P-Tex Base Repair: Addressing Sensitivity and Scratches

Question
Hi
First I would like to thank you on your reply on waxing.  I already ordered Hertel FC 739 race wax.
Now if you could help me with this problem.
I also have a 3" by 1/2" gauge in my base.  I repaired it with  
special hardened p-tex strip using a special iron that i bought. Then scraped of the p-tex till flush with base. Now the area  of the base seems very sensitive.  It scratches very easily after riding one time.  Is this normal? Have i damaged the base in any way?
My other question is that the p-tex repair is milky white and the base color is red.  Is there any way to get red p-tex? Or any other way to solve the color problem?

Answer
Hi Alex-

Other than a patch, a base repair is not ever going to be great- even base welds are at best the lowest form of base material- so what you are experiencing is normal. Shops have patch templates that allow them to cookie cut the damages area, and glue in a piece of sintered base. This usually works well. You can probably do the same thing with an exacto knife- although I don't know where to get red base material. Clear may be a better option than white. Did you try TOGNAR.com? they definately have base patch material and templates- as well as useful instructions.

Ron

Hope this helps-

Ron