Cockpit Seat Vinyl Question - See pics

[douglee25]

Can anyone tell me what's going on with this vinyl? I've never seen this before. It almost has an 'alligator' appearance to it. It's a 2000 boat that's been under cover all the time. The seats are never in direct sunlight unless it's on the water. Owner says the vinyl was that way when he purchased it 8+ years ago. I can't tell if it was neglected or if it was made that way? It's not on the entire seat. It only appears to be on the top and front sections?

If it's neglected, is there anyway to fix without replacement?

 

[peterkvs]

That's how mine always looked. There is dirt in the cracks that makes it stand out more. Use earth brite or shedazzle and it will diminish to almost unnoticeable.

https://www.amazon.com/Shadazzle-Mu...keywords=earth+brite+all+natural+clay+cleaner

 

[fwebster]

I think it is a later Sea Ray vinyl that someone has attempted to clean with a chemical that has attacked the plasticizer in the vinyl surface. That particular fabric does show dirt more than smooth vinyl but it can be cleaned with normal vinyl cleaning methods without resorting to acetone, lacquer thinner, brake wash, etc.

 

[douglee25]

That's how mine always looked. There is dirt in the cracks that makes it stand out more. Use earth brite or shedazzle and it will diminish to almost unnoticeable.

https://www.amazon.com/Shadazzle-Mu...keywords=earth+brite+all+natural+clay+cleaner

Thanks for the info. I'll check that product out.

I think it is a later Sea Ray vinyl that someone has attempted to clean with a chemical that has attacked the plasticizer in the vinyl surface. That particular fabric does show dirt more than smooth vinyl but it can be cleaned with normal vinyl cleaning methods without resorting to acetone, lacquer thinner, brake wash, etc.

Just to clarify - are you under the impression it will still clean up even after the chemical usage?

Thanks.

 

[fwebster]

Hard to tell without seeing it, but the first thing to do is to try a Magic Eraser and just hope it is ground in dirt, then try Soft Scrub if that won't do it, it isn't coming clean because the surface is damaged.

 

[douglee25]

10-4. Odd for sure. I'll have to see where these potential deals end up going.

 

[Craigalan]

Mine get the same thing. Spray Nine then 303. Shiny and good as new. Use a medium bristled brush to get into the grooves. They will sparkle.


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[douglee25]

Thanks everyone.

 

[BleednBlue]

My 2003 Maxum (bought new by me) had the same fabric. What you are seeing is normal for the fabric. Honestly, I grew to like the alligator look.

 

[sibnai1]

Be careful with the chemicals that you decide to use as some of them will separate the dye from the actual vinyl. Do not try to re-create the wheel, use tried and true methods that people with actual experience have posted. The dirt is showing in the creases, you just need to clean the dirt out of the creases.

 

[wayne0]

My 2000 has been like that since I bought it in 2010. SoftSrub WITHOUT bleach! The bleach will eat your stitching. Magic eraser too.

 

[strange weather]

Thanks everyone.

303 and and piece of foam rubber- work it in a little bit the results are amazing!

 

[douglee25]

All great advice. Thanks!

 

[sandydlc]

On the suggestion of someone on this forum, we use Bio-Kleen cleaner on our vinyl: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002UC19OW/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1

It sounds like just what you need if you read the description:

• A multi-purpose cleaner formulated for deep cleaning of vinyl, leather, fabric, boats, RVs and anywhere around the home and garage
• Instantly lifts dirt and stains from the small cracks in vinyl surfaces
• Helps brighten vinyl colors and easily removes yellowing and graying from white vinyl
• Contains specialized enzymes to break down insect debris (on the grill of your car or RV) and deter the growth of mold and mildew (canvas/covers)
• Dissolves stains and destroys odors on contact

I've worn new jeans on board before (yes - bad I know), and this product got the dye out of our seat cushions.

I would advise against Magic Eraser. It's actually a mild abrasive and will eventually cause damage to your vinyl.

Good luck!

Sandy

 

[wayne0]

Thanks for the heads up on the magic eraser.

 

[JVM225]

Do not use Magic Eraser on your vinyl seats. It is abrasive.

 

[PMC]

Do not use Magic Eraser on your vinyl seats. It is abrasive.

It is an abrasive and should not be used for normal everday cleaning. However I have had fantastic results with it on removing tough dirt. Fwiw, I have brought crappy, neglected vinyl back from the dead with it.

I would recommend to use magic eraser with a spray 9, and soak with a 303 cleaner afterwards.