Repairing rubber boots when they get damaged is very easy, provided you know the right technique. Given in this HomeQuicks article is the right way of repairing your pair of boots.
The best thing about rubber boots is that they are waterproof, along with that they also provide our feet protection from mud and muck. For these two reasons, they are the preferred footwear for those who work outdoors on wet surfaces, like farmers, gardeners, fishermen, etc. People working in mines, chemical plants, and various other industries also wear rubber boots to protect their feet from harsh or harmful chemicals.
Probably the only defect that these boots have is that they are easily susceptible to getting holes and rips. Due to such damages, this shoe is not able to protect your feet, as water, mud, etc., may seep through the damaged areas. To avoid getting your feet dirty, the best option will be repair your rubber shoes. Given below are the methods you can use for this purpose.
* Please note: Always wash your rubber boots with plain water, as the chemicals in cleaning products may cause damages to its surface.
Method for Repairing Small Holes
Clean your boot thoroughly before you start repairing them. Wash them with water and then identify the location of the holes and cracks on the surface. If the holes are too small and you cannot locate them, all you need to do is fill your boot with water, and check for spots where the water leaks out. Once you locate these holes, start with the repairing process using silicone glue.
Dry your boots well, and then proceed to sand the areas where the holes are located, using sandpaper. Rinse the sand dust off your boot with plain water and allow it to dry. Now, it is time to fill up each of the small holes with the help of silicone glue. Apply the sealant on the outer surface of the boots and leave the boot untouched for the next 48 hours, so that the adhesive gets cured properly. After 48 hours, fill up your boot with water to check if all the holes have been sealed properly. If they haven’t, then repeat the procedure of sealing the hole with the sealant again.
Method for Repairing Large Holes
For covering up large-sized holes and cracks you will need a rubber boot repair kit. It contains a repair patch, adhesive, and an applicator brush. Before using the repair patch on damaged areas, read the manufacturer’s instructions carefully. Some kits contain stick-on patches, which have to be cut as per the size of the hole, and then stuck on the damaged portion. The drying time is always provided in the instructions, therefore, it is imperative that you wait till the adhesive gets cured properly before using the boot.
There is another type of repair patch where the adhesive has to be applied manually. So, first apply a thin layer of glue around the hole, and cover it with the patch. You will have to apply glue even on the patch so that it sticks better. Put some pressure on the newly covered surface, and smooth it out if any wrinkles have formed. Wait for at least 48 hours before you start wearing your boots again. You can place a moderate weight on the repaired area so that, the patch sticks well on the rubber surface.
If your boots are expensive, and you feel that you may end up damaging them more if you try to repair them, then it is advised that you go to a cobbler and get them repaired. If they are in a very bad condition then it is better if you buy yourself a new pair of boots.