Preventing Delamination: Heat, Water, and Simple Habits

Delamination happens when the glass skin separates from the foam—often from heat and pressure. The easiest fix is prevention: cool storage, shade, and fast ding repairs.

What Delamination Looks Like (Early Signs)

Look for bubbling, a soft “spongy” feel under your feet, or areas that sound hollow when lightly tapped. Early delam can feel small, but it spreads when heat and flex keep pushing the skin away from the foam.

Top Causes

Hot cars, direct sun, and moisture trapped inside a board are the usual suspects. Pressure changes + heat can force air to expand inside the board, stressing the lamination.

Prevention Habits That Actually Work

- Shade first: avoid leaving boards in sun between sessions. - Cool storage: garages and car trunks get hotter than people expect. - Fix dings fast: a tiny crack can let water in, and trapped moisture increases delam risk. - Venting (if applicable): some boards have vents—use them properly and keep seals clean.

What to Do If You Suspect Delamination

Stop baking the board. Keep it out of heat and avoid flexing the affected area. If there’s an open ding, get it dried and sealed. A proper repair often involves drying, re-bonding, and re-glassing so the fix lasts.

FAQ

Can I keep surfing a small delam?

It’s risky. Continued flex and heat can spread it quickly. It’s usually cheaper to address early than after the delam grows.

Is delamination always caused by a ding?

Not always. Heat alone can do it, but water intrusion from dings makes it more likely and often makes repairs more complex.

About the Author

Michael Silverman is the craftsman behind Inland Board Works in Pomona, New York. He specializes in custom surfboard shaping and glassing—reinventing classic, old-school outlines into modern, high-performance wave sliders. Michael works directly with surfers to dial in design, fin setups, and finishes (from sanded to full gloss), and he also handles repairs like ding restoration, fin box replacements, and leash plug fixes. His approach combines hands-on experience, traditional build methods, and a focus on practical performance in real surf conditions.