. Before you start it is important to know what type of plastic your boat is.

How do you refinish a plastic kayak?

  1. Clean the surface of the kayak with soapy water to remove any dirt, debris or mildew.
  2. Apply a colored automotive polish that matches the color of your plastic kayak.
  3. Apply a coat of plastic gel protectant to seal in the color and protect the hull from harsh UV rays.
  4. Allow the kayak to dry for three days before use.

Can plastic kayaks be repaired?

Using a small drill bit, put a small hole at each end of the crack so it doesn’t spread. Plastic weld the crack to complete the repair. You will need a plastic welding kit with HDPE welding rods and it works in a similar fashion to a glue gun. Plastic can also be repaired with a lighter or torch and plastic remnants.

Can you sand a plastic kayak?

Use the fine sandpaper and sand back the scratched surfaces gently. Be careful not to scrub off too much plastic from one area – no one wants an uneven surface. The sanding helps smoothen the hull by removing plastic shavings. Using your heat gun or a hair-dryer, gently heat the scratched surfaces.

Can I wax a plastic kayak?

If you have a plastic kayak you will probably find you can get by without using the kayak wax, as you may discover that the wax doesn’t stick very well to the polyethylene. If you have a composite boat it’s possible to use both the wax and the UV protectant.

How do you weld high density polyethylene?

  1. Step 1: Lay the Pipes on a Flat, Heatproof Surface. Lay the HDPE pipes on a stable work bench or a surface that will not be affected by heat.
  2. Step 2: Wipe Down the Surfaces to Be Welded.
  3. Step 3: Use a Heat Gun to Soften the Surfaces.
  4. Step 4: Press the Heated Surfaces Together and Let Cool.

How do you fix HDPE plastic?

When it begins to melt, spread the liquid out towards the pilot holes. You must force the liquid polyethylene into the holes so the patch will adhere to the damaged plastic. Once you have filled the pilot holes with polyethylene from the melted patch, pour water on the patch to cure it.