Reconditioning Vinyl Boat Seats: A Step-By-Step Guide

Boat seats are exposed to the elements, which can cause them to crack, fade, and stain. Replacing them can be costly and time-consuming. To save money, boat owners can recondition vinyl boat seats themselves using a vinyl colour restorer or a product like Vinyl Coat or Rub 'n Restore. These products can restore the original colour of the seats, add shine, and protect against future sun damage, mildew, and stains. Before applying a colour restorer, it is important to clean the seats thoroughly and remove any mildew or mould.

Cleaning vinyl boat seats

Cleaning your vinyl boat seats is important for maintaining their appearance and extending their lifespan. Here are some detailed steps and tips to help you effectively clean and care for your vinyl boat seats.

Regular Cleaning:

• Dish Soap and Warm Water: Combine a small amount of mild dish soap with warm water in a bucket. Use a clean cloth or sponge to lightly wipe down the seats, avoiding any pooling of water. Rinse the seats with clean water and dry them thoroughly with a clean towel.
• Alcohol Wipes: Keep alcohol wipes in your first-aid kit for quick spot cleaning. They are effective at removing mould and mildew stains from the surface.

Deep Cleaning:

Perform a deep cleaning of your vinyl boat seats during winter storage, mid-season, and when taking your boat out in the spring.

• Mild Soap Solution: Create a solution of 1 gallon of water and 1/4 cup of mild soap. Use a soft cloth or sponge to wipe the vinyl in a circular motion, ensuring no water pools in the seams.
• Rinse and Dry: Rinse the seats with clean water and a clean cloth to remove excess soap. Make sure to completely dry the seats before applying any additional products.
• Vinyl Cleaner: After cleaning and drying, apply a vinyl cleaner using a soft-bristled brush or clean cloth for extra protection and shine.

Removing Tough Stains:

For stubborn stains, follow these additional steps after cleaning with dish soap:

• Alcohol and Water: Mix a small amount of alcohol with water. Using a soft brush, apply the solution in a circular motion to the stained area. Avoid using cleaners containing ammonia, bleach, Windex, or Simple Green, as they can damage the material.
• Marine 31 Mildew Remover: Spray Marine 31 directly onto the surface and let it penetrate for 1-3 minutes. Agitate the surface with a brush if necessary. For stubborn stains, allow for a longer penetration time before agitating. Rinse and dry the surface thoroughly after treatment.

Protection and Maintenance:

To enhance the durability of your vinyl boat seats and prevent damage:

• Vinyl Conditioner and Protector: Use a marine vinyl conditioner and protector a couple of times a year. These products add a protective layer to shield the vinyl from the elements and restore its natural sheen.
• Boat Seat Covers: Utilise boat seat covers when your boat is not in use, especially during the boating season. A cover with proper ventilation will protect the seats from sun exposure and help prevent mould and mildew growth.
• Regular Cleaning Routine: Establish a consistent cleaning routine, such as wiping down your seats twice a month, to prevent dirt and mould buildup. Keeping your seats dry and well-maintained will extend their lifespan and preserve the value of your boat.

Replacing Vinyl Seats:

If mould and mildew have penetrated the cushions and surface stains are difficult to remove, consider investing in new cushions or seat skins. Faded and cracked seats due to sun exposure may also require replacement, as these issues are often irreparable.

Removing mildew and mould

Mildew and mould are unsightly and can decrease the value of your boat. To remove mildew and mould from vinyl boat seats, you will need to gather the right materials. It is recommended that you use:

• A bleach-free mould and mildew stain remover
• A marine and UV protectant spray
• Magic Eraser sponges

Firstly, spray the mould remover onto your seats, ensuring you get into any gaps and seams where mould is likely to form. Allow the cleaner to sit for around five minutes, or longer if you have stubborn stains.

Next, use a soft brush to scrub away the mould. Be careful not to scrub too hard, as this could damage the vinyl. You can also use a microfiber cloth to wipe away any mould debris, working in a circular motion. For heavy mildew, you may need to repeat the process of spraying, soaking, scrubbing, and wiping several times.

If you still have stubborn stains, it's time to bring out the Magic Eraser sponges. Simply get them wet and start wiping down the affected areas. Their small size means they can also fit into any gaps or seams that your brush can't reach. Again, be careful not to scrub too hard with the Magic Erasers to avoid damaging the vinyl.

Finally, use a vinyl protectant spray to help prevent mould and mildew from forming in the future. This will also give your seats UV protection and make them look great.

To prevent mould from forming on your boat seats, be sure to wipe down your seats after each use, even if they don't seem wet. It is also a good idea to maintain your boat while it's in storage, as mildew can spring up when you least expect it. If you are replacing your seats, consider purchasing mildew-resistant seat material.

Applying a vinyl treatment

The next step is to apply a marine vinyl colour restorer. Choose a product that matches the colour of your boat seats, as this will help to restore the seats and add a shine and gloss to the vinyl. Pour the product onto a cloth and wipe it onto the seats in a circular motion. If the seats are extremely discoloured, you may need to apply multiple coats. Allow the colour restorer to sit for a few minutes before wiping away any excess with a microfiber cloth. This will help to ensure an even finish and that no areas are missed.

Finally, apply a vinyl treatment to the seats. Spray the treatment directly onto the vinyl and work it into the pores with a soft cloth. Allow the treatment to soak into the vinyl for about five minutes, then rub it in for several minutes. Let the treatment dry for one to two hours in the sun before applying a second coat if needed.

By following these steps, you can effectively recondition your vinyl boat seats, leaving them looking like new.

Repairing cracks

Before repairing cracks on vinyl boat seats, it is important to clean and condition the vinyl. This can be done by using a vinyl cleaner or a mixture of warm water and a few drops of dish soap, worked into the vinyl with a soft cloth until the surface is thoroughly cleaned and dried. For mildew or mould removal, a mixture of 1 tablespoon of ammonia, 1/4 cup of hydrogen peroxide, and 3/4 cup of water can be applied with a soft-bristle brush, then rinsed and dried with old towels.

Once the vinyl is clean and dry, a vinyl treatment should be applied and worked into the pores of the vinyl with a soft cloth. After allowing the treatment to soak for about five minutes, rub it into the vinyl for several minutes, and then let it dry for one to two hours in the sun. If the vinyl still feels dry and stiff, a second coating of the treatment can be applied. This process can be repeated until the vinyl becomes soft and supple.

After conditioning, the vinyl is ready for repairing any cracks in its surface. For large areas of cracking, a rubberized coating can be used. However, holes must be patched before repairing with filler or rubber.

To restore the colour of faded vinyl boat seats, a marine vinyl colour restorer can be applied in sections with a circular motion using a cloth. This helps to evenly distribute the product and prevent a patchy appearance. If there is extreme discolouration, the product may need to be reapplied multiple times. After application, the colour restorer should be allowed to sit for 3 to 5 minutes before wiping away any excess with a microfiber cloth.

Using a colour restorer

To restore the colour of vinyl boat seats, you can use a colour restorer product. Firstly, ensure that the vinyl is clean and dry. You can use a vinyl cleaner or warm water with a few drops of dish soap, worked into the surface of the vinyl with a soft cloth. If there is any mildew or mould, this can be removed with a mixture of 1 tablespoon of ammonia, 1/4 cup of hydrogen peroxide, and 3/4 cup of water, applied with a soft-bristle brush. Rinse the seats with water and dry them thoroughly with a towel.

Once the seats are clean and dry, you can apply the colour restorer. Choose a product that matches the colour of your boat seats, and follow the instructions on the packaging. Many colour restorers can be applied with a cloth, sponge, or spray gun. Work the product into the vinyl in a circular motion, ensuring that it is evenly distributed and that there are no patches or missed areas. Allow the colour restorer to sit for a few minutes before wiping away any excess with a soft cloth.

If the seats are extremely discoloured, you may need to apply multiple coats of the colour restorer. Reapply as needed until the desired colour is achieved.

In addition to restoring colour, a colour restorer can also add shine and gloss to vinyl boat seats, making them look new again. It can also provide protection against sun damage, mildew, and stains.

Frequently asked questions