Color Bond on boat Seats

[AguaSki]

I can't find this product on Iboats so I hope I am not violating any rules. <br /><br />My Overton's catalog arrived today and saw a product called Color Bond. The product claims to allow you to completely change the color of vinyl boat seats.<br /><br />This is the description on Overton's website. "Restores, enhances, or completely change the color of your vinyl, leather, and ABS plastic. This permanent color-fast formula will not crack or flake off. One "ozone-friendly" 6oz. can will cover about 10 sq. ft., however coverage may vary. Available in black, white, blue, tan, red, beige, gray, and off white."<br /><br />Does anyone have experience with this product? My upholstery is in great shape, but it is a really dark brown that gets hot in AZ. I have considered new upholstery just to make the ride cooler, but I can't bring myself to go to the time and expense when my upholstery is in good condition. The idea of using this paint type product is interesting.<br /><br />Please share your thoughts.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Color Bond on boat Seats

haven't seen or used it, but interested in the results.

 

[JustMrWill]

Re: Color Bond on boat Seats

I got my catelog too...saw that...looks interesting...but I am always wary of products like that. If the original vinyl couldn't stand up to the elements...why would this "paint" do any better?<br /><br />If your seats are still in good shape...why not just get cloth seat covers in a light color? <br /><br />-JMW

 

[Realgun]

Re: Color Bond on boat Seats

Its call Vinyl Dye. You can get it at the auto parts places a lot cheaper. Ask Mark42 he had beige seats and went white. He said it worked very well. I did a keyboard and wrist rest and could not rub off the dye after 3 years.

 

[AguaSki]

Re: Color Bond on boat Seats

Ask Mark42 he had beige seats and went white. He said it worked very well.

I went back and looked at Mark42's pics and his upholstery looks great. I am a bit more encouraged at doing this but still feel skeptical.<br /><br />Mark42 - Is the white coloring still holding up? How many seasons has it been since you colored your boat seats?

 

[gregmercer]

Re: Color Bond on boat Seats

I painted my golf cart seats with a vinyl paint/dye a couple years ago and they have held up great. I was very suprised with the results. I went from white to grey though...<br /><br />Preperation is key however. I scubbed mine with grease and wax remover for about 45 minutes then wipped them with laquer thinner a couple times.<br /><br />Don't skimp on the prep!

 

[brownies]

Re: Color Bond on boat Seats

Gregmercer is right. Preperation is everything. Use laquer thinner on them several times and then follow the directions on the can to the LETTER. (several light coats)<br />You can buy vinyl dye at any parts store and many large retail chains.<br />I've done WHOLE interiors on vehicles from dark to light and light to dark.<br />It won't last any longer than your original seats though. Just re-news old stuff and enables you to change colors cheaper than upholstery.<br /> Works better on soft seat vinyl than hard plastics...hard plastic stuff scratches easier.<br /><br /> If you do it right, the results will not look like a "painted seat". Do it right and they will look like fresh new vinyl.<br /> MANY LIGHT coats and surface preparation is key.<br /> OH!! And, don't do it on a damp, wet, humid day. That stuff will turn out dull if there is moisture in the air.

 

[Realgun]

Re: Color Bond on boat Seats

Brownies I used it on a wrist rest and the monitor case there are no scratchs here. But there is no moisture either. <br /><br />The wrist rest is still going strong three years later.

 

[thunderroad]

Re: Color Bond on boat Seats

It works...or at least vinyl dye or paint has worked well for me on several projects over the years. I bought a very nice golf bag at a garage sale about 10 years ago for $1. It was a hideous lime green/yellow combination and I painted it burgundy and black. It still looks great and has been tossed around and hauled in the back of my truck for years. It's scuffed up but none of the original color can be found anywhere. It has held up much better than I ever expected.

 

[brownies]

Re: Color Bond on boat Seats

If while spraying vinyl dye, and it's humid..It goes on just "wrong". Looks wrong and doesn't bond like it should. Peels right away.<br /><br />On hard plastics, if sprayed correctly, it will stay on, but, is more prone to being "scratched" off.<br />I think this is because on a seat, if you try to scratch, the material will "give". On hard plastic, nothing "gives" and it's just easier to scratch.

 

[brownies]

Re: Color Bond on boat Seats

OH, one more note on vinyl dye. <br />Leather car interiors...ANY COLOR YOU CAN THINK OF.<br /><br />Well, they don't make Blue Cows.......<br /><br />DO NOT.<br />Grab some simple green full strength, spray it on your car seat, scrub real hard.<br /> Vinyl dye works great, Think about all the companies that use it...it does have limitations though.

 

[horsefly38425]

Re: Color Bond on boat Seats

This stuff my save my project from sitting another year. vinyl on it is not cracked / just discolored/faded and most of it is white. Maybe i should vinyl dye it. Can this stuff be brushed on or does it need to be sprayed.ARE there diffrent brands / which ones same to work best?

 

[brownies]

Re: Color Bond on boat Seats

Spray on. Surface prep, light coats important.<br />One brand probably as good as any other (I've never noticed a difference).<br />Use semi gloss or satin finish.

 

[AguaSki]

Re: Color Bond on boat Seats

Been away for a few days. Thanks for all the replies. I think I will give it a go sometime this season. Fortunately I live in the dry climate of AZ where humidity is not a concern. I will follow through on the proper prep and following the manufacturer instructions to the letter.

 

[layne4]

Re: Color Bond on boat Seats

My seats have been painted for 3 seasons and are holding up great. Used a vinyl paint made by SEM that was purchased from Eastwood. They are a mail order company and are online. Also used a vinyl prep from SEM as well before I painted. I think they both ran around $7.99 per can.