This is true of polyethylene because it is a linear plastic (i.e. not crosslinked). if you have a kayak that is thermoformed out of a plastic like abs (which is crosslinked), then it requires a totally different repair procedure, and melting it together won't work.. The only thing that is important with welding your kayak is that you use the same type of plastic to do the welding. this video shows the entirety of the external welding done to the crack.. Once you determine that plastic welding is the necessary fix for a crack in your kayak, you'll need to determine if your particular kayak can be welded. plastic kayaks are made of polyethylene. however, not all polyethylene can be repaired..
If you own a kayak and paddle the creeks or whitewater, eventually you'll have a break in the plastic. repairing it yourself is cheap and easy, and you'll save the environment and your money by not buying a new one.. This is a typical crack that you might find on the bottom of a kayak. the first thing you need to do in any plastic repair is to clean the plastic. use soap and water to remove any water soluble contaminants. use a plastic cleaner like our part number 1000 - super prep plastic cleaner to remove any sovlent soluble contaminants. super prep. Kayaks were onstructed of crosslink polyethylene.c do not pull the rod away as you finish as this may pull some of the applied poly with it. cut unmelted rod with wire cutters or crimps. smooth out the bead of poly sitting on top of crack, using polyethylene_repair_guide.
