I did a quick search and didn't find anything so to keep it general and open: what are some helpful experiences anyone here has had with fixing their own boards? I've fixed almost everything that would be on a list of typical dings this summer and was interested in what you guys have found works best. Anybody just slap Suncure on? Anyone able to explain how to perfectly mix resin and patch it up? Looking for anything from recommendations on what kits are reliable to tips on how to do a thorough job I know your local shop will often do the job best, but it's a skill I would like to improve on
Ding all repair kit does the job for me. I haven't gotten anything so deep I've needed q cell but that'll be next on my list of things to work on. You just gotta keep doing it I guess. I treat my boarts pretty well though. Don't get dings often, it'll be easier.
Learning to repair your own dings is the best way to go. Quicker and cheaper than going to a shop. Plenty of threads on that, and like waves, every repair is diffrent. Do a search and you'll find plenty of good tips on how to repair many diffrent dings. If it's a big ding ill pull out the resin and fiberglass and qcell. For small little cracks/dings I just use sun cure.
Somebody just posted a general ding repair thread a couple of weeks ago, and it had some really good tips. Go back and try to find that. Otherwise... If you fix dings fairly regularly... a few times a year... Get a little jug of Silmar resin, some UV cure powder, a yard of 6oz and a yard of 4oz. Keep it all in a dark place (I have a few cabinets in my garage). Cheaper than ding kits... and I'm pretty sure they only give you 6oz cloth. Also, the catalyst the give you is unreliable, and can die on you over time. UV powder will keep forever, and you can cut your repair time down to a fraction of time it takes to do with MEKP. Other simple things like sandpaper, sanding blocks, acetone, mixing cups and sticks, tape... you can get from the hardware store or supermarket.
When I first started repairing boards I just used the bondo resin and catalyst, and the bondo cloth from home depot. That with some 80, 120, and 220 grit sand paper, razor blades, acetone, and masking tape will set you back about $40. Make spreaders out of cardboard beer boxes. Don't mix this stuff in a plastic cup or use on EPS foam (little white ball type foam). I have several year old repars i did with this stuff. Best way to practice is on old garbage boards and your friends boards!
Thanks guys helpful stuff yeah feeling kind of guilty for being lazy on my searches before posting this
A good ding repair is like 80% sanding... Along of times your overfilling the ding then carefully sanding. I often use those cheap 1in wooden handle paint brushes to apply to dings not needing glass. I get a box of them at harbor freight for 10 bucks on sale Mask out the area first with masking tape. Lightly sand the marked out area prior to applying resin. Personally I like regular old polyester resin- probably cause I have been using it forever and just used to how it works. You can just pick up a jug of ding all sanding resin at your local shop- blue label. Just remember the amount of catalyst will change with air temp
Im with Mr. Belmar. I do the same exact thing. And I agree with the 80% sanding part. Just yesterday I was helping a friend with a repair. A really big nasty one. Entire rail was crushed in. Used to much q cell, over filled the ding, sanded it all down. Glassed it. It's looking good. Went be able to finish it till next week but it I actually impressed myself. Never took on a repair that big before. Probably an inch wide, and half an inch long on the bottom of the board, wrapped around the rail and went another 2 inches long on the deck
There's a great little paperback book The Ding Repair Scriptures. I found it incredibly useful. Fixed some nasty dings with that advice. Have not mixed color yet.
Let me address your post in order. 1. Every time I do a ding repair it is a helpful experience. I suggest that you find someone who is willing to show you and give you confidence in starting to learn yourself....just remember 90% chance you are going to botch your first few shots at it so start on some boards that are according. 2. Ok. So what have you fixed? What problems have arisen? How did you work through these. What works best???? Applied science. craftsmanship, and patience. (and beers) 3. Yes, if I need the board that day I slap suncure on. 4. I can not explain how to perfectly mix resin and patch it up. I wing it each time. Depends on the resin, climate, how ballsy I am that day, how buzzed I am, how nice the board is, who the board is for, blah blah blah. 5. My recommendation is to make your own kit. Buy resin, MEKP, UV, sandpaper, a little power sander, and some other various items. The kits I have found are a complete sham and a waste. 6. Feel free to pm me if your working on a board and you would like advise. Good luck.
