FAQs - Frequently Asked Questions

Using Rec'Repair™ for Outdoor Expeditions

Q1. On what surfaces can I use Rec’Repair?

Rec’Repair can bond virtually to anything hard, rigid and clean. It works well on acrylic, aluminum, fiberglass, glass, painted surfaces, plastic, plywood, other metals, plastic, some wood, steel, stiff vinyl, copolymers and composites. Designed specifically for outdoor equipment products, Rec'Repair adheres to complex materials such as:

Composite Fabrication - carbon-fiber, kevlar, fiberglass
Roto-molded Fabrication - polyethylene
Thermaformed Fabrication – ABS plastic, acrylic, polyethylene , linear and cross-linked polyethylene
Plastics – polycarbonate, PVC

It does not adhere well to fabric or flexible vinyl, since the patch becomes rigid when cooled. Rec'Repair is not recommended for applications that would require direct contact with food or drink, although it would work well to repair the outside of a large cooler.

Q2. Will the patch work on rough surfaces?

Yes. Rec’Repair is designed to adhere to rough surfaces. Rec’Repair was designed with a high-performance adhesive that will hold securely to surfaces and materials, and the patch material itself is formable over uneven contours when heated.

Q3. Is Rec’Repair watertight?

Rec'Repair can form a watertight seal. The patch works very effectively in repairing damaged recreational canoes and kayaks. It can be used for emergency or custom plumbing repairs and connections, but is not recommended for use on pressurized pipes or lines.

Q4. How do I use Rec'Repair?

Surfaces should be clean. We recommend a heating device, such as a water-activated MRE heating bag, or wrap the patch in foil and place in a frying pan on a camp stove to warm the patch until flexible.

Carefully HEAT the patch until it becomes flexible (at approx. 194 °F).
While it is warm and flexible, PEEL off the adhesive backing.
APPLY the patch to the desired location. Apply pressure, molding the patch in the desired shape until cool (approx. 25 seconds).

Q5. What comes in the Emergency Kits?

Rec’Repair emergency kits are lightweight but have the tools you’ll need to make lasting repairs in the wilderness. The kits include the repair patch material, gloves, heater bag, instructions, alcohol wipes and foil bag packaging.

Q6. When can I begin to use my equipment once Rec’Repair patch is applied?

Immediately.

Q7. Can I cut the Rec’Repair patch, paint it, drill it, sand it for my repair needs?

Yes. Rec’Repair can be cut to the size of a hole or repair project. The material is easier to cut when warm and flexible. When rigid, the patch material is machinable and can be drilled and sanded to bevel or smooth the edges. After it has been shaped, adhered and completely hardened, Rec'Repair temporary patch can be painted with any paint suitable for plastic or resin surfaces.

Q8. Can I remove Rec’Repair patch?

Yes. Rec'Repair includes a very strong adhesive. It can be removed by prying it off with a putty knife or other slender object. The patch can be peeled off but may leave some adhesive residue, and removal can damage the surface finish. The patch is designed as a temporary patch material.

Q9. Do I need clamping pressure?

No. Hand pressure is enough.

Q10. Can I use it on fuel tanks and lines?

No. Because Rec'Repair is made from a polymer matrix, it is not recommended for applications requiring contact with petroleum products.

Heat & Storage

Q1. How do I store Rec’Repair patch?: Ideally, store Rec’Repair at room temperature in a dry environment to maintain the adhesive quality.
Q2. Do freezing/thawing, water, snow or ice affect the patch?: No, it can withstand the effects of harsh elements in the outdoors.
Q3. What can I use to heat the patch?: We recommend you use the water-activated heating bag (available in the emergency kits) or wrap the patch in foil and place in a frying pan on a camp stove. Other heating devices that could be used are a paint stripping gun, heat gun, a conventional or toaster oven (as long as the patch is wrapped in foil to protect the paper lining and isn't heated above 270 °F), a microwave (if the patch is wrapped in a paper towel and not overheated), or a sealed boiling bag. Regular hair dryers generally do not get hot enough to activate the patch.
Q4. How much heat do I apply to the Rec'Repair patch?: First, select a heating process such as a water-activated heater bag, hair straightener, heat gun (with care), or heating oven. Heat the patch until the patch becomes pliable. This will let you know you have reached the desired temperature range, which is about 194 °F.
Q5 Does heat impair the patch adhesive?: No. As long as you don't heat the material above the maximum temperature of 270 °F, the adhesive and the patch material are not affected adversely. The adhesive bond becomes stronger over time, and some tests have demonstrated that heat actually improves the bond.
Q6. How long does the patch stay flexible?: Depending on the air temperature and the temperature of the surface being repaired, the material remains flexible for 15-30 seconds. The patch can be reheated if additional time is needed for the repair.

About Rec'Repair for the Outdoors

Q1. Where can I buy Rec’Repair?

Rec’Repair can be purchased at many outdoor and expedition retailers and outfitters. Please visit the Where to Buy page to find the retailer nearest you.

Q2. Is Rec’Repair patch like shrink-wrap?

No. Rec'Repair is much thicker and more structural, and its properties change when heated, moving from rigid to flexible. When cooled, it becomes rigid again. It does not shrink or change size when heated, it merely becomes pliable and capable of being formed, twisted, curved and stretched. In addition, shrink-wrap can be heated with a hair dryer, while Rec'Repair requires heating above 194 °F to activate its flexibility.

Q3. I’m a distributor / retailer / sales representative interested in Rec’Repair. Whom do I contact?

Call us at 866-341-2744 (toll free) or 937-458-0210. Distributor and sales representative inquiries are always welcome.

Complete a simple information contact form to get started.
Email us at questions@recrepair.com.
Read our dealer's booklet.
Volume discounts are available.

Q4. What sizes does Rec’Repair patch come in?

Stock Patch Sizes: 2" x 8", 4" x 6", 5" x 8", 3" x 10"
The Rec’Repair has two Emergency Kit sizes:
Small includes: 4” x 6” black composite patch
Large includes: 4” x 6” patch and 8” x 5” patch
The material can easily be cut to a custom size with a pair of scissors.

Q5. What colors does the patch come in?

Black or White