Gator Patch - Frequently Asked Questions

Gator Patch is a Fiberglass Reinforced Polyester Patch that is easy to use and apply with our Prep-Peel-Stick application. Cures with simple UV sunlight in under an hour. Features extraordinary bonding, reliability, and strength. Perfectly matched as a kayak keel guard and repair patch. Made to stick to and repair unforgiving surfaces like Plastic Kayaks, Gas Tanks, Fiberglass, Aluminum, and more.

Usage

Simple! Just prep-peel-stick and let it sit in the Sun to cure. You’ll need to sand and etch the surface with sandpaper, clean with isopropyl alcohol, apply with firm pressure, and place in the UV Sunlight for an hour to cure. For full and detailed installation instructions – click here.

The lifespan is variable depending on a multitude of factors such as the weight of the boat, usage, and surface types. The patch is not indestructible– it will sand down over time with use, taking the wear and tear of the elements instead of your hull receiving the costly damage.

The heavier the boat, the more abuse, pressure, and wear Gator Patch will receive. Multiple layers ensure you have built up material thickness to accept this accelerated wear.

The Gator patch benefits from both a physical bond through the grip on the sanded etching & curves/edges of the item it is conformed to – as well as the chemical bond with its special adhesive. The better prep, and larger surface area of the patch size, exponentially increases its overall bond & grip, especially for impact resistance.

Gator Patch is a special blend of Polyester Resin and Fiberglass in a Patch form with a UV light activator.

SIZE CHART - Recommended Uses

3×4” – Emergency Repairs, Day Pack Item
3×6” – Single Light Wear Area or Repair
6×9” – Multiple Wear Spots or Layers
9×12” – Maximum Coverage & Multiple Layers. Recommended for HobieNuCanoeWildernessJackson and other larger kayaks as a keel guard and skid plate protector.

Prep & Install

Installation instructions can be found on the package or directly through this link by clicking HERE.

Gator Patch – using UV light to activate and cure, does directly rely on your current UV intensity to estimate curing time. Summertime in Texas, the patch may cure in minutes. Wintertime in Wisconsin, it may take upwards of a day or more to fully cure

Yes, Gator Patch relies on the UV Light intensity. All of these weather factors can play into curing time. You may also use a UV emitting light (common blacklight) to cure the patch indoors or during non-optimal times.

YES, You can use a UV emitting light to cure indoors. Your common blacklight has this feature, and varies on UV intensity.

Gator patch can be applied in multiple layers to increase strength and wear thickness. You’ll need to make sure each layer is completely cured before prepping the surface and applying the next patch layer according to the instructions.

You can cut “V” notches into the sides of your Gator Patch to help bend the material around these extreme angles, and still have clean and smooth edges. Gator Patch already comes as a flexible material to fit and conform to most situations, but with being a flat piece of material you may experience wrinkles around sharp bends.

To increase the bond and seal at the edges of the material, we recommend you use a roller, or your fingers, to apply firm and even pressure to the entire edge area.

To test that Gator Patch is fully cured, you can do some simple tests. You should not be able to scratch, mark, or imprint your fingernail into the material and  the edges. The Patch will also lose it’s glossy “sheen” and become a matte gray color.

You can use a Mirror or a reflective windshield cover, laying it on the ground to reflect the UV rays to your patch. You may also use a UV emitting blacklight if inside.

YES, Gator Shield is good up to 6 months from when the package is opened and resealed. You can cut to size, and seal up and store the remaining patch in the zip-lock package.

Applications

YES, Gator Patch works on almost every surface except for polypropylene, which is most commonly found in rope and cheap pool toys & inflatables. Gator Patch works on Polyethylene, ABS Plastic, Fiberglass, Aluminum, Wood, and more.

Yes, Gator Patch works great to repair and protect these plastic fishing and paddle boats. If you are using Gator Patch as a skid plate or keel protector on these boats, you will NEED multiple layers of the patch due to the heavier weight of these boats. See the Enhancing Lifespan Portion of the FAQ for more information.

No, Gator Patch is fully sandable and paintable once cured. You can, and we recommend, painting the patch with a quality enamel spray paint to match the color of your application and provide added wear protection.

Due to the variable usage and nature of the product, we do not offer a specific warranty. We take your satisfaction seriously, if you have any issues with Gator Patch, always feel free to reach out to us directly at info@Gator-Guards.com and we’ll make sure you are well taken care of.

SIZE CHART – Recommended Uses

3×4” – Emergency Repairs, Day Pack Item
3×6” – Single Light Wear Area or Repair
6×9” – Multiple Wear Spots or Layers
9×12” – Maximum Coverage & Multiple Layers. Recommended for HobieNuCanoe, JacksonWilderness and other larger kayaks as a keel guard and skid plate protector.

Yes, Gator Patch is a great fiberglass repair material. You can use it to quickly and permanently patch up holes, cracks, and more. Due to the strength and integrity of Gator Patch,  you can use it for an added structural component of your fiberglass repairs. It is fully sandable and paintable for a finished look.

Yes, Gator Patch works great at sealing up holes, cracks, and more. It’s a quick and simple permanent solution to sealing up transducer, rivet, and other holes in aluminum boats. You can even use it to repair small cracks and rust areas on your steel trailers.

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