Are All Patches Created Equal?

[Smokey231]

Can I use any fiberglass repair kit on an old board or must I use fiberglass specific to surfboards? Can I run to the hardware or auto body repair store and pick up a cloth and resin kit?
Thank you!

[jaffa1949]

Hi Smokey for an ordinary rough sort of job on an old board, a basic standard fibreglass and resin kit will do a medium quality job at an obvious patch level and be a little bit rougher than a gloss finish pro job but the board performance won't be effected!
BEWARE though if the board is a Polystyrene board often under epoxy or such standard resin will dissolve the foam if it gets to it there are also issues on bonding between epoxy resin and standard resin, but since you are fixing a 1981 Tanaka standard resin should fill the bill.

Have a read around the forums about repairs there is quite a bit of information.
Finally mix the resin and thehardener in the correct proportion don't try to push by adding more hardener , possible risk of fire or chemical burns.

A safer way of fixing dings that are small is to use UV setting resins buy then=m at surf shops. The resins often have chopped fibre in the goop! Which helps no mixing just apply and stick in the sun for about 3 minutes.
Deep holes fix in stages you also can add matt to help the strength.
Anyway read around before trying the repair>

[Smokey231]

You rule Jaffa1949! I plan to surf on Friday and I don't have the good fortune of being anywhere near a surf shop. I'm going to run to Walmart and pick up a fiberglass patch kit and make the necessary repairs. This board is my starter/beater board and when I am ready to be concerned with professional repair jobs I will buy a good board -or at least a board that was built during this decade! Thanks for the help- this should be enough to get me into the surf (for the first time, I might add) I let you all know how it goes.