Vinyl Repair and Care

Vinyl is a man-made fabric of plastic and cloth.  It is extremely durable and will hold up under almost any conditions, making it the preferred upholstery fabric for boast cushions, car interiors and patio furniture.  As tough as vinyl is, it is not resistant to harm which may result in you needing to make a vinyl repair.

Caring for your Vinyl

There are some things you can do to maintain your vinyl products.  Keep it out of direct sunlight.  This can cause it to fade and crack.  Avoid abrasives, industrial cleaners and never use steel wool on vinyl.

To clean lightly soiled vinyl use a solution of 10% household liquid dish soap and warm water applied with a soft cloth.  Rinse it with cool water and dry.

For more stubborn stains applied with a soft white cloth, you can use a solution of 10% bleach to 90% water. Gently rub the vinyl then rinse it with a clean damp cloth.

As Always, you should test these methods first on an inconspicuous area of your vinyl product before moving on to a more visible part.  Avoid using paper towel as this can sometimes be abrasive and always make sure you are in a well ventilated area.

When storing your vinyl goods you should clean them first to prevent attracting critters.  Avoid storing it in attics, basement and other places that are vulnerable to mold, mildew and insects.  The best place for storage is a cool, dry room or closet that allows sufficient air circulation.

Leather and vinyl repair require totally different methods and cannot be made in the same manner or with the same materials.

Even with the best of care accidents happen and vinyl repairs may be needed.  The backside of vinyl is lined with a cloth/fabric backing. If you have any cracks or cuts, you can see the fabric backing (usually white in color).  Like leather repair kits, vinyl repair kits can be time consuming and take some skill to master.

A quick and easy vinyl repair method is the MastaPlasta patch. The special adhesive patches allow you to make instant vinyl repairs that don’t peel off.  Available in several shapes, sizes and colours, it’s the economical way to your vinyl repair needs.