Whether you’re looking to cool off with a quick swim or enjoying the long days of summer at a local festival, inflatables such as pools, bouncy castles, and water slides have become ubiquitous with summer fun. While inflatables are convenient when it comes to set-up and storage, they come with the unfortunate downside of being susceptible to cuts, snags, and punctures. Thankfully, damage to your inflatable doesn’t mean you have to cut the fun short or pay a premium price for a replacement. For DIY repairs and routine maintenance, professionals and parents alike trust HH-66 Vinyl Cement to patch rips, seal seams, and fix vinyl inflatable damage in minutes. This guide serves to showcase HH-66 Vinyl Cement by RH Adhesives and provide a step-by-step overview on how to successfully repair your vinyl inflatables.
HH-66 Vinyl Cement Overview
Manufactured by RH Adhesives, a leader in specialized glues since 1949, HH-66 Vinyl Cement is globally recognized as the world’s most effective PVC vinyl adhesive for both land and water-based inflatables. HH-66 Vinyl Cement is a staple item in many repair kits and is often provided to customers for quick, convenient repairs to their vinyl products. From backyard pools to inflatable water parks, HH-66 Vinyl Cement is the hidden piece working behind-the-scenes to keep inflatables safe and operational, even under rigorous use.
HH-66 Vinyl Cement is the superior choice for bonding flexible PVC vinyl and vinyl-coated materials as it is made specifically for vinyl. In just one application, HH-66 Vinyl Cement forms a bond that is stronger and more durable than the vinyl itself. HH-66 Vinyl Cement can be applied in temperatures ranging from 35-95 degrees Fahrenheit, as well as underwater, while still staying malleable and strong. Even with frequent jumps, hard impact, and air pressure, HH-66 Vinyl Cement’s flexible bond will stay sealed.
Preparing for your Vinyl Inflatable Repair
No matter the size and complexity of your inflatables, HH-66 Vinyl Cement makes repairing them simple and easy. First, examine the extent of your vinyl inflatable’s damage. While small holes can be fixed with a new vinyl patch, and rips can be mended, large tears may require you to replace your product.
To accommodate both small-scale DIY projects and large business operations, HH-66 Vinyl Cement is available in a wide variety of sizes. Industrial Plastics & Paints is proud to offer HH-66 Vinyl Cement in the following sizes:
· 118 mL (4 oz.)
· 237 mL (8 oz.)
· 474 mL (16 oz.)
· 1L (1 quart)
· 3.78L (1 gallon)
Along with HH-66 Vinyl Cement, repairing your vinyl inflatable will require a few more additional items:
· Gloves
· Sandpaper (for sanding glossy surfaces)
· Small roller (optional; for the neatest result)
· Alcohol or compatible solvent such as HH-66 Thinner
· Vinyl Patch*
* Many companies that make vinyl products can offer you a patch kit or send scraps for mending. If you are choosing to buy your own patch, consider these three questions to find the perfect vinyl:
-
Is your vinyl treated or untreated? If your vinyl product is made for outdoor use, you will most likely need to purchase treated vinyl.
- Is your vinyl reinforced or unreinforced? Reinforced vinyl contains another fabric, while unreinforced vinyl is simply flexible PVC.
- What weight of vinyl? Reinforced vinyl is measured by weight (in ounces); whereas unreinforced vinyl is measured by thickness.
To help streamline the process of buying the required items for your vinyl inflatable repair, Industrial Plastics & Paints can work with you to create your own custom kit. Please contact our Business Solutions Team for more information.
How to Repair your Vinyl Inflatable
Once you have all your items ready, please follow the steps below:
- Prior to beginning your repair, familiarize yourself with RH Adhesives’ safety guide for HH-66 Vinyl Cement. Wear gloves and ensure you are well-protected and in a ventilated space.
- Cut your vinyl patch to an appropriate size, ensuring a two-inch overlap on all sides. Round the corners. Clean your vinyl with alcohol or HH-66 Thinner and sand any glossy surfaces.
- Apply an even coat of HH-66 Vinyl Cement to both surfaces that will be joined together. Set the HH-66 Vinyl Cement and wait roughly two minutes for the adhesive to turn tacky. You will have a few minutes for the adhesive to remain tacky, so move quickly onto the final step: applying the patch.
- Press the patch on firmly while the HH-66 Vinyl Cement is tacky. Apply even pressure using your small roller to remove air bubbles, then remove any excess adhesive with alcohol or HH-66 Thinner. Allow your vinyl to bond together for a minimum of one hour prior to use (it is recommended to wait one day for the strongest hold).As a rule of thumb, 1 oz. of HH-66 Vinyl Cement will cover 1 square foot of both surfaces to be bonded. Once you are finished, store in a cool, dry place (do not freeze). HH-66 Vinyl Cement has a shelf life of 18 months from the manufacture date (24 months if unopened). Please dispose HH-66 Vinyl Cement according to local, provincial, and federal regulations.
Conclusion
As this guide has shown, rips and tears on your water and land-based inflatables doesn’t mean the summer fun has to come to an end. Whether you’re making small on-site repairs or maintaining large inflatable attractions, HH-66 Vinyl Cement is a proven solution for easily patching rips, sealing seams, and stopping leaks before they spread. For more information about HH-66 Vinyl Cement, as well as best practices, please consult our product page.
With 7 locations across Western Canada and a 24/7 E-Commerce portal serving North America, Industrial Plastics & Paints is Your Project Store for all your DIY needs. For more information about HH-66 Vinyl Cement, or our full collection of DIY supplies, contact our Business Solutions Team today.
