Aquaseal FD is a clear, durable, flexible adhesive. We use it for replacing gaskets here at IR. We often see Aquaseal FD used for DIY skirt repairs; however once Aquaseal FD has been used to repair a skirt that area becomes very difficult and sometimes impossible to repair in the future.
Issue 1 - Once Aquseal FD has cured nothing else will stick to it. Not even more Aquaseal FD.
Issue 2 - Aquaseal FD does not stretch as much as neoprene does.
Over time as your skirt stretches the Aquaseal FD patch will put stress on the neoprene at the edges of the repair because the patch can't stretch as much as the neoprene. Eventually, the neoprene will begin to break down around the edges of the Aquseal FD patch. This brings us back to the first issue. Once the neoprene begins to break down around the patch, the only way to repair that area is to cut out around the original Aquaseal FD patch and splice in a new piece of neoprene where the patch was located.
Here's an example of what it takes to repair a skirt with an Aquaseal FD patch:
First we have to cut out around the Aquaseal FD.
Next we'll use the cutout as a pattern to cut a new piece of neoprene to fit into the hole we created.
After we've cut a new piece we'll glue it in
After the new piece of neoprene has been spliced in we'll cover it with a neoprene tape patch for a cleaner look and a little bit of extra abrasion protection
When doing skirt repairs at home we recommend using Gear Aid Aquaseal Neo Contact Cement for Neoprene (formerly called McNett Seal Cement). Aquaseal Neo is a black, neoprene specific contact cement. It will provide a waterproof seal and will stretch with the skirt. Most importantly it won't interfere with future repairs. For extra reinforcement and abrasion protection we recommend using Gear Aid Tenacious Tape Iron-On Neoprene Patch (formerly called McNett Iron Mend). Tenacious Tape Iron-On Neoprene patch is neoprene seam tape that can be cut to size. It's great for adding another layer of protection to a skirt, keeping feathers in a down jacket, and piecing work clothes back together to keep them out of a landfill.
If you have any questions about repairing your own gear or sending gear to IR for repair please reach out to our customer service team. We're here to help.