refinishing old seats

[jvb]

the seats in my boat are old and ugly. we powerwashed the dirt and mildew away, but are still left with mildew stains on the viynl. does anybody know of a decent, cheap, short term alternative rather than new seats or viynl? is there some sort of spray paint that would do the job? what about a die that could be brushed on to hide the stains?

 

[Chris1956]

Re: refinishing old seats

jvb, There is products that work to change the color of vinyl. Some of them work like vinyl paint. They use them in autos, and for boats.

 

[jvb]

Re: refinishing old seats

do you know of any specific brands?

 

[jvb]

Re: refinishing old seats

i called the people at http://www.fabricspraypaint.com <br /><br />they claim it will work on vinyl. it has approx. 30 minunte dye time, waterproof, and it "should not crack" they thought it would take 15 cans of the stuff to do the boat, so it would run about $70

 

[gewf631]

Re: refinishing old seats

Similar topics have come-up before (try the SEARCH feature).<br /><br />Here's one Best vinyl cleaner / restore <br />And another Vinyl Cleaner - Again <br />And another Vinyl Cleaner <br />Or this one Painting Vinyl

 

[Realgun]

Re: refinishing old seats

Vinyl dye works well. I did a keyboar and wrist rest about three years ago and they are holding up fine so far.

 

[Mark42]

Re: refinishing old seats

Do a search on SEM vinyl dye. It's a paint for vinyl that works really, really, really well. You must be sure the seats are clean before spraying. I used 7 cans to turn two lounge seats from beige to white. You probably can get away with fewer cans if going darker.

 

[Realgun]

Re: refinishing old seats

Oh so that how you did it! I thought you bought two new seats!<br /><br />Darn you fooled me.

 

[Pun]

Re: refinishing old seats

Heh, I thought he did too. Cheater!

 

[Mark42]

Re: refinishing old seats

Hey! The previous owner just bought those seats. I wasn't going to toss them!

 

[Mark42]

Re: refinishing old seats

oops double post.

 

[Pun]

Re: refinishing old seats

Actually, they look real nice. Are they holding up well? Any fading or is the old tan color showing through anywhere?

 

[Mark42]

Re: refinishing old seats

They are holding up well. The color is staying attached to the vinyl and does not look to be rubbing off. It only took 6 cans to do both seats so I have one can left over for touch up if needed. <br /><br />I did a really good job of cleaning before spraying. I used a stiff bristle brush to clean the dirt out of the creases and crevices, then one last wipe down with Windex so there is no soap residue. <br /><br />Be sure they dry a full day or longer before folding closed so they don't stick where the back touches the seat. If you have to fold them closed, put some wax paper there the parts will touch each other.<br /><br />Vinyl paints work well and I have used them before with no problems. If you're seats are going to get heavy use, you might want to get new or use seat covers because the vinyl paints will wear through eventually. The good news is touch up is easy and doesn't show.