Marine Upholstery Materials
Just because something is durable doesn't mean it has to be ugly. Such is the case with marine upholstery. Although the material has to withstand the relentless elements found at lake or sea, it now comes in a few different types and a wide range of styles to make your boat's interior as hardy as it is stylish.
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Uses
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Marine upholstery has a number of different uses. Boat interiors feature upholstery on the seat covers, couches and even on padded interior walls, the Omnova site notes. Marine upholstery also covers flotation devices, such as small cushions, and makes a durable fitted boat top that remains in place during boat use.
Types
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Vinyl, polyurethanes and semi-polyurethanes all make ideal marine upholstery, according to the Omnova website. Vinyl is the easier to clean and is available in a variety of colors and textures to suit a number of different tastes. Polyurethanes and semi-polyurethanes offer the look of leather with a softer and more luxurious feel than vinyl, the site says.
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Features
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Quality marine upholstery will have a number of different features that make it ideal for use at sea. It must be durable and able to resist water and UV rays, the Marine Upholstery site says. Another helpful feature is the upholstery's ability to withstand varied temperatures, especially extreme cold, without cracking. Some vinyl fabrics can withstand temperatures as low as -20 degrees Fahrenheit, as well as resist mildew and bacteria.
Care
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Because of its durability and water resistance, marine upholstery is generally easy to clean, according to the Boaters World website. Regular cleaning of vinyl consists of wiping away dirt with a damp cloth followed by a light coat of furniture polish to protect against stains. Clean stains with commercial vinyl cleaners, and remove mildew with a mixture of one part ammonia to four parts water followed by a fresh water rinse. The Omnova site says cleaning polyurethane is also simple. Wipe off dirt with water mixed with a mild soap and dry with a soft cloth. Remove any stains with a damp sponge and spray cleaner.
Warning
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Marine upholstery won't give your boat adequate protection unless you install it with equally durable components, according to the Marine Upholstery website. These components include stainless steel snaps, screws and staples that will not rust or corrode. Nylon zippers are an ideal choice for marine upholstery, as is thread made of Dacron.
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References
- Photo Credit speed boat image by Wimbledon from Fotolia.com
