How to protect new Vinyl Seating

Skipper April 5, 2016 Ask The Skipper

Doug asked:

Hi, I just had the exterior upholstery replaced on my boat and haven’t reinstalled the newly covered pieces yet. Since it is brand new what are your recommendations to protect it initially and for future care/maintenance?

Answer:

For your convenience, I’ve highlighted the hyperlinks. Click on the hyperlink to get more information about the selected product.

Wash them first with EZ Vinyl Cleaner and then protect them with two coats of Vinyl Guard..

Vinyl Guard is a 3rd generation vinyl protector and will protect better than earlier technologies. It is not greasy, oily or slippery and will not transfer to clothing. Two coats will last up to 6 months, in temperate climates and 3 months in tropical climates. Vinyl Guard will protect against UV, suntan lotions, dirt and grime soiling, food and beverage spills, bird droppings and will maintain water resistance. Because of its durability, it requires less maintenance and is less expensive than earlier technology products that need to be reapplied every week or two.

Even though it’s brand new vinyl, it’s still important to wash first with EZ Vinyl Cleaner. The reason is that when vinyl is manufactured, excess amounts of plasticisers are added to the vinyl to act as a lubricant during calendaring and this has to be removed prior to application of Vinyl Guard so that there is no adverse reaction between the chemicals. EZ Vinyl Cleaner is a free rinsing, water based, water activated, cleaner and degreaser. It’s safe for all vinyl surfaces, non-corrosive and will not degrade stitching or leave pink spots in the vinyl.

Vinyl Guard also makes the vinyl more resistant to soiling and much easier to keep clean.

Plasticizers, usually a variety of phthalates plus adipates for low temperature resistance and trimellitates for heat resistance, are added to normally rigid PVC to make and keep it flexible and resistant. The chemical composition of vinyl can vary from manufacture to manufacture and this effects quality, price and durability. Even though plasticisers are low in volatility and do not migrate easily into the atmosphere, this will happen over time, depending on the composition and quality of the vinyl, and the process is accelerated by radiation from the sun. Vinyl Guard contains plasticisers and each application restores lost plasticisers. Regular use can double the life of your vinyl seating.

For regular maintenance, rinsing with clean water and wiping with a microfiber cloth or chamois is usually all that is required. If the seats become soiled to the point where water won’t remove the soil, you can use EZ Vinyl Cleaner and water to clean them. Light cleaning will usually not remove the Vinyl Guard but if heavy scrubbing is required to get them clean then re-application of Vinyl Guard is recommended. Otherwise cleaning and re-application as above is recommended every 3 to 6 months.

We also recommend thorough cleaning and application of Vinyl Guard prior to storage. Vinyl Guard will resist the penetration of mold stains. In the event that mold develops on the seats, it can easily be washed away with EZ Vinyl Cleaner and it will not penetrate and stain the seats. This is important as once mold stains penetrate into the vinyl, it becomes indelible and the seats need to be recovered, which as you know is expensive.

For you convenience, both EZ Vinyl Cleaner and Vinyl Guard are available in a Vinyl Care Kit.

Thanks for your question

Captain Aurora,
Richard Kittar