Vinyl seat repair

[Johnny Slalom]

I figure this is a common problem that some of you have found a good solution for. I'd like to find something that remains soft yet strong. Any ideas greatly appreciated.

 

[techmitch]

I figure this is a common problem that some of you have found a good solution for. I'd like to find something that remains soft yet strong. Any ideas greatly appreciated.

The darkness on that cushion looks like mold coming out from the inside. I would remove, disassemble and investigate.

 

[Golfman25]

Duct tape.

Search the automobile forums/youtubers. They do a lot a vinyl repair stuff.

 

[OllieC]

I used Fibrenew for some minor work and the local rep did a fantastic job. They will ask for pictures to see if it is repairable.
https://www.fibrenew.com/bellevue-eastside/quote-estimate-form/

 

[KevinC]

I figure this is a common problem that some of you have found a good solution for. I'd like to find something that remains soft yet strong. Any ideas greatly appreciated.

If you are referring to the tear in the corner then yes this is a common point of failure. The corner is a stress point and as the vinyl ages it looses its elasticity. At some point when pressure is applied the vinyl just splits and tears.

Looking at the repair point, the age of the material and the condition of the rest of the vinyl I would think it is about time for a reupholstery. I would think that if any repairs are made they would be temporary at best along with the likelihood that the materials will fail elsewhere. Look along the seams of the rest of the vinyl and if you see a lot of "cracking" - then the material is probably done for.

Based on the time of the year now "white duct tape" may be your friend for the summer and then look into your options going into the fall and consider it a winter job/project.

-Kevin

 

[sbw1]

You are on borrowed time with that seat. However the local vinyl repair guy in your market will likely be able to make it go way for $150. You should do a good job of cleaning the seat before you call him. Otherwise you will have a section that looks brand new next to the “gently used” area of the seat.

 

[Johnny Slalom]

Thanks to all for suggestions. I realized after the fact that my photo was not very useful. Nonetheless, I got some good advice and might take Kevin's advice on the white duct tape until I can redo the upholstery.

 

[LG111]

Thanks to all for suggestions. I realized after the fact that my photo was not very useful. Nonetheless, I got some good advice and might take Kevin's advice on the white duct tape until I can redo the upholstery.

Here is an easy solution to buy you time and not use tape. Online like Amazon you'll find vinyl repair kits. There is one that you can just buy a tube of white. Or buy the colors and mix to the current look. They all come with backing cloth. So cut a piece about twice the size of the hole and put it in the hole. It will take some time getting it smooth under the edges, but you can. Then fill the hole with the repair. Do this in stages and not in one shot. Let it cure and come back in 24 hours and fill again. Repeat several times until you see less and less shrinkage, and the hole is now level. After several days and you have it where you want it, layer wise. Then use one of those eraser white sponges and gently further smooth it out. It won't be perfect and no one will really notice it, but enough to last a few more seasons and you won't get picked on for using tape from your buddy's.

 

[LG111]

Here is what I used. Very close match to the sea ray white mid 2000's.

 

[douglee25]

Because the vinyl is so old, I would recommend just stitching it up using a blind stich hook. You will obviously see the repair, but it will hold better than a vinyl repair kit and it will look 10x better than 'duck tape'.

https://www.amazon.com/Needles-Repa...uPWNsaWNrUmVkaXJlY3QmZG9Ob3RMb2dDbGljaz10cnVl

 

[JHornsby3]

Because the vinyl is so old, I would recommend just stitching it up using a blind stich hook. You will obviously see the repair, but it will hold better than a vinyl repair kit and it will look 10x better than 'duck tape'.

https://www.amazon.com/Needles-Repa...uPWNsaWNrUmVkaXJlY3QmZG9Ob3RMb2dDbGljaz10cnVl

The leather needles can be had at Johanns and Hobbylobby for around a buck. Leather ones are not just pointed but are a triangle on the tip. I have a bunch left over from my 25 years as a furniture repair tech. Word to the wise, don't stitch it. If the fabric is bad enough to tear, it won't hold even the best of stitches. If it's brittle and dry, you won't be able to get a needle to go in with out the fabric pulling apart.