Looking for a good Rub ;)

[Tmacular]

I recently bought a boat that has the full Bimini full covers. Problem is that the covers are faded bad and are a little dry. Im curious is anyone knows of a really good vinyl rub to help bring back some life to these. I am afraid to stretch them to try and button them without breaking buttons or the top. Any type of armor or anything that will help?

I also am curious if anyone has used the vinyl paint for restoring seats and what not. I have heard great things but never used it. Its either that or new wrapping on the seats.

Thanks for any suggestions

 

[UncleWillie]

Re: Looking for a good Rub

Like all the skin creams they try to sell to the ladies.
Once it is old and dried out, there is nothing you can do to turn it back into the baby it once was.

However a layer of makeup and some mascara and most anything will look pretty darn good for a short while from a dozen feet away in the dark!

 

[jsimms724]

Re: Looking for a good Rub

I have used the vinyl paint on automobile seats with less than desirable results. It would probably be much worse in a harsher marine environment.

 

[agallant80]

Re: Looking for a good Rub

If you know how to sew or your wife does you can use the existing top as a template for a new top. The local fabric store sells the stuff.

 

[smokeonthewater]

Re: Looking for a good Rub

McGuire's plast-x will help aged clear vinyl become easier to see through but nothing will restore the strength and flexibility of aged vinyl... when it's done, it's done.... It WILL be much easier to work with in the summer heat than the winter tho

 

[airshot]

Re: Looking for a good Rub

Have used the vinyl dye (paint) for seats and vinyl flooring, had the boat for two years after repainting vinyl with no complaints. As far as the older covers, there is no fix to make them new again, however, look for a product in the industrial hand cleaning products similiar to "go-jo" these cream cleaners have lanoline in them. Rub it into your vinyl real well with a damp cloth, then scrub with a soft bristle brush. Does an excellent job of cleaning and the lanoline will leave the vinyl softer and more supple, like new...NO... but softer and more flexible than when you started. Back in the older days we car guys used this product to clean and maintain our "vinyl tops" on our cars and our dirty vinyl upolstery. Product name was called "D&L hand cleaner, came in a blue and white/silver tub, looked like white jelly.

Airshot

 

[Tmacular]

Re: Looking for a good Rub

Excellent,

Airshot thats really what I was looking to do. I know they wont come back to life but this is a boat that I am fixing up to use this year and sell. Not going all out but I would like to protect it a little better. For the seats I am just looking to add a layer of flex over the seats. The tops are a little brittle but they are just worn out faded and not cracked yet. I figured vinyl paint might be able to cover and get a few more years out of them.

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: Looking for a good Rub

Based on your location ........... you will probably be better suited when it warms up before you try any strectching to reach stubborn snaps