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Breathe new life into your damaged soccer ball!

How to repair a soccer ball: can adhesive save your game ball?

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A damaged soccer ball can end your training session or game. Instead of replacing it, you can repair punctures and torn seams using a strong and durable adhesive. This guide shows you how to repair a soccer ball at home quickly.

Repair or replace?

Is your favorite soccer ball damaged? If so, you may wonder whether it's better to repair it or get a new one.

Damage to a soccer ball can be caused by playing on rough surfaces, regular wear and tear, and over-inflation. Your ball can also be damaged if your pet chews on it. The choice to repair or replace your damaged soccer ball depends on the extent of the damage.   

As the official sponsor of the U.S. Soccer Federation, Loctite is committed to supporting soccer enthusiasts and players at all levels. Their reliable adhesive products can be used to repair soccer gear, including balls, swiftly, at home or right next to the soccer field. This guide explains how to repair a soccer ball at home using adhesive.

How to repair a peeling outer cover

A soccer ball with a peeling outer cover.

Is the skin on your relatively new soccer ball peeling off? Don’t worry, you can easily repair it at home. Soccer balls are designed for soft grass surfaces. Playing the ball on a rough surface regularly can cause severe damage to the outer cover. If your soccer ball cover appears to be peeling away, you can repair it at home, preventing further damage and extending its life. 

Repair a peeling outer cover using the following steps.

1. Gather supplies: You will need a couple of supplies for this project:

2. Prepare the area: Start by cleaning the area to be repaired. Use a damp piece of cloth to wipe away any dirt and debris. Allow any moisture to dry off before moving to the next step. 

3. Apply adhesive: Gently lift the peeling section and apply a thin layer of Loctite Super Glue Ultra Gel Control to the underside and the ball side as well. Gently press the cover back onto the ball, moving outward from the area that is still attached to the ball. 

4. Leave to dry: Allow the adhesive time to cure completely, as per the package instructions, before you start using the ball. 

How to repair torn seams on a soccer ball

Soccer player with a soccer ball after using Loctite Super Glue Ultra Gel Control to repair it.

Excess wear and over-inflating your soccer ball can cause it to burst at the seams, exposing the rubber bladder. If left unattended, the exposed bladder is highly susceptible to punctures. Fortunately, you can fix this issue and continue playing with your ball with some quick repairs. 

If your soccer ball is torn at the seams, follow these steps to repair it. 

1. Get the necessary supplies: You will need:

2. Deflate the ball: To avoid piercing the rubber bladder, let all the air out. This will also free up more space for you to work on the ball comfortably.

3. Sew the seam: Use the curved leather needles and sewing thread to sew the seam shut. The thread used should be as close to the same thickness as the original one used on the ball. Use the double-needle technique to thread the holes in the panels as you pull them together.

4. Knot the thread: Knot the thread at the end. You can use a drop of Loctite Super Glue Ultra Gel Control to hold the knot together. Trim the excess thread and use a thin, blunt object to push the remainder into the seam. 

5. Seal the seam with adhesive: For added support and protection, apply a bead of Loctite Super Glue Ultra Gel Control along the newly repaired seam. 

How to repair a punctured soccer ball

A punctured soccer ball

If your ball has been pierced by a nail, thorn, or other sharp object, you may be reluctant to splurge on a new one. Fortunately, you can fix the damage using a few readily available supplies and get back to enjoying your time on the soccer field in no time.  

Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of how to repair a soccer ball puncture. 

1. Gather the necessary materials and supplies: You will need:

2. Find the puncture point: Start by locating the site of the puncture. 

3. Apply adhesive: Insert the nozzle of the Loctite Super Glue Ultra Liquid Control bottle to inject it into the soccer ball. 

4. Inflate the ball: After injecting the adhesive, re-inflate the ball immediately. Place a piece of tape over the puncture site. The internal air pressure will force the adhesive outward through the puncture hole and seal it. The tape helps prevent too much of the adhesive from leaking out. It also helps keep the ball's surface smooth. 

5. Leave the glue to set: Give the glue time to set and dry before you start playing with the ball again.  
 

Note: It is essential to mention that using this method may result in an unbalanced ball as the bladder is likely to solidify slightly around the site sealed with adhesive. 

 

Products used

  • loctite super glue ultra gel control 4g tube
    Loctite Super Glue Ultra Gel Control

    Super-tough, durable bonds that resist weather, impact, shock and vibration.

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