See full version: How to Recondition Vinyl Seats
Apply a second coating of vinyl treatment if the vinyl is still dry and stiff. Continue to add more conditioning treatment until the vinyl is soft and supple once more. The vinyl treatment not only softens the vinyl but also protects the vinyl from sun damage, mildew and other stains.
Spray vinyl treatment directly onto the vinyl. Work the treatment into the pores of the vinyl with a soft cloth. Allow the treatment to soak into the vinyl for about five minutes. Rub the treatment spray into the vinyl seats for several minutes. Allow the treatment spray to dry for one or two hours in the sun. Do not sit on or touch the vinyl until the surface of the vinyl is dry.
Without proper care, vinyl seats can become hard, cracked and brittle. You can recondition the vinyl and give it new life with a simple cleaning and conditioning process. Once the vinyl is clean and conditioned, you can then repair any cracks in the surface of the vinyl. However, if you try to repair cracks before the vinyl is conditioned, the repair will go badly and may even increase the damage to the surface of the vinyl seat.
Clean the surface of the vinyl seats with vinyl cleaner or with warm water and a few drops of dish soap. Work the cleaner into the surface of the vinyl with a soft cloth. Clean and dry the vinyl thoroughly until the cloths no longer come away dirty or gray.
Remove any mildew or mold growing on the vinyl with a mixture of 1 tbsp. ammonia, ¼ cup hydrogen peroxide and 3/4 cup water. Pour this mixture into any container you have on hand or use your sink. Work the ammonia mixture into the vinyl with a soft-bristle brush to remove the mildew from the vinyl. Rinse with water, then dry with old towels. Allow the seats to dry completely.
Clean and condition the vinyl about once a month after the initial conditioning. This will prevent the vinyl from drying and cracking, deep stains and other problems that commonly affect vinyl items. [links]
Here’s how to repair cracking vinyl with a heat gun and grain pad. This method also works for leather, but take care with the heat gun. Leather can shrink and pucker if it is overheated.
The graining kit includes a compound and a catalyst. Mix these together and pour onto an undamaged horizontal surface and allow to cure (about 20-30 minutes). You’ll have a strong, floppy, heat resistant pad with a negative of the material’s grain that can be used to emboss the filler as it cools. Buy only as much as you need, as it spoils rather quickly. Or commit to making a variety of grains. They will last decades!
Like genuine leather, vinyl cracks as it ages and desiccates (dries out). Unlike leather, however, the cracks often create sharp edges that curl upward and stand above the surrounding surface. Even the most skillful repairs often result in a slightly elevated mound. Bear in mind also that if the original vinyl cracked, a repair cannot be expected to last any longer. It may be just as expensive to reupholster or replace the component.
You can repair cracking vinyl with an air-dry compound like our Soft Filler, just as you would real leather. This video demonstrates how to repair leather and vinyl with filler.
But if you borrow a heat gun and buy some graining papers, you’ll get a better result (so long as the vinyl is not a flimsy variety that shrinks with heat). If you plan to make this a hobby or vocation, invest in a graining kit to make your own.
Vinyl upholstery that sits in the sun for long periods, like the vinyl seating on a boat, will eventually require some attention. Vinyl conditioners can help prevent the cracking of the vinyl, but if you have seats that are already starting to look a little brittle, or if the vinyl has already begun to crack, a simple repair will add years to their life and save the cost and effort involved in replacing the seat covers.
Clean and prepare the surface. Usually, this is nothing more than a wet wipe-down with water and a mild detergent to remove any oil on the surface of the vinyl. Be sure the surface is completely dry before continuing with the repair.
Make color matching or color changes by using a vinyl spray paint, which can be found at most auto parts stores. Two light coats should be sufficient; if you match the original color, the finished product is less likely to show scratches that occur in the future. [links]
Many people like using vinyl fabric because it can brave the elements. Also, the fabric is incredibly durable, so it can withstand a little wear and tear. However, as strong as the material is, it’s still prone to cracking. Here are some tips on how to repair cracked vinyl fabric for people experiencing issues.
The first step in repairing cracked vinyl fabric is wetting a washcloth. The washcloth should be damp, but not soaking wet. It’s also vital to use warm water instead of cold. Individuals should then use the rag to dampen the cracked area until all of it is wet. Then, wait until the space is somewhat dry before continuing any further.
Next, place the material over the adhesive. It’s important to ensure that the new fabric is smooth and bump-free before everything is finalized. Individuals can use a flat-edged tool like a screwdriver to avoid any bumps. Surprisingly, the process doesn’t end there. Finally, people should use a hairdryer to further smooth out the material and make sure there are no cracks that’ll worsen over time. [links]