Fiber Fix is a versatile repair wrap designed to fix almost anything. It works by hardening into a rigid, durable shell, creating a strong bond that can repair broken items like pipes, tools, and more. Using Fiber Fix effectively requires careful preparation and proper application technique, especially focusing on how tightly you wrap it.
Here are the steps to use Fiber Fix:
1. Prepare Your Workspace and the Item
Before you start wrapping, ensure you have everything ready and the item you're fixing is prepared.
- Clean the surface: The area to be repaired should be clean, dry, and free of grease or loose debris.
- Rough up the surface (optional but recommended): For smoother surfaces like plastic or metal, lightly sanding the area can provide better grip for the wrap.
- Gather Supplies: You'll need the Fiber Fix kit, a container of water, and disposable gloves (included in the kit and essential!).
- Protect your area: Fiber Fix can be messy when wet, so protect your workspace.
2. Prepare the Fiber Fix Wrap
Fiber Fix is activated by water, so it's crucial not to open the package until you are completely ready to apply it.
- Wear Gloves: Always put on the included gloves before opening the package. The resin can be sticky and difficult to remove from skin.
- Open the Pouch: Open the foil pouch just before you are ready to wrap.
- Submerge in Water: Submerge the entire roll of wrap in a container of water for a few seconds, usually about 5-10 seconds, or until it is thoroughly saturated.
- Squeeze Excess Water: Remove the roll from the water and gently squeeze out any excess water. Do not squeeze too hard, as this can remove too much resin.
3. Apply the Fiber Fix Wrap
This is the critical stage where the repair takes shape. Work quickly, as the wrap begins to harden once exposed to air after wetting.
- Start Wrapping: Begin wrapping the damaged area, starting a few inches before the break and ending a few inches after the break point to create an overlap and provide maximum support.
- Overlap Layers: Wrap the Fiber Fix around the item, overlapping each layer by about half the width of the wrap.
- Wrap Tightly: This is a crucial step. After the first couple of passes around the item, don't hesitate to pull the wrap tightly as you continue wrapping. Pulling it tightly helps ensure a strong seal and a solid repair.
- Reference Note: As stated, "After the first couple of passes don't be afraid to pull it tightly to ensure a strong seal fiber fix cures. Exactly as tightly as you wrap. It."
- Smooth the Surface: Once you have finished wrapping, use your gloved hands to firmly rub and smooth the wrap. This helps the layers bond together, pushes out air bubbles, and creates a smooth finish.
4. Allow to Cure
After application, the Fiber Fix needs time to harden completely.
- Curing Time: Refer to the specific product instructions for the recommended curing time. Typically, it becomes rigid within 10-15 minutes and fully hardens over a longer period, often around 24 hours for maximum strength.
- Avoid Stress: Do not stress or use the repaired item during the curing period.
Tips for a Successful Repair
- Work Quickly: Once wet, Fiber Fix starts curing. Have your item and workspace ready to minimize downtime.
- Wrap Beyond the Break: Extending the wrap several inches past the damaged area significantly increases the strength of the repair.
- The Tighter, The Stronger: Remember the key principle: Fiber Fix cures exactly as tightly as you wrap it. Wrapping it firmly is vital for a durable repair.
- Multiple Layers: For larger or more critical repairs, applying multiple layers of Fiber Fix can increase strength.
By following these steps and focusing on wrapping the Fiber Fix tightly, you can achieve a strong, lasting repair.
