5 Things You Should Know Before Repairing Your Wetsuit Yourself | An Honest Explanation from a Wetsuit Craftsman
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For those of you thinking, "Can't I just stick it on with glue for now?"
When a wetsuit tears, the most common approach is
"I just tried patching it up with some glue from the hardware store."
Of course, I understand the sentiment, but from a professional’s perspective,
there are really many cases where "it actually makes it harder to fix later. "
From the perspective of a workshop that repairs over 1,000 items a year,
we’ve compiled five key points you absolutely need to know before attempting to repair items with glue yourself.
1. Wetsuit adhesive and regular glue are completely different.
Wetsuit fabric (neoprene) is a material that is subjected to stretching, water, salt, and temperature changes—
making it quite a demanding material.
Products sold at home improvement stores,
such as "wood glue," "instant adhesive," and "all-purpose glue,"
are not designed to withstand these kinds of conditions in the first place.
- It's set too hard, so the surrounding dough cracks when I move it.
- It’s only stuck on the surface, while the inside is still hollow
- It deteriorates and peels off quickly due to seawater and UV rays
In other words, it’s just “making it look like it’s holding together for now,”
and this often gets in the way of its natural stretch and flexibility.
2. The hardest part is “peeling off” the glue once it’s been applied thickly
The biggest problem with DIY repairs is when
a thick, wide layer of glue has been applied to the fabric.
When repairing at the factory, the first step is to carefully peel off the adhesive.
If you try to peel it off forcefully, you risk damaging the fabric as well,
so you need to take your time and remove it bit by bit.
As a result,
- The workload will be greater than usual
- The remaining glue residue reduces the space available for a clean finish
For reasons like these, the estimate can sometimes end up being higher than expected.
To be honest, there are many cases where we think, “If only you’d sent it to us from the start, we could have fixed it more cheaply and more neatly…”
3. If you apply too thick a coat, it will become “rock-hard” and even more prone to cracking.
If you apply the adhesive too thickly, that area will end up
"like a hard board sandwiched between soft, wet material. "
That means whenever force is applied—whether while riding or changing clothes—
- The fabric folds over at the edge of the bond
- It splits wide open right at the seam
This can easily lead to secondary damage.
Be wary of wet food that looks like it’s sticking together but feels “strangely crispy and hard” in that spot.
4. You can’t assess “internal damage” that isn’t visible without inspecting the item in person.
It’s easy to look only at the torn area
and think, “If I just apply some glue here, it’ll be fixed,” but
in reality, the damage may have spread to the inside of the seam, the reverse side, and even the surrounding panels.
At our factory, as soon as the wet materials arrive,
- How stretchy the fabric is
- Cracks and deterioration on both sides
- Impact on other panels
After conducting a comprehensive inspection of these and other factors,
we determine "how much repair work is needed before you can safely return to the water."
Even if you just patch up the visible "hole," if the structure itself is weak, another part will crack soon enough. This is a common scenario when it comes to DIY repairs.
5. The sooner you consult a professional—especially if you want to start using it right away—the faster you’ll see results.
Whether it's a competition, a trip, or the day before a promising swell hits,
I understand the feeling of thinking, "I really need to use it tomorrow, so I want to figure it out myself."
However, if you try to force it together with glue,
- It will break completely underwater
- There's too much water in there—performance is the last thing on my mind.
- This will make any subsequent major repairs even more difficult
The reality is that these risks are greater.
If you’re thinking, “I want to keep wearing this piece next season too,” check out
In most cases, having a professional properly repair it is actually more cost-effective in the long run than resorting to a quick fix.
In summary: If you're unsure, consult us before applying the adhesive.
A wetsuit is an essential piece of equipment that can cost tens of thousands of yen .
A single failed DIY repair can cut its lifespan in half or even shorter.
As a wetsuit repair specialist based in Shonan,
We truly believe in the philosophy: "We repair whatever we can so you can enjoy your gear in the ocean for as long as possible."
If right now,
- I’ve already applied the glue, and I’m worried I won’t be able to fix it.
- I'm not sure whether I should replace it or have it repaired.
If that's the case, just send us a photo.
After taking a look at the condition, we'll give you our honest opinion on whether it's better to repair it or replace it.
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Click here for our dedicated wetsuit repair page:
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Send us a photo via LINE for a free estimate
For those who would like to consult directly with a wetsuit craftsman
"I tried fixing it with glue, but will this hold?" "I'm not sure whether to buy a new one or get it repaired."
If reading this article has left you with any concerns at all, our craftsmen will take a look at your photos and give you an honest answer.
- Should I get it repaired, or should I just buy a new one?
- Estimated repair costs and turnaround time
- The risks of continuing to repair items with glue on your own
First, please take and send us a "full-body photo" of the wetsuit you're currently using, along with a "close-up of the area of concern. "
▶ View the detailed page on wetsuit repairs
▶ Send a photo via LINE to consult with us
▶ Submit a repair request via the form