HÍ'm writing from Spain.

I need some help to fix up a Kayak Polp paddel. Ih has a yellow band surrounding it all that it's suposed to be a Kevlar textil band fixed with epoxi.

I've found the Video "How to Repair a Damaged Composite Canoe or Kayak" and I thought I may find help here

Could you please help me with the right choice of the materiarls I may need?

 

Thank you very much.

 

Javier

Hi Javier,

If you want help from the community then I'm sure people will chip in here but if you would like help directly from Easy Composites staff (and product recommendation from our range then just let me know and I'll move this thread over to our technical support area where I would be happy to advise you.

--Matt

Matt Statham
Easy Composites / Carbon Mods - Technical Sales

Hi Javier,

OK, post moved!

In terms of what you might need, can you describe or upload a picture of the damage so that I can see or understand what needs repairing then I'll be happyt o make my recommendations.

--Matt


Matt Statham
Easy Composites / Carbon Mods - Technical Sales

Great!

Ok, I'll try to do my best with my English!

The blade is a Kinetic Polo with Kevlar Edge:

http://www.doubledutch.nl/products/polo_paddles/kinetic_polo_with_kevlar_edge/10-05-12-092315/10-05-12-092823/

It has suffered a bit... but it's an old friend we want to save . As you can see in the pictures, the edge it is protected by a yellow band (aprox. 2,5 mm wide) and that's what I pretend to replace...

What's your opinion?

Thank you very much.

Javier

Ups!

25mm wide (I meant to say 2,5 cm)

Sorry.

Javier

Hi Javier,

OK, thank you for the photos, I understand exactly what you want to do now.

Yes, I think a repair to this paddle should be possible. The technique would be very similar to the that which we demonstrated in the kayak repair video tutorial where you will use a combination of kevlar flat braid, epoxy repair resin and unperforated release film pulled tight over the repaired area to hold down the kevlar braid and smooth the resin between the braid and the surrounding paddle so that there is not a 'step' where the braid ends.

I can't tell from the photo exactly how 'wide' the braid is (i.e. if you measure up one side of the padle, over the top and down the other side, what is that measurement) but I would say you're looking at either the very narrow 14mm kevlar flat braid or the weider 32mm kevlar flat braid. Probably the 32mm (which would give you about 12mm either side).

The reason we use the rpaid repair epoxy is because it has a very high bond strangth and a high flexural strength making it idea for this type of application.

In terms of the process, you just need to decide between stripping off all of the braid and replacing it or just stripping of the worst damaged area and replacing the braid there (like we do in the video). Everything else should be just as you saw it.

All the best, Matt

Matt Statham
Easy Composites / Carbon Mods - Technical Sales

Great!

I really appreciate your help!

Having a look at the shop, there's something I'm not sure of. For example at the flat braid, the title says "Lightweight Kevlar Flat Braid 300g 32mm"  and then it says "Quantity"

How much may I need to repair both blades....

Thank you very much

Javier

Quantity is the length in metres that you want. I would think either 1m or 2m would be fine. Just measure the circumference of the blade edge and multiply it by 2 (for both blades).

Matt Statham
Easy Composites / Carbon Mods - Technical Sales

Let's go!!

Thank you.

Hi,

I'm having problems with teh epoxi resin. The first time (the first side of the paddle) went perfect, but the other ones remain "sticky". It doesn't seem to cure completely. What can I be doing wrong? Is there a way to remove that unfinished resin to start again?

Thank you very much.

Javier.