DIY Board Repair Tips

Equipment and materials.

Depending on your surfboard's construction and the type of ding, you may need different resins and fibreglass. We stock a range of resins for both epoxy and polyester surfboards, as well as fibreglass cloth (4oz and 6oz), lightweight fillers, fin boxes (Futures and FCS), and other repair supplies.

Resin

The most common resins used for a surfboard are either epoxy or polyester. Epoxy resin is often used on a polystyrene (EPS) foam, whilst polyester resin is used on polyurethane (PU) foam. When repairing your board, it is important to know what construction it is, as using the wrong resin can eat through the foam in your board.

Polyester resin SHOULD NEVER be used on an EPS foam board.

It is recommended to use Polyester resin on a PU foam board; however, epoxy resin is also safe to use.

If you are unsure, or going travelling, epoxy resin is your best bet, as it will work on any construction of surfboard.

Temperatures and ratios

There are a few important ratios and temperatures to keep in mind while using resin. 

• Don't work with resin in under 10 degrees Celsius.

• Don't add any more than 3% or less than 1% hardener to polyester resin.

• Epoxy resin ratios can vary, so stick to the ratio on the bottles.

Safety

Be careful with how you use your materials. 

• Wear a vapour/dust mask and rubber gloves.

• Do all repairs in a well-ventilated space.
  

• If resin comes in contact with skin, wash off immediately.

All our DIY repair gear can be found here:  https://realsurf.co.nz/collections/hardware/diy-repair