How to Repair Nylon Raingear

Fix nylon rain gear with a nylon repair kit.

Nylon rain gear keeps moisture from soaking your clothes, hair and face. Nylon rain gear comes in handy for water rides at amusement parks or rainy days at a sporting event. The fabric is a durable material also used for tents and tarps. Occasionally your nylon rain gear can become torn or damaged and in need of repair. Nylon repair kits offer a way of fixing damaged nylon rain gear instead of replacing it.

Things You'll Need

• Soapy wet rag
• Clean cloths
• Nylon repair kit
• Scissors
• Iron

Instructions

1. Clean the damaged area of the rain gear with a soapy wet rag. Dry the area with a clean cloth. The damaged area needs a clean, dry surface for the replacement patch to adhere properly to the nylon.

2. Place the rain gear on a hard surface with the outside damaged area facing up.

3. Cut a nylon patch from the repair kit so that it is 1/2-inch larger all the way around the damaged area on the rain gear. Cut the piece in a circle instead of a rectangle or square; the pointy edges of a square or rectangle piece allows a greater risk of the replacement patch coming loose.

4. Place glue from the repair kit on the underside of the patch, or remove the adhesive backing from the piece if there is no glue to apply.

5. Press the patch onto the damaged area. Press down firmly and smooth across the entire patch to remove all air bubbles.

6. Heat a clothes iron to medium. Lay a clean cloth across the patch, then press with the iron for about 30 seconds, keeping the iron moving in small circles to heat evenly. The heat from the iron bonds the patch and adhesive to the nylon.

Tips & Warnings

• Check that the patch is completely attached to your rain gear after ironing. Some patches may require additional heating.

• You may wear the nylon rain gear as soon as the patch is applied.

References

• Seattle Fabrics: Nylon Repair Kit