Sun damage on vinyl

simonc1970 · **Joined:** Sun Apr 28, 2013 8:39 am **Posts:** 2

My vinyl on the engine cover has a bit of sun damage but no cracks or rips. is there anyway to dye the cover or something to clean it up?

TX H210SS · **Joined:** Thu May 27, 2010 9:10 am **Posts:** 1488

I'm thinking your options are to clean it and live with the color fade or take to upholstery shop and get recovered.

Surface Interval · **Posted:** Mon Apr 29, 2013 10:16 pm

Sun discoloration of vinyl upholstery is usually permanent. Your options are to live with it, get it re-upholstered, or look at a process such as Color Glo. This process is essentially spraying a color coat of flexible "paint" over the existing upholstery. I had this done on some upholstery on a previous boat because of stains caused by the repair shop's leaking roof. I think results are dependent the talent of the operator.

Winter Sux · **Posted:** Tue Apr 30, 2013 6:01 pm

If you call a vinyl repair place, they can get you some vinyl dye.

After they do their vinyl repairs, the repair is an off white color and then they have to dye it to match the existing color.

John :mrgreen:

rpengr · **Posted:** Tue Apr 30, 2013 7:15 pm

It's unfortunate that the previous owners did not keep that covered up, but I see in your other post you are looking to get a cockpit cover. A cover is the most important thing to prevent damage (even it it is a generic cover from Walmart.

Please use 303 protectant to keep it soft and prevent further damage.

RNR-Marine · **Posted:** Wed May 01, 2013 4:45 pm

Good advice from rpengr. 303 is a great product.

We make OEM canvas for Four Winns and recommend (along with Glen Raven Mills, who make Sunbrlla) applying 303 protectant after a thorough cleaning at least once or twice per year.

Before you buy new vinyl cushions and throw out the old ones, try SEM vinyl dye. We've used it successfully to save cushions (discolored or mildewed) on several boats.

Here are before and after of a cushion we did that was badly mildewed:

Before:

After:

Worth a try ... good luck!

ric · **Posted:** Wed May 01, 2013 4:47 pm

Whoa. Never ever dye mildew. Clean the seats properly.

RNR-Marine · **Posted:** Wed May 01, 2013 4:52 pm

ric wrote:

Mildew is easy to clean you don't need to dye it. Hahaha

Ha Ha is right - mildew is one of the most annoying substances known to man (and especially boaters). We should have the government just pass a law and outlaw it!

ric · **Posted:** Wed May 01, 2013 4:55 pm

Lysol mildew cleaner.

RNR-Marine · **Posted:** Wed May 01, 2013 5:08 pm

Hey - worth a try before you buy ...

I've never had any luck with any cleaners on mildew personally. I have had good luck with cleaning the vinyl well, and then using SEM vinyl dye.

ric · **Posted:** Wed May 01, 2013 5:27 pm

Lysol mold and mildew cleaner. You'll thank me.

Winter Sux · **Posted:** Wed May 01, 2013 6:07 pm

Ahhhhh, hijacking a post at it's best. Never once did the OP mention mold or mildew,,,,just sun damage. But let me hijack it even more. Ross, you mentioned 303 on canvas; it is a great product, so my question to you is this; what about waterproofing canvas? 303 first or after? Thanks.

John :mrgreen:

RNR-Marine · **Posted:** Wed May 01, 2013 7:25 pm

Sun Damage leads to the black discoloration that is typically mildew. Rather than buying a new cushion, try the mold/milder removers. If that doesn't work, try dyeing it ...

Waterproofing with 303 ... We put it on Sunbrella when its new and re-apply once or twice a year after cleaning the canvas.

www.iFourWinns.com

Sun damage on vinyl

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