Featured:
Allergies
Grilling Guide
eHow Now Blog

How to Repair Scratches on a Polyethylene Kayak

Whether kayaking in rivers, lakes or the sea, a polyethylene kayak is sure to encounter rock beds and barnacles that could scratch the kayak. For superficial scratches, nothing needs to be done. For deeper scratches or grooves, however, kayak owners should take it in for professional repair or do it themselves.

Things You'll Need

  • Blow dryer
  • Blow torch
  • Metal spoon
Show More

Instructions

    • 1

      Using a hair dryer, blow hot air over the scratches until they diminish. Do not leave the hair dryer in one place for a significant amount of time, as it may damage the surface.

    • 2

      Run a blow torch across the scratches until they fade or disappear. Make sure not to use too much heat or you can cause discoloration. Take frequent breaks to reassess the scratches.

    • 3

      Use the heated spoon method for deeper scratches. Heat the end of a metal spoon and apply the tip gently along the scratch to weld the surface smooth. Be careful not to overheat the area and cause a deformity.

    • 4

      Let your kayak cool off for at least 24 hours before using the kayak.

Tips & Warnings

  • Protect your hands with a thick gloves before proceeding and ensure the work area is free of flammable materials.

Suggest item

Related Searches:

Resources

Comments

You May Also Like

  • How to Repair Scratches on a Kayak

    Kayaking over sharp rocks, shallow stream beds, and shells, can cause scratching and other unsightly damage to your kayak. Remember that any...

  • How to Repair a Polyethylene Kayak

    Kayaks built from polyethylene are tough and resilient, but with wear and tear can become deeply scratched and even cracked. Submerged objects,...

  • How to Repair Plastic Kayaks

    Even with proper care and storage, plastic kayaks can become damaged and require repair. Rough landings against sharp rocks and other unforeseen...

  • How to Patch a Polyethylene Kayak Hull

    Patching the hull of a polyethylene kayak is necessary if the hull leaks. Major scrapes and scratches are nothing more than simple...

  • How to Repair Polyethylene

    The easy molding and lightweight properties of polyethylene make it an ideal material for kayaks, storage tanks and other items. The slick...

  • How to Repair Triple Layer Polyethylene

    Triple layer polyethylene plastic can often be repaired with plastic welding. When heated and melted, triple layer polyethylene adheres well to the...

  • How to Repair Cracks in Polyethylene

    Polyethylene has made its way into many components of cars, motorcycles and boats. Although strong and lightweight, polyethylene is not impervious to...

  • How To Fix Scratches on a Kayak

    The vast majority of kayaks sold are made of plastic, and because of this they are prone to scratches. Repairing scratches on...

  • How to Repair a Polypropylene Kayak

    Owning a polyethylene kayak means having a durable means of water transportation or enjoyment that does not need constant maintenance. However, when...

  • How Do I Get Scratches Out of My Old Town Kayak?

    Every paddler knows little scratches here and there are inevitable, regardless of the model of the kayak. Scratches from the paddles, from...

  • Polyethylene Canoe Repair

    Polyethylene canoes are sturdy, flexible, affordable, and long-lasting. Unfortunately the plastic tends to become brittle after about 20 years--or less if it...

  • How to Load a Kayak Without Scratching It

    Kayaks are built to be tough. They are also built to be beautiful. Most damage and scratches to a kayak occur during...

  • Polyethylene Crack Repair

    High density polyethylene (HDPE) and low density polyethylene (LDPE) are widely used in everyday applications such as moisture barriers, cable insulation and...

  • How to Repair Poly Plastic Kayaks

    Kayaks can suffer damage from hitting rocks, logs or submerged objects. While minor scratches and dents are expected, and generally need no...

  • How to Repair Kevlar Kayak Skin

    Kevlar is one of the toughest materials from which kayaks are made. A Kevlar skin can withstand a great deal of scratching,...

  • How to Repair Kayak Holes

    As small boats, kayaks get bumped around and eventually will need repair. If a small hole occurs during an outing, simply patch...

  • How to Repair a Polyethylene Boat

    Polyethylene is most commonly used when building kayaks. These boats are constructed with this high-grade plastic so that they can endure the...

  • How to Repair a Plastic Coleman Canoe

    Plastic that is cracked, punctured or badly dented can be difficult to repair. Fortunately, modern plastics remember their shape, and if you...

Related Ads

thumbnail
Featured