How do you clean and condition vinyl boat seats?

First, what is Marine Vinyl?

Marine vinyl surfaces are incredibly versatile and find wide applications in various areas. Predominantly, they're utilized in marine upholstery, crafting durable seat covers, Yacht and boat's interior paneling, thanks to their water and UV resistance qualities. It is easy to clean and maintain. Furthermore, they're even used in crafting heavy-duty bags and protective covers due to their robust nature.

What does vinyl conditioner do?

Vinyl conditioner is integral in preserving and enhancing the appearance and lifespan of marine vinyl surfaces. Its primary function is replenishing essential oils that vinyl tends to lose over time due to exposure to various elements, including heat, UV rays, and moisture. By conditioning the vinyl, we can prevent it from drying out and cracking, thereby maintaining its elasticity and durability i.e. keeping vinyl soft.

Beyond this, a vinyl conditioner often offers protective properties. It forms a barrier on the surface of the vinyl, guarding it against harmful UV rays, debris and water damage. This feature is particularly beneficial for marine vinyl that is continuously exposed to harsh sunlight and water. Our motto, "It shouldn't be hard work," aligns with the concept of "protective treatment cleans vinyl." Applying a protective formula to vinyl enhances resistance against debris, water, and sun exposure. This not only ensures ease of cleaning but also promotes durability and longevity.

Finally, using a vinyl conditioner should keep your vinyl surfaces looking new and vibrant, enhances appearance and restores natural sheen. It adds a shine to the material, enhancing its aesthetic appeal, and can also help to remove minor scratches and imperfections. Thus, regular application of a vinyl conditioner can increase the lifespan of your vinyl surfaces, maintain their appearance, and protect them from premature wear and tear.

What can I use to protect the Boat seats and vinyl in my boat

When it comes to preserving the quality of your marine vinyl boat seats and surfaces, the choice of protectant is crucial. There are several popular options on the market, each with its own set of advantages.

Sprayable Protectants are the largest sellers in the field, they generally form a protective layer on the vinyl surface to prevent fading and cracking caused by sun exposure. However, it requires frequent reapplication compared to most other protectants/conditioners.

Vinyl Cleaner and Conditioner can be a good option. Dual-action products generally will mildly clean your vinyl and also protect it from UV rays, stains, and possibly mildew. However, dual-action products tend to fall short on either side or both attributes of the formula.

Vinyl Lotion Conditioners offer a third option: a deeper conditioning treatment that can restore the suppleness and luster to older, dried-out vinyl. These conditioners are typically rich and creamy, leaving the vinyl looking and feeling brand new. However, they can sometimes leave a greasy residue if not properly buffed out, so it's a good idea to take the time to ensure it's fully absorbed.

Gel-Based Conditioners, unlike their counterparts, do not require frequent reapplications. They penetrate deep into the vinyl, providing long-lasting protection against the sun's harmful UV rays. They are best for vinyl surfaces exposed to harsh conditions or continuous sunshine. The downside is that they may take longer to absorb compared to sprayable protectants and might leave a glossy finish that some users may not prefer.

Wax-Based Conditioners provide a matte finish and excellent protection against grime and dust. Yet they can build up. and may require reapplication more frequently than Gel or lotion-based conditioners.

What is the best cleaner for vinyl material?

You should wash your vinyl boat seats and surfaces with water and a Ph-neutral soap such as SRD20 Pink Soap or other mild soap and water combinations to lightly wash off any dirt. Harsh chemical products can damage fabric, escalating its deterioration when the cleaning is complete, wipe the fabric thoroughly. If soap and water fail to eliminate stubborn debris or mold from your boat seats or marine vinyl, it is important to determine whether a stain is deeply embedded. If you determine it is not a stain, we advise using the mildest abrasion or vinyl cleaner to get the job done while following user instructions with whatever products you choose. Realize that harsh cleaners are abrasives and will damage the vinyl. You should progressively increase your efforts and stop once clean to help avoid damaging the fabric. We would also recommend limiting your application of vinyl cleaners and abrasives to specific areas in need. As it will create less work at this time and in the future. To maintain the quality of surfaces, it is advisable to minimize the use of harsh cleaners and abrasives. These products can be compared to the negative effects of using harsh chemicals on ourselves.

Does leather conditioner work on vinyl?

A leather conditioner/protectant may be formulated specifically for leather, whereas it may contain ingredients that are not necessarily good for Vinyl and may not protect vinyl. Most would not be designed to withstand the harsh conditions encountered in marine environments. It may initially work on vinyl, yet generally will not offer durable protection as a marine vinyl-specific conditioner/protectant.

What is the best vinyl boat seat protectant?

We are proud of our exceptional polymer formula, which combines the best qualities of a lotion and a gel. It provides superior protection and restore vinyl surfaces. Our formula is easy to use and more durable than any sprayable product available in the market.

During the final stage of our testing phase, we sent a sample of our Vinyl Protectant to a charter captain based in Venice, Louisiana, where boats are subjected to very harsh conditions. I asked for feedback on our Vinyl Protectant, and the response I received was extremely gratifying yet simple. The person said, "Well, I only applied it once. How do your seats look?" Their response was a simple "Good." That says it all.

While SRD20 Vinyl Protectant is highly effective on vinyl, it can restore faded plastic, and condition rubber surfaces, it is not recommended for use on leather.