Originally Posted by
cyccommute
As I said before, stretching isn't a problem with a good quality patch because the patch isn't just adhered to the tube but actually part of the tube. Creeping of the bond isn't possible.
The glue should be applied directly from the tube and not manipulated after application. Just allow it to dry for as long as you can wait. You can't wait too long. Allowing the glue to dry overnight won't do any harm. Don't touch the patch with your fingers because it interferes with the bond. Water and water vapor shouldn't matter since the compounds aren't particularly water absorbent.
Firstly, even using Rema patch kits exclusively, the bond strength varies a lot, a long cry from the patch being "part of the tube".
I see creeping patch failures often enough even after all the proper instructions were followed. Many tubes don't give such good adhesion.
The only "manipulation" of the glue is to spread it around, hopefully with the solvent having a bit of time to do it's thing before becoming almost dry (why thickened glue doesn't work as well, but works acceptably if spread on thickly at first, giving more time to "etch" into the tube surface).
The rubber compound isn't "particularly water absorbent", but the solvent is, and the bond can be compromised (why auto patching instructions specifically warn against this, and most patch kits say "allow to dry", not "you may accelerate drying by blowing on it".
Heh, I actually once observed the tire-repair guy blow on the glue before applying the patch inside my truck's tire. The kids they hire! Good thing that the air here is so incredibly dry.