20 Best Methods for Gluing an Air Mattress at Home
An inflatable mattress is used not only at sea, but also in everyday life. The product helps when guests are staying overnight and have nowhere to put them. Unfortunately, waterproofing is considered its weak point. At sea it can be damaged by sharp shells, and at home it can be damaged by animal claws. Knowing how to glue air mattresses restores integrity and thus prolongs life.
How to spot a breach
Finding holes on the mattress is not difficult. There are different methods that use different tools at hand - water, soap, starch, cling film, etc.
Auricular
The method is suitable when a person does not have the necessary funds at hand. The mattress is inflated to an elastic state and the person brings the ear back to its surface. Characteristic whistles will tell you where the hole is.
Damaged areas are also identified in another way. A wet hand is brought to the mattress. The damp skin feels the air coming out of the hole.
Immersion in water
You can check the integrity of the product at sea if, after inflation, it is completely submerged in water. This option is suitable for owners of large products. Small to medium sizes are tested at home.
For this, a large basin or bathtub is filled with water. The mattress is inflated and immersed in water. Upon inspection, a cut will be found, from which air bubbles will come out.
Use detergents
The method is suitable for both small and large mattresses. Water and detergent are mixed in the container. Whisk the solution until a large amount of foam appears.
Using a sponge, the foam is applied to the surface of the mattress. Soon the person will notice air bubbles. The method is very simple and allows you to quickly identify punctures.
Use shaving foam
A dense compound is used to test the tightness of the valve. A layer of foam is poured underneath. At the slightest damage, air escapes.
Starch or powder
Powder formulations help identify a puncture on the pile surface of the mattress. In this case, the foam is not used, since it is powerless on this material. The intended places are sprinkled with starch, powder or flour. The cup will not be powdered because the air will blow on the composition. The remains of the product are recovered with a vacuum cleaner.
Stretch film
For testing, the inflatable mattress is moistened with water. After that, it is wrapped in cling film. Air will collect at the puncture sites.
Do-it-yourself preparation for repair
The final result depends on the quality of the bonding. Careful preparation is carried out to ensure that the product can be used after repair.
Deflation
To begin with, the air is released from the mattress. It should be completely deflated. Further preparation depends on this.
Drying
The adhesive will not adhere well to the surface if the material is wet. Work is carried out only after complete drying. It can take up to 4 days.
Contamination cleaning
There should be no grains of sand or small debris on the mattress. Even the smallest particles will affect the adhesion quality. Sand is necessarily swept from the surface, and the mattress is sucked.
Degreasing
After use, the cream remains on the mattress, as well as the seawater salt. The surface is degreased before gluing. Use acetone or nail polish remover.
Grouting with sandpaper
The procedure is not suitable for all surfaces. This is the final step in preparing the product for repair. Fine grit sandpaper is used.
Mattress repair - gluing, begins after completing all the preparatory stages.
How can you stick
The repair kit supplied with the mattress makes it easy to find the perfect material. Unfortunately, not all manufacturers care about this. If a person does not have such an opportunity, then improvised means are used for repair.
Glue moment
The composition is suitable for gluing if the pits are small. For bonding surfaces, the layers are applied very thinly. After 10 minutes, setting occurs, and after a day the mattress can be used.
great time
The product is not always suitable for the repair of air mattresses. After drying, a tight seam is formed. When inflating the product, it may collapse. Due to its low elasticity, it is used in rare cases.
Rubber Desmokol
It tends to form an elastic seam. Bonding is carried out in two stages. After 30 minutes after the first layer dries, the second is applied. The cargo is placed on the processing site and after 2 days the product is ready for use.
Inflatable boat glue
The composition is characterized by three properties - water resistance, durability and availability. Glue is selected for gluing air mattresses with high temperature resistance. The higher this indicator, the better the final result.
PVC adhesive
A small amount of the composition is able to reliably glue the surfaces together. For the best effect, the product is applied twice. Designed for PVC mattresses.
Intex glue
The product is specially designed for bonding inflatable products. Due to its unique composition, it does not deteriorate under the influence of moisture. It sets quickly, prolongs shelf life for a long time.
Air mattress repair kit
Swimming manufacturers offer their products to customers. The repair kit contains glue and patches in several sizes. If not included in the base package, it must be purchased separately.
"Uranus"
Monocomponent polyurethane adhesive for flexible materials. Organic solvents and synthetic rubber create a homogeneous viscous mass. The product is colorless, has a pink or yellow tint, which disappears after drying.The composition becomes solid when exposed to moist air.
"Crystal of the Moment"
Due to its transparency, it does not leave marks on the surface. Apply only to a clean, non-greasy cloth. Suitable for repairing stained mattresses. Handles small cuts quickly.
liquid patch
Due to its viscosity, it does not involve the application of a patch. Intex manufactures a variety of liquid patches that you can customize to match your own product. Liquid patches help repair the air mattress in a short time. The product can be used 24 hours after drying.
make a patch
You can make a patch for a mattress yourself. For this, simple materials are suitable that can be found in every person's arsenal.
Rubber from a tire repair kit
Every motorist has such a kit. A patch of the desired size is cut from the rubber and placed in the damaged areas. You can also use the supplied glue.
old tire
Disused tires are suitable for repairing air mattresses. Motorists are in no hurry to say goodbye to old tires. They help in many situations, including a similar situation.
inflatable toy
Perfect for renovation. The toys are made from the same material as the inflatable mattress. An old and perforated product that has not been used for a long time will come in handy.
Rubber swimming cap
Elastic material can be an excellent base for making a patch. Suitable for cutting products of any size.
Unsuitable inflatable mattress
The most ideal option, since it is made of the same material. It can be used to make a variety of patches of different sizes. Also, you can take any piece of fabric.
Bonding
The repair method depends on where the hole is.
Commmon
A separate patch is taken for each damage. It is made of rubber or cotton wool, well impregnated with glue. The repair steps are as follows:
- The adhesive is applied to the patch and the surface of the mattress in a thick layer.
- After waiting for the time specified in the instructions, the patch is firmly applied to the product.
- If necessary, a press is also installed.
- Some materials are heated with a hair dryer for better adhesion.
If the holes in the mattress are close to each other, a large patch is taken. It must completely cover all damage. After repair, the inflatable product is not used for 2 days.
At the junction of the seams
After small cuts, holes and punctures on the mattress, the seams diverge. Even such damage can be sealed. There are two methods - outside and inside.
Out
After washing the hair, the patch is glued according to the manufacturer's instructions. This option is not very popular. Placing a patch in this manner deteriorates the appearance of the product.
Inside
A great alternative to the first method. The damaged area of the mattress is removed through the valve. After cleaning and degreasing, the patch is glued. The inflatable mattress is turned over once the adhesive is completely dry.
What to do if a valve is leaking
Self-repair consists in unscrewing the valve and cleaning it from dust and dirt. After cleaning the final part and laying with sandpaper, the places are treated with grease. As soon as the repair site is dry, carry out the inspection. If the valve continues to leak air, a shop repair is indicated.
Method without using glue at home
The option is suitable if the product needs urgent repair, and there is no glue or patch at hand. You will need paper, an iron and a flat wooden surface to attach it.
Actions during the repair:
- After cleaning, the damaged area is laid out on a wooden surface.
- The seam is covered with paper and ironed with a hot iron.
- After the paper has cooled and the place where it was glued, it is removed.
- The valve is screwed in place.
The "quick" repair method solves the problem in 5 to 10 minutes when a break is detected. In this case, it is important not to touch entire areas with a hot iron. Hot steam can burn through the mattress.
Possible difficulties
During the repair, a person has problems at any stage. In this case, you can ask someone who has encountered a similar problem for help.
Should I go to the workshop
Specialists will help you in the following cases:
- divergence of seams;
- displacement of internal partitions;
- the presence of wide cuts;
- faulty valve that cannot be repaired at home.
A specialist who knows his trade will solve a problem of any complexity in the shortest possible time. With minor and minor injuries, a person can easily cope on their own.
Storage and maintenance rules
If the product is rarely used, it is stored in a deflated form in a dry, dark place. The air mattress is completely dried before being placed in such a place. Deflates without pressure. It is possible to wash the product before long-term storage with mild detergents.
As for preventive measures, the mattress is carefully protected from contact with sharp objects. You cannot jump and play on it. Before use, do not inflate too much, as this will cause gaps in the seams.