Any recommendations on how to clean white vinyl that has developed a yellow tinge(boat is 7 years old). I always try to clean the vinyl, with appropriate cleanser but it still is developing a slight yellow tinge. I am hesitant to use anything too strong(i.e. Clorox)
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Yellowed Vinyl
- Thread starter Idocdes
- Start date
I think that yellowing is caused by UV damage and cannot be cleaned away. It needs to be prevented by keeping the vinyl out of the sun. Also using a vinyl polish with UV inhibitors will help protect it. I think you will have to either reupholster or live with it.
Our new Regal forum moderator, Rommer, had some luck with a product from this manufacturer. Here is the website and I am sure you can reach Rommer who will be glad to answer any questions. http://www.parasolinc.com/leather_dye.asp
They make products for vinyl as well.
Rommer had previously posted his experiences on the Regalowners.com forum but it has been obliterated from view by it's owner.
They make products for vinyl as well.
Rommer had previously posted his experiences on the Regalowners.com forum but it has been obliterated from view by it's owner.
I suspect Liz is on target. PVC (vinyl) is very susceptible to UV degradation. The reason you are seeing visible yellow now is because it was white to begin with - if it had been a darker color the change would be less noticeable. The degradation occurs along the polymer backbone, and there isn't any amount of cleaning that can reverse it. It is primarily a surface effect, so if it is a very smooth surface it may be possible to polish away the degraded surface and restore appearance. This can be done, to a limited extent, on clear vinyl. If the surface has any texture at all, then this will not be a practical option. You may be able to extract a bit more useful life out of it by dying the material. How much life and whether it is worth is is debatable.
There is one other possibility and that is the yellow comes from a reaction of plasticizers commonly used in PVC. If that is the case, you may be remove it via a suitable strong cleaner. If you are willing to give it a go, try Serious Marine Cleaner by Yachtbrite, which is recommended for cleaning vinyl. If that removes the yellow then follow with a good protectant like 303 Aerospace Protectant.
There is one other possibility and that is the yellow comes from a reaction of plasticizers commonly used in PVC. If that is the case, you may be remove it via a suitable strong cleaner. If you are willing to give it a go, try Serious Marine Cleaner by Yachtbrite, which is recommended for cleaning vinyl. If that removes the yellow then follow with a good protectant like 303 Aerospace Protectant.
compromise
Member
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- Jul 6, 2007
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- 27270
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try a product called imar from defender marine