This is NOT the time to wonder about your repair.

LDPE or HDPE?

The difference between LDPE (low density polyethylene) and HDPE (high density polyethylene) is the length of the molecule chains. HDPE has longer molecular chains than LDPE and the melting temperature of HDPE is often higher than that of LDPE.

LDPE's lower melting temperature usually makes using it as filler rod easier-to-use than welding HDPE filler rod to HDPE plastics.

HDPE is also "tougher" and more abrasion resistant than LDPE, but the practical difference is minimal when doing repair work. If you need the best wear characteristics and can live with making slower, more difficult welds, use HDPE rod. In most cases, we see better quality welds when using LDPE rod for typical crack or hole repair on boat hulls and ATV plastics.

How to Use the KC Welder Kayak Patch Kit

How to Repair a Kayak with an Airless Plastic Welder

Step-by-step Instructions

Step 1

This is a typical crack that you might find on the bottom of a kayak. The first thing you need to do in any plastic repair is to clean the plastic. Use soap and water to remove any water soluble contaminants. If there are any contaminants, like tar, grease, or sticker residue, that won't come off easily with soap and water, then use one of Polyvance's plastic cleaners.

Realign the plastic if is has overlapped itself.

Step 2

To maximize the strength of the repair, it helps to embed some wire mesh into the plastic. It is similar to putting rebar in concrete. Cut some of the included wire mesh to span the crack about an inch on side. On this particular repair, we had to fold the mesh because the crack was on a corner.

Step 3

Using the KC Welder, melt the wire mesh into the plastic. This is similar to putting rebar in concrete. It makes the repair a lot stronger. Sometimes, the mesh wants to "pop out" of the plastic before the plastic cools. If that happens, use a screwdriver or another tool to hold the mesh into the plastic until the plastic re-solidifies.

Step 4

Here is what it will look like once the mesh has been melted into the plastic.

Step 5

Apply the filler rod by pre-melting one side of the rod.

Step 6

Flip the filler rod over so that the melted side is toward the plastic that you are working on.

Step 7

Cut the tip of the rod off by melting through it with the edge of the welder tip.

Step 8

Spread the melted rod while pushing it through the mesh. You may need to apply an extra layer of rod after pushing it through the mesh. Get the plastic hot enough so that the new melted plastic melts together with the existing plastic.

Step 9

Continue applying plastic until the crack is repaired completely.

Finished

The repair is complete.

Cosmetic Restoration Video

Testimonials

Hello Polyvance,

I wanted to take this time to thank everyone at Polyvance for all that they do! I live near a beautiful pond and have not been able to fish certain areas due to the size. I came across a free canoe from a friend but it had some nice size holes on the bottom of it. I ran some Google searches and the promising research I discovered brought me to Polyvance. I emailed my concern to Polyvance and not only was the answer "YES we can fix that" but the response time was within hours. The customer service and product is top notch! I wish more companies conducted business the way Polyvance does. Thanks again for the great service! My free canoe has brought me joy and many great catches!

Top Recommendations,
Richie from Northern Virginia