Epoxy putty repair- Milliput?

[Joss]

Hi everyone

Just a question- I think this is a UK product but has anyone ever used Milliput for board repairs?

I’ve been meaning to fix some cracks along the rails of my 9’ Torq. I’ve had the Milliput Superfine White in my cupboard and as my board is the same colour I thought it might blend in nicely provided its works!

I contacted the guys at Milliput and was told that it can be used as it’s very waterproof and even sets in water -(although I’d want to fix it in the garden)

I just thought before attempting it to ask if anyone who does a lot of board repairs has ever used this product before? I assume it’s more a UK product as I believe the company is based in Wales. If anyone has I’d really appreciate some advice on whether I should try it or not.

Many thanks and I hope all you guys and gals are doing ok!

Cheers

Joss

[dtc]

I’ve never used it but an epoxy putty stick is a common ding repair product. So should be fine to use, unless your particular one is different in some way. Im sure there will be a youtube video or two on how to use it for surfboards

[waikikikichan]

It's probably all just "plumber's putty" marketed under different names.

If your Torq is of the molded-epoxy construction, I would still rattle can spray a few layers layers of semi-gloss white over the repair.

[Joss]

Thanks guys

I just wondered if it’s a design fault as there’s a fine crack running parallel along parts the rails.

I know Torqs aren’t the best boards out there but I don’t surf regularly here in the UK and the small summer waves are right for my level.

Have you ever used a rail protector strip? I just looked them up and wondered if it’s worth attaching this once I’ve done the repairs?

Thanks again- I appreciate your replies!

[dtc]

I've never used a rail protector strip, from what I can tell it provides some kind of additional protection to the rails. However, it seems to be more about scratches rather than protecting from impact. I suppose it wont hurt but I'm not sure exactly what it actually does, especially with a board like the Torq which is already pretty tough.

Torqs are obviously produced at a rapid rate and QA may not be 100%, so there is always a chance of a manufacturing defect. It might just be due to the board twisting a bit as you surf it. But chances are that its user error - just inadvertently hitting the board against doorways, car sides, roof racks or whatever - 9ft is a bit of a pain, they seem to bang into everything.

If the cracks are fine and dont go through the outer layers, then they usually arent worth worrying about. Even covering them up with tape isnt needed, but its something you could do if you feel it will give you peace of mind. Or just use some dabs of solarez or even thinned out marine adhesive

[Joss]

Thanks Dtc

I think I’ll go with the white solarez option. I’ve not heard of using marine adhesive before though- is that like the 3M stuff that you use with the caulk gun? Sounds interesting- I guess it’s a bit flexible too which may help. You were saying about the board twisting- I do find it vibrates a lot as the board smacks back down when paddling out over the waves.

[dtc]

Thanks Dtc

I think I’ll go with the white solarez option. I’ve not heard of using marine adhesive before though- is that like the 3M stuff that you use with the caulk gun? Sounds interesting- I guess it’s a bit flexible too which may help. You were saying about the board twisting- I do find it vibrates a lot as the board smacks back down when paddling out over the waves.

yeah, marine adhesive is just a glue but designed to be a bit flexible. You can even use super glue if you want, but its not ideal (can be too brittle, in some boards may affect the foam). Solarez is usually the best option

Epoxy boards do seem to smack a bit into the waves and clatter and ping much more than PU boards. (clatter and ping being the technical term of the sounds made when the water hits them...). One of the reasons I personally dont live epoxy, they just sound wrong! However, the paddling out shouldnt damage the board, they are designed for much tougher situations (like when you fall off and the board goes flying). the cracks could be for a whole myriad of reasons; probably not worth wondering about too much.

[waikikikichan]

Have you ever used a rail protector strip? I just looked them up and wondered if it’s worth attaching this once I’ve done the repairs?

Those rail protectors strips are to protect STAND UP PADDLE boards from the paddle blade ( a lot of times made from carbon fiber ) constantly whacking the board. They are not for surfboards, especially if they are textured, they'll ruin your forearms.

[waikikikichan]

I think I’ll go with the white solarez option.

Are you talking about the Solarez Micro-lite White Filler ? That is to replace the missing EPS foam blank. When it goes off, it is super light and floats, but it doesn't have strength. You still need to cover it with the Solarez Epoxy Ding Resin that has chopped class already in it for strength.

But if you have the Molded-Epoxy Torqs, I would go with the 2 part Putty.

[Joss]

Thanks again guys- Really appreciate all the info. Yes I was mistaken with the white filler stuff. I’ll try a bit of that putty

Heading over to St Ives in Cornwall in a few days - hopefully there’ll be some surfable waves there!