How to Fix a Hole in an Air Mattress with Nail Polish? Quick Air Mattress Fix!
When living in a house, you may encounter numerous problems that require immediate fixes. For instance, don’t you wait for the plumber to arrive when your tap leaks? Or if you notice a hole in your air mattress, don’t you want to replace it?
Yet, most household issues can be easily fixed without spending money or time unnecessarily.
Interestingly, did you know that the hole in your air mattress can be fixed using one of your favourite cosmetics, a bottle of nail polish?
Keep reading the article to learn a few useful DIY tips on fixing a hole in an air mattress with nail polish, other alternatives available to fix a hole in an air mattress, and a few frequently asked questions on fixing a hole in an air mattress.
Is It Possible to Fix a Hole in an Air Mattress with Nail Polish?
Yes, it is. You would have never imagined that a hole in the mattress could be fixed with nail polish, but it is time to turn that imagination into reality. An air mattress is a sleeping pad filled with air. Since it’s highly inflatable, even the tiniest prick can cause it to deflate.
Fortunately, you don’t have to rush to buy a new air mattress if you spot a leak or feel that your air mattress has flattened. You can try many DIY methods at home to save your favourite mattress. The only complicated step here is identifying the exact place of the hole.
Let’s find the easiest way to find a hole in an air mattress.
What is the Easiest Way to Find a Hole in an Air Mattress?
There are plenty of ways to find a leak in an air mattress. However, we all prefer to know the easiest way to save time and, in the worst case, to save our mattress before it flattens out completely.
So here is the easiest way to do that!
The task will be much easier if you have a vacuum cleaner or a shop vac. You only have to use the vacuum cleaner or the shop vac and inflate the air mattress fully.
Once it is done, press on different areas of the mattress using your hands, and if there is a hole, you will feel a release of air and a change in the shape of the mattress.
Another option that is easy to try is by using a torch. You have to ensure that the air mattress is placed in a dark room with no light and then hold the torch from every side of the mattress to see if a stream of light is emitted; if it does, you will know where the hole is located.
How to Fix an Air Mattress with Nail Polish?
Now comes the most important question. Simply follow the steps below to save your favourite mattress from losing it forever.
The first step is to locate the hole. You can use either one of the two ways mentioned above or other techniques, including inspecting valves, using soapy water, listening to the hissing sound, and many others. Search the internet to learn these methods step-by-step.
Once you locate the hole using any of the mentioned methods, the next step is to mark the hole. Mark the hole and deflate the air mattress using a permanent marker or pen.
If the hole is located on the surface of the mattress, you will have to gently scrub the area using sandpaper. Continue scrubbing until you see the plastic body. Avoid scrubbing hard as it could damage the mattress; additionally, you can claim a warranty providing minimal damages.
You are all set to use the nail polish. Before applying nail polish, ensure that the scrubbed area is dry. Apply a very thin layer on the hole gently, allowing it to dry.
Once the first layer has dried up, repeat the application another 7 to 8 times. You need a sealed hole; therefore, the thicker the nail polish, the stronger the seal.
To ensure the nail polish has done its job, Keep adding weights to the top of the mattress. Begin with a small weight and observe the mattress after about an hour. Repeat the process with bigger weights to ensure that your problem is fixed.
Do you Know How Nail Polish Seals the Hole?
The lacquer creates a film that locks the hole and prevents air from escaping.
Applying nail polish may not fix your problem permanently because it eventually begins to lose its viscosity. However, this is an ideal DIY remedy until you purchase a new air mattress.
Nail Polish Alternatives to Fix Holes in an Air Mattress
Don’t worry if you don’t have nail polish at home. There are plenty of DIY ways to fix holes in an air mattress.
Using Duct Tape
Duct tape works well in sealing holes. Once you locate the leak, paste a generous piece of duct tape on the leak. If you are worried about duct tape losing its glue over time, avoid relying on this alternative and seek other remedies.
Using Marine Glue
You may have heard of marine goop or amazing goop. Both these names refer to marine glue. It is highly recommended as a good adhesive to use in sealing holes.
Marine glue offers many amazing properties. It is waterproof, UV- resistant, and is an ideal sealer. Once you degrease the surface of the mattress, apply a thin layer of marine glue on the puncture.
Ensure you wear rubber gloves or use a brush (paintbrush or a toothbrush) when applying the glue. Leave it to dry for at least a day to seal the hole well.
Use your Patch Kit
Generally, the patch kit is offered free when buying an air mattress. However, if you need to find your patch kit, don’t worry. You can easily make your patch kit using a few items.
You will need:
- Either a plastic or rubber shower curtain/pool liner/ inner tube of a bicycle tire
- A few litres of alcohol or nail polish remover
- Glue
FAQ
Can I Use Super Glue on an Air Mattress?
Yes, definitely. Super glue is an ideal adhesive to seal holes. It can be used to fix large punctures. Find a piece of flexible rubber or a shower curtain, and using super glue, seal the puncture.
Which Glue is Best for Air Mattresses?
Gorilla glue is a highly recommended adhesive to fix holes in an air mattress. Gorilla glue has an excellent adhesive ability and lasts longer than other types of glue. Apply the glue well on the edges or around the hole and paste the patch on it. Remember to use gloves or a brush to apply the glue.
Will Hot Glue Fix the Hole in an Air Mattress?
Yes, it will fix the hole in an air mattress. However, remember that glue will work only if the hole is small. Glues tend to lose their sticking ability after some time.
Hot glue is not recommended for large punctures; therefore, it is better to use duct tape or a patch to fix large holes. You need to take several precautions when using a hot glue gun to fix holes in air mattresses.
Will Rubber Cement Patch an Air Mattress?
Yes, it can be used to patch an air mattress. It is a highly recommended remedy. Unvulcanized rubber in the solvent gives rubber cement its strong adhesive ability.
You need to follow a few steps when using rubber cement to patch a puncture. For an excellent result, you will need a few tools, including rubber bands, scissors, cotton swabs, talcum powder, and more.
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