Here is the translation of the guide into English:

Main Steps for Home Maintenance and Repair of Waders

1. Locating the Leak

Before repairing, you need to precisely locate the hole or micro-tear:

• Isopropyl alcohol method: Turn the waders inside out and spray or rub rubbing alcohol (at least 70%) onto the suspected area on the inside. Flipping them back to the correct side immediately, the alcohol will filter through the damage, creating a dark spot on the outer fabric.

• Water method: Turn the waders inside out and fill them with water to see where it leaks out.

• Once the spot is located, mark it with a permanent marker on both sides of the fabric.

2. Permanent Repair Procedure

• Cleaning: Thoroughly clean and degrease the area with isopropyl alcohol before proceeding.

• Application for holes and punctures: Apply a layer of about 4 mm of adhesive (such as Seam Grip or Aquaseal) on the inside of the waders, covering the damaged area and 1.5 cm around it. Use a small brush or a flat stick to spread the product evenly.

• Using plastic film: To flatten and smooth the glue, apply the plastic film provided in the repair kits over it.

• Repairing tears: For larger tears, apply adhesive tape (even duct tape in an emergency) on the inside to stabilize the edges. Apply the adhesive on the outside, overlapping the edges of the tear by about 3 mm. Once dry, remove the tape and repeat the process on the inside.

• Drying: Let it dry in a horizontal position for at least 12 hours (or longer in high humidity) before removing the protective film or using the waders.

3. Repairing Seams and Neoprene Booties

• Seams: Make sure the adhesive penetrates well into the fibers of damp seams.

• Neoprene: For booties, it is advisable to apply multiple thin, even layers of specific glue rather than a single thick one. This allows the area to be sealed without compromising the original elasticity and flexibility of the material.

4. Restoring Waterproofing (DWR)

If water stops beading off the outer fabric and starts forming dark absorption spots, you need to restore the DWR (Durable Water Repellent) treatment:

• Heat: If the treatment is not too worn out, exposure to heat may suffice. Pass a steam iron on a low temperature over a towel placed on the waders, or use a hair dryer.

• Specific products: If heat is not enough, apply a specific water-repellent spray (such as Nikwax TX-Direct or Stormproof) after thoroughly cleaning the waders.

Maintenance Tips

To prevent future damage, remember to always rinse waders free of mud and salt, and let them dry completely in the air (never in direct sunlight) before storing them.

Store them in a cool place, avoiding leaving them crumpled up so as not to damage the breathable membrane.