carpet backing

T

TMK988

New Member
Sep 17, 2009
118
Lloyd Harbor, NY
Boat Info
290 Sundancer 2006
Engines
Mercruiser
Another member suggested doing this to recondition our carpet backing, I forgot who and I'd like to give credit because it works. The problem, as any of you all with a boat that is about three years old, is that the black backing disintigrates. tI took me hours to clean up all the tiny black spots off my deck. Of course, the top, or carpet side, is in perfect shape. He recommended going to Home Depot and purchasing - PLASTI DIP. The stuff is basically liquid rubber. It seems it was designed to be used mostly to coat, for example, the bare metal grip of a pair of plyers. You end up with a nice rubber coating. I applied this stuff on the back of my carpets ('06 290DA) after using a wire brush to remove any of the loose material. I used a cheap paint brush and put it on fairly thickly. If you like projects, this was a fairly pleasent one. It took less than a leisurely hour. I let it dry for a day and it is fantastic. Initially the carpets are a little stiffer but they loosen up after a while. I have had them down now for almost a month and they have stood up to 95 plus degree days and there was no melting or seperating, they are like new. I used three cans (they are the size and look of a half size tennis ball can) and cost less than $10 per can. They even come in different colors (yellow and I think blue). What a great way to save close to $1k for new carpets!
 
My cockpit carpeting just started doing this. I need to give that a try. Thanks for sharing your experience!
 
Thanks, I was just discussing this with the wife about what to do , i said the backing is all over the place and a pain to clean up i figured i needed new carpets but i'll try this first thanks for the post.
 
We had a similar problem. Another option, is to go to a craft store and use the 'backing' for latch-hook rugs. You paint it on - dries quickly - works like a charm (until you can replace the carpet, which is the ultimate fix).
 
when you guys "paint" the back ... how do you clean the backing of all the loose stuff? My carpets are perpect but the backs are a mess. Need to do something soon and I like these idea's.
 
Hey Matt,
To prepare the back of the carpet, I firstly held it up and beat it some to get the real loose parts off. Then I used a wire brust and lightly rubbed the backing. I decided not to get nuts and I'm glad I didn't. I thought it would be bad to get too aggressive. As it turns out, if you get the really loose hunks off, this liquid rubber, it really is thick, absorbes the smaller pieces. Now go save yourself a thousand bucks and do it!
 
I used the PlastiDip from Home Depot also at the start of the season. It really was the cheapest, quickest, and easiest solution for my carpets that were beginning to shed the black powder. I wire brushed the loose stuff and used foam brushes to "paint" the backsides in those spots. The black matched well and it has worn great all summer. I'll check the repairs and see if any more spots are need repair at the end of the season. Overall I used two cans (<$15) of black to cover about 15-20% of my carpet backing.
 
Harbor Freight also carries Tool Dip at $7.99/can. With their 20% off coupons that come in the mail that puts it around $6/can.

Thanks for the tip!
 
I'm curious to get some some updated reports on this solution? Any pics before and after or current condition?

I have a feeling going into the boats 4 full season that the carpets will begin to break down. I noticed a little sticking at the end of last year. I'd love to prevent it from getting worse if this is a good solution now may be the time to do it.
 
I don't have any pictures but this I did this early in last season and the backing looks great and nothing is sticking! The top part of my carpet really looked great and now the back not only is sound but the carpets look new. This is the best fix-it repair I have ever done...
 
It looks to me that the carpet backing starts to deteriorate starting around 4 years give or take! Is anyone having this issue with a 3 or 2 year old Boat?
 
I used the PLASTI DIP last fall and posted some pics but can't seem to be able to find them. I was very impressed with the outcome. I thined it a little with Xylol Xylene first, just a cap full per can, then I used a foam brush to go around the edges then rolled several coats over the entire surface not just the bad spots. I believe by thinning it it soked into and bonded with the rubber backing but had to be careful not to bleed through the other side.
 
My current carpet is approaching 13 years of age and although the clear yellow colored backing has been shedding for a while, the carpet itself is still good but shows some wear and has stains that won't come out. I think I will check out this rubber paint idea and try to get another season or two out of it.

But then again, since I've already bought new carpet I may just make dock mats or swim platform mat out of the old and rubberize the backs and edges.
 
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