Best vinyl seat restorer (if that’s even a thing...)

[Radarcontact]

Hi,
(restored pontoon, Florida boat)

A few of my seats have a “crunchy” feeling to them, UV damage and neglect I’m sure. And when I was doing some work on the boat, I kneeled in the middle of one and it POPPED, leaving behind a big spider-web of cracks where the vinyl broke but the cloth backing held it together. Bummer.

Looking to find out if there’s a miracle product or procedure out there that will give them life again. The best thing I’ve seen reviewed so far is this: [h=1]“CarGuys Plastic Restorer - The Ultimate Solution for Bringing Rubber, Vinyl and Plastic Back to Life! - 8 oz Kit” at Amazon (of course, lol) but I have no idea how successful it would be or just a waste of $17. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ [/h]
Thanks!
// Radar //

 

[JASinIL2006]

Once vinyl is that far gone, I don't think anything will bring it back, short of replacement.

 

[ThomW]

I'd agree with JasinIl. Once they are so brittle they start cracking when you kneel on them, no amount of vinyl conditioner will bring them back. Time to consider replacing the Vinyl. If you are handy with a sewing machine, its actually not that hard to do yourself.

The only other temp solution you may consider is a vinyl "repair" kit. Comes with a little "iron", patches, and colors. you mix the color to best match your seats and basically melt a new patch into the vinyl. Can work well, or make a mess. All depends on the user.

 

[ahicks]

I've used WD-40, lots of it, to soften vinyl like you're talking about with the knee pop. Spray it on heavy and let it set for a day or so, then wipe off any excess.

Doesn't really restore it, but it may get you by/stretch the vinyl's life by a little bit.

 

[harringtondav]

I agree with above comments. ...thinking your vinyl is over the hill. I've used Meguiar's M5716SP Marine/RV Vinyl & Rubber Cleaner & Protectant for 24 yrs. Great stuff. My new boat info said to NOT use Armorall on light colored Vinyl. It darkens in UV.

 

[Radarcontact]

Thanks to all. I used a product I had on hand called Leather CPR and it seemed to work a bit. Oh well. Get what I can out of them then decide what todo down the road... ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

 

[Scott Danforth]

there is no miracle in a can.

you need to replace the burned vinyl.

vinyl lasts lest than 10 years exposed to florida sunshine