This is why it is important to look for vinyl that has passed the proper testing. Applying a new coat of paint is a relatively easy process. Sometimes, all that is needed to bring them back to life is a new paint job. Just by chance I found this website and thread. ​​​Read the reviews carefully to see if the product works well for your use. Doing that should do the trick. Vinyl boat seats take lots of abuse and eventually become old, worn and weathered. Some adhesives work better than others. In a sense, you can say that you actually may need it if you see all the advantages they can give you. Ideal for use in a wide range of uses, ColorBond paint products give car and boat enthusiasts a cost effective way to restore their vehicles to an original finish. There are other products that may use two types of materials for the body and the backing. 4.3 out of 5 stars 2,099. As mentioned above, the three most common types are acrylic, vinyl, and mesh. Crocking refers to the rubbing off of color from a wet and dry fabric when subjected to continuous rubbing. A good marine vinyl should be able to withstand 50 pounds of force before breaking. Lastly you will want to know if the marine vinyl is safe! It’s totally waterproof and also fire-resistant. While most brands claim that their vinyl fabric is UV-resistant, there’s no way of telling how long it will hold up in the sun unless you check this specification. Chances are, you’ll end up with more fabric than you really need; however, it’s still better to have a surplus than a deficiency. If you plan on making vinyl covered foam blocks, clothing, gloves, bags or many other products for kids under 12 the vinyl needs to pass this test. To help you with that, we have created a list of some of the best boat interior upholstery fabric brands to choose from. Just like the previously mentioned product, the Sunbrella also sells fabric in a similar fashion by selling the fabric by the yard. The only major difference is how much money each company shoves into their own pockets. Marine Vinyl consists of a few layers. With the availability of different colors, you can get to choose which style you want. This layer is very important as it gives the vinyl extra durability and helps to prevent it from tearing. Most Marine Vinyl ranges in thickness from 0.06mm to 1.5mm thick. The only thing that I don’t really like about the product is that it’s not 100% waterproof. If you are looking for a boat vinyl cleaner that offers ultimate surface protection against fading, dying, or cracking, this product from Meguiar’s is what you need. Another thing that I like about this product is that it is UV-protected. All of these information will help you understand not just what product brands you should focus on but also how to focus your choices so you can buy the best for YOUR own needs and preferences. While at sea, you’re going to experience scorching heat and possibly strong winds. This test measures lead levels and makes sure it is compliant with ASTM F-963 safety standards imposed by the consumer product safety improvement act of 2008 (CPSIA). Vinyl, which is my personal choice, is the classic type that you would see in most boats. For light or regular cleaning, you just have to use a brush to sweep off the dirt, use a hose to lightly wash the fabric, then prepare a solution of water and dishwashing liquid. Generally, marine-grade fabrics, especially vinyl, are actually UV-resistant. VHT Vinyl Dye™ for vinyl and carpeting restores or changes the color of any vinyl upholstery, seats and trim, or the "short nap" carpeting found in today's cars, boats and watercraft. First we will take a look at the bottom layer. This is because vinyl doesn’t fog up like glass and is water-resistant as well. This is a test that is required by California law to ensure a material is safe and will not catch fire quickly. To top it all off, I also included a few FAQs and their answers so that you’ll fully know what you’re getting into when you start buying your boat upholstery material. Due to this, I recommend following certain criteria while shopping. However, there are some products that only have UV resistance for a limited time. Also, the fabric makes it less likely to spread stains on the fabric. This layer can be any thickness and changes the “feel” of the material. Many people will prefer to use an industrial sewing machine, but some marine vinyl will work with regular sewing machines. Why Do You Need a Marine Upholstery Fabric? A: Laminated acrylic and quality vinyl marine upholstery fabrics are usually waterproof. I like the fact that there are so many colors that you can choose from. More Buying Choices. Aerosol However you sew your vinyl is up to you, but you want to make sure the vinyl you choose can hold up when sewn. Let me know in the comments. However, it is very important to note that it is a bit sticky. If the stain doesn’t come off, use a sponge to try to scrape it off. A: Before you buy upholstery fabric for your boat seats, you have to first measure the dimensions so that the fabric will perfectly encroach your boat seats. This one isn’t made of vinyl but PVC and polyester instead. You can actually use other grades, but they most probably won’t last long. The first is flammability. They have a lot of really cool products that paint some pretty unusual things. In this Sailing Bluefin episode we show you how to use vht vinyl dye to repaint your boat seats! While the guide above can help you narrow your choices for the best marine vinyl fabric, it’s always better to know more about the product so that you can fully tailor the criteria to fit your needs. Most of these products are also not sold direct from the factory, which means the prices are marked up more than once. After that, measure the depth of the seat and multiply it by 2. Personally, I recommend that this be used for indoor applications instead of outdoor since it’s not heavy-duty enough to take on outdoor conditions. Marine Vinyl feels stiffer and stronger as a result of this foam. All you need is a mild soap solution and a cloth. Formula Boats Grey Part #M25203 16 oz. Marine Vinyl Fabric 5 Yards. Therefore, it is actually part vinyl part mesh (although the majority is still vinyl). There are lots of upholstery fabrics that are actually water-resistant. Aerosol Formula Boats Red Part #M25233 16 oz. Aside from Sunbrella, some other really good brands include Plastex and Vvivid. It is actually one of the best choices you can make for your boat interior. In order to do so, you must first understand what the product is, how it works, and its types. I put three different paints to the test on three of the exact same chairs and was pretty surprised with the results. Other than that, everything would be mostly about personal preferences, i.e. I have found the better marine vinyl’s are softer and more pliable, but are extremely durable. What sets this product apart from the other products I’ve listed is that this one is clear. Would your material hold up? It is used for but not limited to Boat Seats, Pads, and Dashes. Although it is not made of real leather (faux leather), it feels completely like natural leather. The only downside I see is that it has no tint. The choices I recommended all came from the comparison of features and advantages from various well-reviewed products. Q: How do I measure upholstery fabric for boat seats? I have this installed on my boat’s sofa, and all my guests love it because they feel comfortable on it. You need to check the “specs” for the Light Fastness Test (AATCC 16 Xenon Arc or CFFA 2). A good quality vinyl should take at least 15 pounds of direct force before tearing. With that, it is important to know how to choose the right brand of fabric since each brand has its own advantages. This test is used to determine a materials ability to withstand the heat of the sun before it fades and breaks down. The only gripe I have is that the dye comes off pretty easily. Helm Seats must meet certain requirements, for example. And it’s these layers that determine the thickness, weight and overall quality of the vinyl. The only disadvantage is that it is not very flexible and may tear if you force it to stretch too much. Amazon, the Amazon logo, AmazonSupply, and the AmazonSupply logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates. Instead of having a leather-like texture, it is similar to the texture of an art canvas. 99% of people know very little about marine vinyl. Each of us has our own needs and preferences when it comes to upholstering our boat chairs and walls. Before you decide on a product, make sure to read customer reviews. If the vinyl will be in a boat that is in the cold movement your material should be just fine if it is rated at 0 degrees Fahrenheit. The Martindale test method places a rotating disk with standard wool fabric on top of the marine vinyl and counts how many times the fabric goes around in circles. Boat Seats. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. The downside is that it’s not as long-lasting as a lot of other products in the market. Therefore, when you sit down on it, it’ll be extremely smooth – like one of those luxury sofas. What I like about it is that it is totally waterproof, making it very efficient in protecting your furniture from water that may splash on the boat. Clearly a five star review is best, but also look for some negative honest feedback. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Many brands of marine vinyl will state that their material is UV Protected or UV Resistant, but that doesn’t tell you how the marine vinyl will hold up in the sun over time. If you like the feeling of smooth, high-quality leather, then this may be the perfect choice for you. You may think that clear vinyl can’t block off the sun since it has no color. This test measures the impact of bleeding fabric and you want to avoid this as much as possible. The marine upholstery encompasses not just the fabric itself but also the padding that would protect the furniture. There are various materials that marine upholstery can be made of. Another important test that you need to look for on the spec sheet is crocking (AATCC 8-2001 or CFFA 7). It’s extremely durable and flexible, allowing it to have a very long shelf-life. Soft vinyl fabric is typically made from canvas fibers coated in a layer of vinyl plastic. They also sell by the yard and by 10 lots which is pretty much 10 yards. This is great for other purposes other than a boat chair such as a sun shield or big wall covering. A marine grade vinyl needs to be able to withstand 25,000 double rubs. The first thing you have to do is measure the length and width of the sections of your seat. I was able to buy from them becase I was making boat covers for awhile so I bought a lot of Sunbrella. I find this fabric pretty easy to clean because you don’t need to use a lot of soap to wipe off any stain. Email info@kolorbond.co.uk Tel +44 (0)121 326 8020 Also, you’ll probably like the texture it gives. It is most common for marine vinyl companies to use the Wyzenbeek test method, but you will also find some companies that use the Martindale test method. However, it does through a UV-treated film. There are over 40 different colors which all look great on not only boat seats but boat accessories as well. It’s impossible to please 100% of people. As for being windproof, this will all depend on the overall strength of the material and the design of the fabric. Over time, the vinyl may harden and become stiff due to factors such as heat, sunlight and hardened dirt or grease. I do understand that all of them seem pretty attractive as they all have their own list of really cool features and designs. Take the result and use that as your basis. Lightweight materials, on the other hand, are simply cloth and may not be suitable for boats unless you’re just going to use them on your boat chair. Since you’re going to be on the water a lot, then you’ll need upholstery that is waterproof. This video from my friends at GovMark do a great job describing this test here. This skin can be smooth or textured to allow for different looks. Once clean, rinse it down with a hose and air dry it. Buy Flexa Marine Vinyl Fabric upholstery "By The Yard" in one continuous piece starting $6.75 per yard or buy the full "30 Yard Roll" starting at $4.75 per yard (not all colors included). This is a test that is required by law that is used to make sure a product is safe for kids. It has this film that also makes it waterproof as well as grime-resistant. Now imagine 1,000 people sitting on that seat wearing blue jeans and now after 2 weeks that beautiful white bench is now tinted blue. It is completely weatherproof which means that it can be installed on outdoor boat seats or pilot chairs. As long as the additives are mixed into the vinyl the material will be considered marine grade and high quality vinyl. In order to fully protect yourself, your upholstery must be sturdy and tough so that it won’t get torn apart or blown away during strong winds. Don’t be fooled, most marine vinyl has the same clear coat and this is a marketing strategy to help make their product stand out. So what’s the deal with vinyl spray paint: does it work, or is it a waste of time? I prefer using a bleach solution with water and some mild soap. The longevity of your project might be extended if you opt for fabric spray paint. This is a simple test to see how long the material will burn if a lit cigarette is left on the material. I use it for my boat’s bedroom area. You can also see that the bottom vinyl has a much thicker backing giving it much more weight. You should also look to see if a product has passed the test for California Proposition 65 as this test checks the contents of the material for any chemicals known to the state of California to cause cancer, birth defects and other reproductive harm. This marine grade vinyl fabric, in particular, is perfect for outdoor use. The only things you’ll need are mild soap and some water. The fabric is really easy to cut and can be sewn even with a simple sewing machine (no need for an industrial one). I’ve also thrown in a buying guide to help you further narrow down your choices so you can pick the most suitable one for your boat. This is good for me as many sellers send their fabric unevenly cut. The first is easy. Imagine sitting at a fancy restaurant on a beautiful white bench seat. It is usually a knitted polyester fabric, but it can also have a fuzzy backing. The last type of fabric is mesh which has a great look to it. These additives provide UV protection, prevent mold/mildew/bacteria growth, prevent yellowing and help prevent staining. One such example is the Vvivid Heavy Duty Marine Vinyl Fabric. SEM Products Marine Vinyl Paint is an excellent way to renew or refresh your boat seats or vinyl boat cushions. This UV protection is limited. It is also significantly more costly. Once the whole fabric is covered, rinse with a hose. Commercial-grade materials are around 1/8 inches thick and feel like foam while marine-grade materials are specially used for boats. Therefore, avoid storing them in boat houses as they are usually warm and damp. Another cool thing is that it’s mold and mildew resistant which means that it can prevent the growth of molds at a pretty high success rate. FREE Shipping on your first order shipped by Amazon. In order to make this solution, you just have to mix 1 cup bleach, 1/4 cup of dishwashing soap, and a gallon of clean water in a bucket. I originally blamed one of my employees I let use the boat to propose to his girlfriend and I thought he spayed some kind of repellent around the boat … This subtle yet elegantly colored light grey vinyl fabric is definitely one … If you were smoking on your boat and a small piece of ash fell on your seat you would never want to see it ignite as if lighter fluid were dumped all over. This actually already does the trick in my case. Of course, this does have its own advantage. Many people often times overlook the safety of a material, but safety is really important and should not be overlooked. After that, soak the fabric inside for around 15 minutes. While the first choice is more geared toward outdoor use, this product can be used for both indoor and outdoor purposes. Rust-Oleum® Specialty Vinyl Spray restores color and gloss. I also use it for upholstering my indoor chairs, wall coverings, and my bed. As a general rule, there are commercial-grade, marine-grade, and lightweight materials. These are some of the brands that I’ve personally hand-picked and added to my reviews above. Another similar test measures tear resistance (ASTM D5587). It’s not really a case of whether you actually need marine upholstery or not. Some experts will tell you the weight is the best way to determine the quality of a vinyl. This ends our little guide in choosing the best marine upholstery fabric. Though the texture may not be very smooth like other vinyl fabrics, the texture gives it a nice look, making it very stylish when you upholster it onto your boat seats. Those specifications can be found here. I have experienced my clothes sticking to it at times. You may even check Amazon for some good buys if you don’t really do e-commerce shopping. It’s for these reasons why they’re a favorite among a lot of boat owners including myself. It is also pretty resistant to UV, further making it an ideal material for your outdoor boat upholstery projects. Once again this only impacts material that will be moved around and abused in extreme cold temperatures. This adhesive attaches the backing to the foam layer. Just like most marine vinyl fabrics, this one is also 54 inches wide per role. Look at reviews. A: One of the best brands of marine upholstery fabric is Sunbrella. Some brands apply a clear topcoat on the vinyl and trademark them with things like PermaGuard or PermaBlok3. $13.17$13.17. The Wyzenbeek test takes a rod and places a piece of fabric on the end and the rod moves back and forth on the fabric until the fabric fails. On the other hand, if you’re looking for overall protection, it could prove to be a really solid choice. It does offer a lot of benefits compared to vinyl; however, it’s not as versatile which is why vinyl is a lot more popular. One of the things to look out for would be the thickness of the material. After that, air dry the fabric before you use it again. Rust-Oleum 248920 Automotive Spray Paint, Satin ,11 Oz Aerosol, 10-12 Sq-Ft/Can, Gray, 11-Ounce Grey 4.2 out of 5 stars 327 Dupli-Color HVP111 Charcoal Gray High Performance Vinyl and Fabric Spray … Therefore, if you decide to order 3 pieces, you will actually be ordering 3 yards of the fabric. It was lemon yellow and horrid- We loved it. This subtle yet elegantly colored light grey vinyl fabric is definitely one of my favorites. The original vinyl seats had held up surprisingly well. And what better way to do that than to add some of the best marine upholstery fabric with some great designs? This glue has an important job because if this glue fails the backing can peel off from the foam. That quality makes it great for other outdoor boat upholstery projects other than just windows. Another test is “Cal TB117-2013”. I myself have saved quite a bundle buying from this seller as compared to many other brands. This is another really helpful video from my friends at GovMark to show how the Wyzenbeek test is performed. However, it is the best one for you if you’re after something that can give a nice design, especially a beautiful interior look. The design is also really nice for indoor applications. For instance, if you want to install a window in your boat interior but prefer not to use glass, you can use this clear vinyl fabric instead. How to Paint Vinyl Seat Cushions. Best Marine Upholstery Fabric Reviews of 2021, 2. Popularity - 3,932 views, 1.6 views per day, 2,519 days on eBay. Other than that, it has to be resistant to high temperature as well so that you won’t have to worry about being exposed too much to the harmful UV rays. The test you would want to look for is the EN388 puncture test or the ball burst test. While it is durable against weather and water, it does wear out quite fast with overuse. There are also some that are made of laminated acrylic and mesh. Now all these materials are very similar if you look at the specs. Storing a Boat with Vinyl Seats. When the outer skin is made additional additives are used to make the material marine grade vinyl. 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