How to restore a PVC inflatable with brown sticky patches.

Skipper February 26, 2013 Ask The Skipper

Edward Collins asked:

Will your cleaning and restoration kit remove the brown and sticky areas caused by UV rays?
Or do I have to use some Acetone to remove them before applying your products?

I have several on my six year old Brig.

Answer:

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

The brown sticky areas are usually caused by a reaction between suntan lotion or fuel slicks on the water surface and UV from the sun. If the problem is fairly recent and not too severe, then Speed Clean can remove this damaged material. Afterwards, you can seal the surface with Poly Guard. Poly Guard will also protect against this problem in the future.

If Speed Clean does not restore the tube, the damage is too severe. You can try more aggressive solvents like Acetone or MEK, etc. but be aware that these solvents can cause further damage to the tube, causing air loss etc., and may only offer a temporary solution. In future, protect the tube with Poly Guard to prevent re-occurrence.

Thanks for your question,

Captain Aurora
Richard Kittar