How to Weld Vinyl

Vinyl is an incredibly versatile plastic, providing material for outdoor coverings, banners, and tents. Welding two pieces of vinyl together also offers benefits: the process joins vinyl in a semi-permanent way, allowing for more surface area of material for any given application. In addition, welding further strengthens a piece of vinyl. There are many ways you can weld vinyl together -- including hot air welding, in which air at 400 degrees Celsius is passed between two sheets of vinyl in order to bring them together-- but the practical one to carry out at home uses solvents and pressure for a permanent join.

Instructions

1. Obtain a welding adhesive kit, appropriate for the welding strength that you need, from a fabric adhesive supplier.

2. Clean the surface of the vinyl with isopropyl alcohol.

3. Wear gloves, to protect your skin from the welding adhesive. Spread the adhesive on both sheets of vinyl, and allow the adhesive about five minutes to soften both vinyl sheets.

4. Clamp the vinyl sheets together, using the clamps provided in the welding adhesive kit. Leave the sheets clamped together for three to four hours, or for the time recommended for the particular adhesive that you are working with.

Tips & Warnings

• Use a fan when welding chemically, to avoid breathing the fumes from welding.

• Keep your welding adhesive away from sparks or open flame, as adhesives are often combustible.

References

• Louis A. Green.com: PVC Welding: General Information
• SignIndustry.com: Seaming Vinyl Banners: Calling on the Chemical Weld, RF and Heat Methods