The same principals apply to kite bladders and canopies. Point of this post? PREP THE AREA FIRST!
And don't use Type-B tear-aid. That is for vinyl only materials.
I use a heat-gun on Type-A as well, as it quickly seals the patch. Yes there is a slight curing time, unlike some that have been told it's "instant".

you are a flaming galah

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NorthernKitesAUS said..
The same principals apply to kite bladders and canopies. Point of this post? PREP THE AREA FIRST!
And don't use Type-B tear-aid. That is for vinyl only materials.
I use a heat-gun on Type-A as well, as it quickly seals the patch. Yes there is a slight curing time, unlike some that have been told it's "instant".

A classic case of not believing everything you read on the internet, we repair hundreds of kites each year, but not all with tear aid.

Tear Aid A is fine to repair a tent with, its awesome to repair a bladder with but its a no-no to repair a canopy with.
Tear aid works well on bladders because it has stretch to it. you do not want stretch on a canopy repair.

Canopies $
Use sail repair tape or Porcher marine fabric rounded at the corner to prevent lifting. If its more than an inch (2.5 cm in new money) it will need sewing as well.
if you use tear aid as a stop gap, it will take longer to clean off the residue than it will for a repairer to do the actual repair so expect the cost of the repair to double.

Leading edges $ or $$
If its a leading edge repair you will need Dacron. If its small (under 1.5 cm) and accessible,you can apply a dacron patch with double sided sail repair tape from the inside of the leading edge but it must be at least 2 cm bigger than the tear in all directions, and you will need small Donald Trump hands as you need to be able to feed the Dacron patch with the tape applied through the zip to the repair site.
If it's larger than 1.5cm or inaccessible, the leading edge will need to be opened the repair patched and the leading edge closed.

Struts $$$
If its a strut, the strut will have to be removed from the canopy first, then repaired like the leading edge

if you are unsure about repairs or need some advice you can call us in the shop between 10-5 Monday to Friday and 9-3 on a Saturday

Toddy
ASWA

Duct tape fixes everything,
There are only 2 things needed in life to fix all problems.
If to moves, and it shouldn't........use duct tape.
If it should move, and doesn't.... use wd40.

that ali duct tape is wonderful in a crunch. even goes on wet canopies!! wouldnt recommend long term use of it but i keep a roll in my emergency box always.
Hey northernkites,
i read an blog out of the states once where a reputable repairer was useing type b on bladders as it bonds in a different manor. cant remember all the details but it was interesting at the time. been meaning to test it out on a sample to see for myself but time is hard to come by while having fun. Iv tried finding the blog but cant atm. ill do my best a bit later.

Tear aid is most certainly 100% instant if you apply it correctly.

I consider myself fairly experienced in the use of tear-aid having just got through my 3rd 25ft/6" roll since November - the stuff is great but as all have correctly stated prep is everything and spending that extra 5 mins prior to application is well worth it......

My tried and tested system -
1) Prepare area to be fixed i.e. cut away any stretched materialials and use material (soft) clamps to flatten repair area
2) Thoroughly clean with alcohol wipes and allow to dry
3) Wipe the area with a clean dry rag to remove any final residue
4) Carfully apply patch (edges rounded and 1"larger than damaged area), rubbing applied tear-aid with rag whilst peeling off backing - make sure there are no creases running from the hole to the edge of the patch.
5) If possible allow to sit for 1hr before fully inflating (although it is at 90% adherence immediately tear-aid instructions state 100% after 1hr).

Extra tips -
1) If its cold, warm area and patch with hot air gun (careful not to melt them) or hair dryer
2) I have occasionally payched on rainy/humid days and i now try to avoid this - it seems to make it more difficult but this is solved with hot air gun.

Although the video posted is good i do feel it is maybe missing a few extra pointers.

Cheers
Ryan
The Sail Doctor
Kite and Sail Repairs

I've got a type -B LAB tear...operation in july...Will Tear - aid keep it together while i still do my 50 pool lap session a day ?

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towradgi said..
I've got a type -B LAB tear...operation in july...Will Tear - aid keep it together while i still do my 50 pool lap session a day ?

No but apparently duct tape will

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Cornishryan said..
3) Wipe the area with a clean dry rag to remove any final residue

5) If possible allow to sit for 1hr before fully inflating (although it is at 90% adherence immediately tear-aid instructions state 100% after 1hr).

Good on ya Ryan. That's correct - after 1 hour. KPS.. you've just been lucky.

I actually find type a has performed better than it's more rigid product,
especially on Le splits
im currently riding a 9 Vegas with 80/90 mm slit that's been patched with type a, I've flogged it and is still as good as the day it was done, also repaired a bandit in the same manner which lasted 2/3 seasons with no signs of failure,
i was thorough in cleaning
drying, aligning, and rolling on repair with heater if that has helped

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lotofwind said..
Duct tape fixes everything,
There are only 2 things needed in life to fix all problems.
If to moves, and it shouldn't........use duct tape.
If it should move, and doesn't.... use wd40.

You forgot cable ties

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lotofwind said..
Duct tape fixes everything,
There are only 2 things needed in life to fix all problems.
If to moves, and it shouldn't........use duct tape.
If it should move, and doesn't.... use wd40.

If duct tape doesn't fix it, just use more duct tape!!

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NorthernKitesAUS said..

Cornishryan said..
3) Wipe the area with a clean dry rag to remove any final residue

5) If possible allow to sit for 1hr before fully inflating (although it is at 90% adherence immediately tear-aid instructions state 100% after 1hr).

Good on ya Ryan. That's correct - after 1 hour. KPS.. you've just been lucky.

Lucky for the past 10 years? I don't think so :)