How long should I let my surfboard dry before Ding Repair?
Rachel Ellis
Published Jan 16, 2026
When you have applied enough resin, place your surfboard in direct sunlight. This will cause the resin to completely harden in just a few minutes. I like to leave mine in the sun for at least 30 minutes, just to be safe.
When should I fix my surfboard ding?
You cannot properly fix any ding on your board until the board is completely dry and free from all moisture. Depending on how wet and waterlogged the board is you may need to let the board dry for several days prior to fixing.
How long does it take for surfboard repair to dry?
Generally speaking, most epoxy resins take about five days or so to fully cure. But you have to keep in mind that by the time you actually get your board from your shaper or the glass shop way more than five days would have passed since it was laminated. So you should be able to head straight down for a surf.
Is it OK to surf with a small ding?
No, it is not a good idea to surf on a surfboard that has a ding or a crack in it. When there is a crack in the surfboard, water will get into the foam. This will damage the board and make it waterlogged. In this condition, the board will delaminate and eventually separate.
Can you repair surfboard dings?
While it's true that repair specialists will always do a better job at repairing your surfboard, you don't really need their help when it comes to fixing a minor ding. You can save a lot of money doing it on your own, not to mention save yourself from the hassles of waiting for weeks for the repair to finish.
22 related questions foundHow long does ding all take to dry?
*Cure Times for laminations: 30 - minute working time, 2 to 3 hours of Gel time and 6 to 8 hours full cure figured at 77 F.
How do you dry out a surfboard ding?
Make sure you are out of direct sunglight!
When you have applied enough resin, place your surfboard in direct sunlight. This will cause the resin to completely harden in just a few minutes. I like to leave mine in the sun for at least 30 minutes, just to be safe.
Will a dent in a surfboard affect it?
Many times people worry that this means the board is of lower quality or that it's going to affect performance but this just is not the case. You can buy a $1200 board that will dent on the first session out (ask the pros). If you surf, you WILL damage your board. Some of us have broken new boards on the first day!
How do I stop pressure dings on my surfboard?
Make sure that you have ample space around your work area and that your surfboard is around hip height. It is also a good idea to place rolled-up towels under your board to prevent causing more dings as you fix the old ones. Take a fine grit sandpaper and lightly sand the ding and the area around it.
Why do surfboards have bumps?
What's the purpose of this coat? In short, the basecoat is meant to hold your top coat down and get your board surf-ready. When you apply your base coat, you are attempting to form small bumps of wax across the riding surface of your board. These bumps will help you maintain balance as you surf.
How can you tell if a surfboard is waterlogged?
Discoloration or Waterlogged: You will want to check the surfboard for signs of yellowed foam or brown spots. This is a sign of water damage and if the board isn't repaired can lead to delaminating and decreased buoyancy of the board.
How do you dry out a waterlogged surfboard?
How do you fix a waterlogged surfboard? Open up the damaged area and drain out as much water as possible. Then store the board in a warm, dry place for a few days while the moisture evaporates from within the board. Let gravity do the work and keep the pressure ding or cracked area at the lowest point.
How do you know if a ding is watertight?
The easiest way to tell if your surfboard is waterlogged is to check if it has gained weight and to look for evidence of water leaks after your board has sat for a day or two. Waterlogging of your surfboard comes from water entering your board through dings and cracks.
How do I know if my surfboard is epoxy?
How do you tell epoxy from regular boards?, Well to start with look at the manufacturers logos (the “stickers” under the glass work), most reputable board builders will put the word epoxy on most or at least one of these, so READ them all first, if you find the word epoxy on any of these than it is an epoxy… as for the ...
How do you polish a surfboard repair?
- Fill a bucket with water then add a few drops of dish soap. ...
- Sand the entire board with 320-grit sandpaper. ...
- Sand the entire board again with a finer grit. ...
- Let the board dry then apply a heavy-duty buffing compound using a compounding pad and the polisher. ...
- Apply about seven dabs of surfboard polish to a paintbrush.
What are pressure dings on a surfboard?
Surfboard Dings Explained
A pressure ding is a dent or a circle that appears to have a lower surface than the rest of the board. It's not a crack, nor is it a deep hole, but rather a pressure point that results when the board compresses due to constant pressure with your feet or knees.
How long does surfboard last?
A surfboard that's been rinsed off after use and has undergone regular checkups and maintenance can last over 10 years. Your continued use of your surfboard year after year depends on how well you've taken care of it, where you've surfed, and how many dings and cracks it has on it.
Do surfboards break easily?
Surfboards are made to be strong and don't break easily when surfing small to medium waves. Surfboards are more likely to get broken when surfers wipe out in big waves, ditch their board when duck diving or run them over with a car!
Can you duct tape a surfboard?
Can I Use Duct Tape To Repair My Surfboard? You can, but in general I (and a lot of others) wouldn't recommend it as the little fiber strings that criss-cross duct tape actually absorb water. Gorilla Tape (a tougher version of duct tape) works great and is mentioned below.
Is solarez permanent?
MFitz73 Well-Known Member. suncure and solarez sun curing products can be used for permanent repair.
Can solarez dry without sun?
Wahoo International2020-03-31T16:03:35-08:00SOLAREZ® quickly hardens but only when exposed to direct sunlight. In the shade, you have all the time you need to put the goop where you want it and to remove excess bubbles.
Does Sun cure work without sun?
UV Lights and UV Resin
If you aren't fortunate enough to have plenty of sun when you decide to repair your windshield, you can use the rays from UV blacklights to cure just as fast. These lights emit UV rays similar to those of the sun, curing windshield repair resin quickly and efficiently.
Can you fix a cracked surfboard?
If you notice a crack in your board, don't worry! You can repair most cracks at home as long as you clean the area, properly apply and cure the resin, and smooth the board.