How to seal an air mattress on the velor side?

You are planning to spend the weekend at the dacha or outside the city, you are packing your things, and then an annoying surprise awaits you. Your favorite mattress does not inflate at all or is leaking air for some unknown reason. Plans went awry and the holiday was ruined. But don’t despair, we will help you eliminate the defect, and your weekend will be great in a comfortable environment. Read on to find out how to do this.

How can you seal the velor side of an air mattress?

Air mattresses are made of a plastic polymer. They are in great demand among buyers, as they are very convenient and practical to use. After a night spent in the forest or by the sea, it does not require special care and does not take up much space when stored. It would be a shame to forever lose such a necessary and functional item.

Self-respecting manufacturers produce these products complete with a kit that will help eliminate all mechanical damage. It contains special glue, patches of various sizes and instructions for use.

If it is missing, you will have to find the necessary materials yourself. There are ready-made repair kits from a similar company on sale that are quite inexpensive.

What is needed for the job?

If you still have to look for and purchase everything yourself, then you need to stock up on the following for repairs:

• glue;
• brush;
• patch made of PVC fabric;
• acetone or a solvent based on it;
• hair dryer;
• scissors;
• roller;
• a heavy object for fixation;
• fine sandpaper;
• soap and water;
• felt-tip pen or marker.

Glue selection

Not every glue is suitable for this procedure. Choose one specifically designed for PVC surfaces and rubber-based polyurethane. This category includes “Uran” based on a synthetic elastomer, waterproof “Master Glue” and “Desmokol”.

Materials for the patch

If you do not have a similar piece of fabric, you can use thin rubber. Look through unwanted children's toys, used tires or swim caps. It should exceed the size of the puncture by a couple of centimeters and have a round shape. Vinyl film and thick oilcloth are also suitable.

 

How to find a defect?

There are several ways to detect a damaged area:

• First, inspect all seams and surfaces; sometimes the presence of a tear will be detected visually;
• having inflated an inflatable velor mattress, you can hear a slight hiss of air escaping;
• a tactile method using a palm placed at a short distance to the intended area will help identify damaged integrity;
• try to partially fill the mattress with water and shake it from all sides; water will flow out from the damaged area in a thin stream;
• If possible, immerse the mattress in a pool or pond after inflating it. Air bubbles will appear from the hole;
• when it is problematic to check in water, then simply apply soap foam or shaving cream to the defect area. This area will bubble.

Instructions on how to seal

Let's assume that using one of the above methods you managed to find the cause and the place that needs to be repaired. How to do it?

1. If the tear occurs on the velor side, spread the mattress on a flat horizontal surface.
2. Since some of the materials used are toxic, It is advisable to carry out all activities in the fresh air.
3. Treat the pile around this area with solvent. Wait about five minutes and carefully sand with sandpaper.
4. Attach the patch to this area and outline with a felt-tip pen.
5. Apply a thin layer of glue to it and to the part to be repaired.
6. Leave for a while to saturate the substrates to be glued.
7. Repeat this procedure again. After five minutes, warm up both surfaces with a warm hairdryer.
8. Place them together and press with a roller to remove air.
9. Place the weight on top, straightening it first so that there are no creases or bends.
10. Within a day, your product is ready for use.

What products should not be used when gluing velor?

Important! When repairing, glue of the same composition as the mattress should be used. Under no circumstances should you use Superglue or Cyanopan. Since it has a tendency to harden quickly, which is unacceptable when gluing elastic surfaces.

To avoid such disappointments, follow the rules for using and caring for the mattress:

1. Do not inflate it to the limit, this may result in the seams breaking at the joints.
2. Keep pets away from them, as cats' and dogs' claws are too sharp for this delicate item..
3. Do not make sudden movements or jump on it.
4. Wash only with gentle detergents.
5. Before storing it, be sure to remove all dirt and dry it thoroughly.
6. When laying out in an unfamiliar area, clear the space of all sharp objects.

Let this irreplaceable thing serve you faithfully for many years to come.