Patching Airforms
![A Tear in an Airform — This is an example a patch being glued onto a tear in an Airform. Cut the patch and prepare the area.](/vault/img/2011/05/10/4dc92b70c29e0684730009eb/medium/102.jpg)
A Tear in an Airform — This is an example a patch being glued onto a tear in an Airform. Cut the patch and prepare the area. (Mario Ramos)
![Area Prepared — Area is cleaned and patch is cut](/vault/img/2011/05/10/4dc92b70c29e0684730009ec/medium/104.jpg)
Area Prepared — Area is cleaned and patch is cut (Mario Ramos)
![Applying Glue — Glue is applied to the patch area and then to the patch.](/vault/img/2011/05/10/4dc92b70c29e0684730009ed/medium/106.jpg)
Applying Glue — Glue is applied to the patch area and then to the patch. (Mario Ramos)
![Allow Dry Time — Once glue is applied to both the Airform and the patch, wait a few minutes for the glue to become tacky.](/vault/img/2011/05/10/4dc92b70c29e0684730009ee/medium/108.jpg)
Allow Dry Time — Once glue is applied to both the Airform and the patch, wait a few minutes for the glue to become tacky. (Mario Ramos)
![Apply Patch — Apply the patch to the affected area.](/vault/img/2011/05/10/4dc92b70c29e0684730009ef/medium/110.jpg)
Apply Patch — Apply the patch to the affected area. (Mario Ramos)
![Apply Pressure — Apply pressure to the patch and squeeze out any excess glue. Remember to clean up.](/vault/img/2011/05/10/4dc92b70c29e0684730009f0/medium/112.jpg)
Apply Pressure — Apply pressure to the patch and squeeze out any excess glue. Remember to clean up. (Mario Ramos)
![Melt Hole — This is an example of installing an Airform rivet. Begin by melting a hole in the fabric. The easiest way to melt a hole is with a soldering iron.](/vault/img/2011/05/10/4dc92b70c29e0684730009f1/medium/202.jpg)
Melt Hole — This is an example of installing an Airform rivet. Begin by melting a hole in the fabric. The easiest way to melt a hole is with a soldering iron. (Javier Figueroa)
![Install Rivet — Once the hole is melted, simply install the Airform rivet using a rivet gun.](/vault/img/2011/05/10/4dc92b70c29e0684730009f2/medium/204.jpg)
Install Rivet — Once the hole is melted, simply install the Airform rivet using a rivet gun. (Javier Figueroa)
![Welding Tools — Here are the tools needed to install a patch using a heat gun. From left to right, we have the industrial heat gun, the hand roller, and a wire brush for cleaning the gun tip.](/vault/img/2011/05/10/4dc92b70c29e0684730009f3/medium/302.jpg)
Welding Tools — Here are the tools needed to install a patch using a heat gun. From left to right, we have the industrial heat gun, the hand roller, and a wire brush for cleaning the gun tip. (Mario Ramos)
![Start in the Center — Begin in the center and work your way out.](/vault/img/2011/05/10/4dc92b71c29e0684730009f4/medium/304.jpg)
Start in the Center — Begin in the center and work your way out. (Mario Ramos)
![Apply Pressure — Applying the proper amount of pressure is important. Make sure you have the proper amount of heat to melt the vinyl.](/vault/img/2011/05/10/4dc92b71c29e0684730009f5/medium/306.jpg)
Apply Pressure — Applying the proper amount of pressure is important. Make sure you have the proper amount of heat to melt the vinyl. (Mario Ramos)
![Practice — Making a smooth patch takes a lot of practice. For your first time, use a small test area in which to practice.](/vault/img/2011/05/10/4dc92b71c29e0684730009f6/medium/308.jpg)
Practice — Making a smooth patch takes a lot of practice. For your first time, use a small test area in which to practice. (Mario Ramos)
![Finished Patch — Here is a finished patch made by using a heat gun.](/vault/img/2011/05/10/4dc92b71c29e0684730009f7/medium/310.jpg)
Finished Patch — Here is a finished patch made by using a heat gun. (Mario Ramos)