If you own a boat, then it is highly probable that at one time or another, you will have to make use of professional boat upholstery restoration services. It may be the case that your boat has gotten damaged in a way that makes it difficult for it to function properly anymore. Or perhaps your boat is old and the seats are damaged or faded.
No matter what the reason is for needing boat upholstery restoration services, it is important to note that this is a very serious task that needs to be handled by professionals who are skilled and well-trained in this field. They should also possess the proper tools and materials to do the job correctly. Before taking care of the task, it is important to note that proper preparation is a must. Preparing the boat upholstery by removing all items from the water such as furniture cushions, toys, etc. If not done, then the possibility of mold growth will increase.
When cleaning the boat upholstery using chemical cleaners or fabric softeners, it is essential to follow manufacturer’s guidelines in the cleaning process. It is best if you use a boat upholstery shampoo especially formulated for leather, fabric, vinyl, and upholsteries. While shampooing, it is good to use water and a little soap. This will loosen any dirt particles and let them come out of the fabric or leather.
Prior to treating the boat upholstery, it is important to first remove all accessories from the passenger seats. Make sure to wear rubber gloves to prevent getting saliva or other harmful chemicals on your hands. Then, get rid of all loose blanket and pillows that may be lying around. Clean all cabinetry and drawers using a vacuum cleaner. Make sure to check and replace any fabric softener or other cleaning products often.
After thorough cleaning, apply a marine grade marine plywood to all edges of the boat using a putty knife. Use a marine grade tack glue to attach the putty knife to the plywood. Be sure to apply even pressure so the tack glue is even with the surface of the wood. If the vinyl looks weak, apply more marine vinyl protectant or stain.
Now that all the items were removed, it is time to treat the boat’s upholstered fabric. Begin by spraying the fabric with an enamel spray paint to help the new upholstery adhere to the vinyl. Wait several minutes while the paint dries. If desired color is desired, use a brush to apply the new marine vinyl.
Once the fabric is dry, it is time to attach the marine vinyl upholstery pads. Use stapler or staple gun to hold the stapler evenly on each side of the stitched area. Once the stapled area is dry, it is time to attach the new vinyl upholstery pads. Again, use the stapler or staple gun to hold the pads securely to the upholstery fabric. When the pads are secure, it is time to stitch the area closed.
When the entire area is finished, it is time to move onto the boat top. Using stapler or staple gun, strip off the old protective backing from the foam pads. These strips are needed to help the foam withstand the weight of the new boat top. Then, it is time to cut the foams in half. Use sharp scissors or blades to cut the foams into equal strips. The strips will be used to make a pocket for the marine plywood.
It is important to note that some marine upholstery fabrics are treated with an ultraviolet (UV) curing process. This process helps to protect the vinyl from cracking and warping over time. UV curing also makes the fabrics more stain resistant. This long-lasting treatment can help to reduce the cost associated with repairing fading and cracking.
If mildew does develop on your boat seats during long-term stays at sea or in damp areas, a quick trip to your local hardware store may be in order. Stores typically carry a variety of choices in mildew remover sprays, cleaners and mildew shields. Many of these items can be applied directly to the seat. If mildew does not appear to be a problem, it is likely that your retailer can offer you a variety of sealants and waterproof solutions that can be applied directly to the seat.
Boat upholstery fabric can be cleaned and repaired in the same way as it is cleaned and repaired on automobiles. A bry-tech cleaner is often an excellent option. This bry-tech cleaner is a specialized formula designed to not only loosen dirt and other debris, but to also penetrate the smallest nooks and crevices in the material. These specialized formulas offer a much deeper clean than traditional cleaner chemicals. By using bry-tech solutions on your boat seats and other upholstered boat parts, you will help to extend the life of your marine upholstery. You will also save yourself time and money by preventing future maintenance issues.