Monofilm Panel Replacement. Any tips for doing this at home?

[rmcgree]

to repair the above i have been using a 15" adhesive backed clear film to repair huge tears & to reinforce panels on older sails. i purchase this from a auto graphics dealer. if anone is interested in how to apply, i can post details on this forum.

[mistral10]

Hi. I'd be interested in learning more about how to use the adhesive back product. It would be great if you could give some details on how its done. I know it's difficult doing it on cars, as least to do it right anyway. Thanks.

[speedysailor]

Some shops sell rolls of clear tape, but many of us use simple packing tape. It works. I have also used K-film sheets which you can obtain from Windance.com. They work well. It's rather simple, actually. Just line the tear edges up and tape them. 3M or Scotch make a new clear duct tape which I have used, too. Sometimes I'll put this tape on the tear first, stitch across the tear, then apply the clear tape. This isn't necessary except in high impact areas, though, if it is necessary at all.

[rmcgree]

i have been using this process for 2 1/2 years & can say the time taken is well worth it. the point of my post is not to argue the benefits. this film comes with a detachable paper back that rolls off when you squeegee the flim onto the monofilm portion of the sail. you can apply either wet or dry. cut the new portion 1" to 2" then needed apply with a squeegee as you would wallpaper. you can trim the excess right on the sail,with small auto trim knife, using a steel ruler atttaching the film to the ruler & lifting up so cut along the edge ruler. the point of this post is to inform, NOT TO ARGUE!!!

[mistral10]

Hi rmcgree. Thanks for the helpful advice. I'm glad you saw my post asking you for more info on the technique.

[rmcgree]

have some additional installation pts before you start. #1 apply film from top batten to lower batten on the panel. it helps to use a blk erase pen to draw a line on the film so as to align film with the panel angle. remove 2" of paper back & run blk line along the upper batten fabric edge. squeegee on 1" from left to right 1" path till you reach the lower batten. take your time as you apply. some bubbles may appear,large ones may be pierced with a pin & squeegeed away. if you use the wet application cloudy patchs will appear, these along with small bubbles disappear a week or so. sooner if you expose the repair to lights. this flim breathes, after a few weeks the flim disappears into the sail panel. the only visable marks will be those on the old panel. #2 monofilm becomes fatigued with rigging & derigging, this reinforcement process prevents cracks & tears. i now apply this film to all my new sails. i focus on those panels that could show rigging stress. panel at the boom & 2 above. if you need more info i can get in touch.

[mistral10]

The idea of reinforcing new sail panels sounds like a great idea too. Keep me in touch. Thanks.

[rmcgree]

sorry, ran out space & time on my last post. you must clean the monofim before application, older sails use 409 on both sides, even though you are applying one side. then clean the the side that is to be reinforced , with alcohol. new sails only clean with alcohol. hope this helps.