Frequently Asked Questions


Answers


  1. Which type of Tear-Aid should I use for the product I am repairing?

    There are two types of Tear-Aid: Type A and Type B.

    Tear-Aid Type B is to be applied to Vinyl and Vinyl coated surfaces only. If the top layer of the product you are adhering the patch to is vinyl or vinyl coated you will use Type B.

    Tear-Aid Type A is applied to Canvas, Rubber, Neoprene, Nylon, Most Fabrics, Plastics, Sunbrella, Gortex, Polyethylene, Polypropylene, Polyurethane, Non-oiled Leather, Acrylics, Fiberglass, Aluminum, Polyester, Hypalon, Dacron... (Do not apply Type A to vinyl). If the top layer of the product you are repairing is any of the listed materials you will use Type A.


  2. Could you please explain the differences in the Tear-Aid Type B, between the Green, Yellow, Blue, and Orange Kits.

    The Type B green vinyl, yellow inflatable, and blue seat Tear-Aid kits all have the exact same product inside the box. The product is only packaged different for marketing purposes to help catch the customers eye for different application purposes. The only Type B kit that is different is the Type B orange underwater kit. The orange kit does not have the two alcohol prep pads that are provided in the other boxes. The alcohol pads are replaced with a squeegee to help apply the patch directly under the water to create a direct bond with no bubbles. This Type B underwater repair can only be applied to smooth vinyl surfaces. (Type A must always be applied dry.)


  3. Where can I purchase a single kit or 5ft. roll of Tear-Aid?

    As manufacturers we only supply retail and distributor quantities. If you prefer to order online you will be able to find our product on eBay, Amazon.com, and many other sites. If you prefer to get it fast you can find it at your nearby Dick's Sporting Goods, West Marine, Bass Pro-Shops, Academy Sports, Ace Hardware, and many other stores. The Tear-Aid store locator on our website can help you find a store nearby.


  4. I live outside of the United States and am having trouble finding a supplier.

    Please let us know your location and question via our contact form and we will assist in finding an international supplier near you.


  5. I want to buy the Tear-Aid to sell in our retail store.

    You may order by website, phone: 813-948-6898 or 800-937-3716, or email: sales@tear-aid.com.


  6. I am looking to bind a piece of vinyl and a piece of canvas together, which product would work better?

    You have a unique repair job because you have both vinyl and fabric in the same repair job.

    You can repair it by:

    First applying Tear-Aid Type B (which is for vinyl materials only) to the vinyl portion of the product that you would like to repair. Only stick the Type B to the vinyl side and not to the canvas side.

    Next you take Tear-Aid Type A and overlap the applied Tear-Aid Type B with the Tear-Aid Type A and across to the canvas side to hold it all together.


  7. Will your patches fix an inflatable tear that is on a seam?

    Tear-Aid can fix inflatables, but will not repair seams. Air can leak under the patch though the seam itself.


  8. Can Tear-Aid be applied to a wet surface?

    Only Type B can be applied to a wet surface, but it is better if you can apply it dry. You will have to use a squeegee (provided in the orange underwater kit) to push all the water out from under the patch to create a direct bond with the surface. Type A must always be applied to a dry surface.


  9. Can Type A be used on vinyl (PVC) materials?

    Do not use Type A on vinyl surfaces. Vinyl materials have oils that in time would cause the Type A adhesive to turn gooy and lift off the vinyl. Only use Type B on vinyl surfaces. The Type B adhesive was made specifically for vinyl.


  10. I do not know what type of material my product that I would like to repair is made of. Do I use Type A or Type B?

    It is very important to know what type of material you are repairing. If you do not know please contact the manufacturer of the product to find out.


  11. I just repaired a bag with Type A and was wondering at what temperature can I wash the bag safely without damaging the patches.

    You will have to hand wash the bag. Temperature is not a factor in regards to protecting the patch (it has a temperature range of -20°f to 160°f). Only wash over the polyurethane side and avoid getting the adhesive side wet. You cannot get the adhesive side of the patch wet or the patch can lift off. Avoid washing if possible. Fabric that is porus will absorb though the cloth and cause the patch to release. Wash the item with care not to soak the back side of the patch. If slight lifting occurs, let dry and the patch will reattach.


  12. Can I purchase large rolls of Tear-Aid?

    The larger sizes we have available are 1 1/4in. x 30ft rolls, 3in. x 30ft rolls, and 6in. x 30ft rolls.

    If you would like to place an order, it is easiest for you to call our main office at 813-948-6898 and the girls will assist you.

    If you prefer to order by email, you can place your order with sales@tear-aid.com or you can click here to order large rolls by website.


  13. Can I use the Tear-Aid Type B for underwater vinyl pool liner repairs?

    Yes, you can repair directly underwater with the Type B Tear-Aid. Type A must be applied dry. We sell a Type B underwater kit (orange kit) that comes with a squeegee which is used to push all of the water out from under the patch to create a direct bond to the surface with no water bubbles.


  14. I have an inflatable waterslide with a large straight tear in it 4 feet long any chance this would repair something that big that is under air pressure?

    Yes, Tear-Aid will repair your inflatable slide. We sell 3in. X 5ft. rolls. Use Type B if your slide is a vinyl or vinyl coated material.


  15. I have a question that is not on this page.

    Click here to write us via our contact form and we will promptly answer your question.