How To Fix Surfboard Dings

If you surf often, it's only a matter of time before you get your board dinged in one way or another. Drop it in the parking lot, get run over, hit the reef, or punch it out of frustration ( We don't recommend this, but hey, surfing can do that to you 😂), eventually you'll end up with a ding. Let's go over what some of those dings look like and how you can fix them and get back out there.

Photo Courtesy of Stab Magazine

What Are Pressure Dings On A Surfboard

Surfboard dings can take various forms, but one common type is the pressure ding. These are indentations or cracks caused by the force exerted on the board, whether from impact with waves or accidental knocks. Pressure dings often occur on the deck of the board, where the rider's weight is concentrated. These do not require a repair job, but will make your board look more worn in. This isn't the worst thing, as it kind of creates a mold for your feet to go.

How To Fix Surfboard Dings

Materials:

Before diving into the repair process, gather the necessary materials:

• Sandpaper

• Epoxy resin or polyester resin

• Fiberglass cloth

• Mixing cups and sticks

• Razor blade or craft knife

• Masking tape

• Mixing containers

• Cloth for wiping

• Safety gear (gloves, if you don't want stuff on your hands)

Instructions for Option 1:

Step 1: Assess the Damage

Carefully inspect the ding to determine its extent. Is it a minor crack or a larger gash? Understanding the severity of the damage will guide your repair approach.

Step 2: Prepare the Surface

Use sandpaper to roughen the area around the ding, creating a better bonding surface for the resin. Clean the area thoroughly to remove any dirt or wax.

Step 3: Apply Resin

Mix the epoxy or polyester resin according to the manufacturer's instructions. Apply a thin layer of resin to the damaged area, ensuring it penetrates the ding fully.

Step 4: Add Fiberglass Cloth

Cut a piece of fiberglass cloth slightly larger than the ding. Place it over the resin-coated area, pressing out any air bubbles. Apply another layer of resin over the cloth, saturating it completely.

Step 5: Let it Cure

Allow the resin to cure fully, following the recommended curing time provided with the product. This may take several hours or overnight, depending on the type of resin used.

Step 6: Sand and Finish

Once the resin has cured, sand down the repaired area until it is smooth and flush with the surrounding surface. Finish off by polishing the repaired section to match the rest of the board.

Remember, while these steps can help you repair minor surfboard dings, more severe damage may require the expertise of repair specialists. Don't hesitate to seek professional assistance if needed.

Instruction for Option 2: Step 1: Clean and Prepare the Surface

Use sandpaper to lightly sand around the ding, creating a rough surface for better adhesion. Clean the area thoroughly to remove any dirt, wax, or debris.

Step 2: Apply Solar Rez

Open the Solar Rez repair kit and mix the resin according to the instructions provided. Ensure the resin is mixed thoroughly. Apply a small amount of Solar Rez resin to the ding, filling it completely. Use a toothpick or the tip of the Solar Rez applicator to spread the resin evenly over the damaged area. You can also apply a layer of saran wrap over the freshly layed solar rez to help keep it smooth and in one area.

Step 4: Cure in the Sun

Place the repaired surfboard in direct sunlight to allow the Solar Rez resin to cure. The resin will harden under UV light, so make sure the board receives ample sunlight. Depending on the temperature and sunlight intensity, curing time may vary. Check the resin periodically until it has fully hardened.

Step 5: Sand and Smooth

Once the Solar Rez resin has cured, use sandpaper to gently sand down any excess resin, making the repaired area flush with the surrounding surface of the surfboard.

Take care not to sand too aggressively, as this may damage the surrounding board surface.

Finish off by polishing the repaired area to restore the board's smooth finish.

Now, we know this process might take time or be too difficult, so the other option is taking it to your local ding repair shop. This is a good way to give back to the community of surfers that you live with. There's a good shot they will do much better than a homemade repair, but will be a bit more pricey for sure. For the bigger fixes and larger dings, you'll likely need to take it to a shop anyways.

For more information on surfboard care and maintenance, check out our guide on how to choose a surfboard and learn about what surfboards are made of.