How to Change the Color of Wetsuits

A wetsuit's color is largely dependent on its intended use and the thickness of its fabric. According to Surfbrand, the most common wetsuit colors (yellow and black) are very unappealing to sharks, which make them ideal for scuba divers in waters with high shark populations. To change the color of a wetsuit, you will have to buy the right color of neoprene cement, a popular glue that both changes the color and retains the elasticity of wetsuit fabric.

Things You'll Need

  • Wetsuit
  • Colored neoprene cement
  • Paintbrush
  • Water
  • Clothesline
  • 2 clothespins
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Instructions

    • 1

      Determine the thickness of your wetsuit. If your wetsuit is designed for tropical climates, it will be thin, meaning the fabric has a thickness of 1.5 to 3 millimeters. These wetsuits cannot be dyed after manufacturing, which means that a wearer who wants a different color will have to buy a new suit (Fibersource). However, cold-water wetsuits, which have a thickness of 5 to 7 mm, can safely absorb neoprene cement dyes. Thus, if you have a cold-water wetsuit, you can change its color manually (Aquaflite).

    • 2

      Buy the appropriate color of neoprene cement. Neoprene is usually sold in either black or yellow, though you also can find variants in royal blue, lime and violet. To make a contrasting design, purchase two colors, one light and one dark. You can find these colors at most surf or dive shops.

    • 3

      Spend a few minutes painting your desired pattern with a dry brush. Since neoprene dries very quickly (and is very adhesive), any mistakes you make while painting a wetsuit are very hard to reverse (AirSpeed Press). In addition, bear in mind that wetsuits are best suited to certain color patterns; black neoprene is best suited for gluing pockets, while yellow paint is more likely to produce a single sheet of color on flat regions, such as the chest area. Dip your brush in water and paint a few practice patterns before you open the neoprene.

    • 4

      Paint the wetsuit with neoprene. Carefully dab a small amount on your brush, then run the brush over your wetsuit until it achieves the desired color. To change colors, dip the brush in water before you dab it with your second color, then finish your pattern.