Repairing Scuff Marks on Clear Vinyl

Clear vinyl is strong and waterproof.

Clear vinyl is often used for its window-like appearance. Like glass, it is completely transparent and it blocks out wind, insects or water. However if scuff marks, which can look black, appear on your clear vinyl from wear, it must be treated with special care. Save your clear vinyl car or boat window, flooring or curtain by first observing the damage; most scuff marks are easy to repair and do not need replacing.

Things You'll Need

• Chamois or microfiber towel
• Pencil eraser
• Vinyl cleaner
• Cotton balls
• Mineral spirits or isopropyl alcohol

Instructions

1. 

   A chamois and microfiber towel are made to be absorbant yet gentle.

   Rinse a chamois or microfiber towel in warm water. Twist to remove excess water. Remove your clear vinyl if possible for easier cleaning.

2. Fold the chamois or towel into a square. Gently wipe the entire surface of your clear vinyl in one direction to clean off light scuff marks. Turn the cloth over so you are always using a clean surface on the vinyl.

3. Rub the scuff mark with the tip of your finger. Use a circular motion to rub away the scuff mark and to prevent scratching the vinyl. The gentle motion lifts off light scuff marks.

4. Rub a pencil eraser on a tougher scuff mark in a circular motion. Press firmly to remove the mark and blow off any eraser pieces that come off.

5. Pour a small amount of vinyl cleaner on a cotton ball. Wipe the area on which you used the eraser to both clean and remove any other scuff marks.

6. Add a small amount of mineral spirits or isopropyl alcohol onto a cotton ball. Rub areas where the scuff marks did not come off using the other techniques. When you are finished rinse the chamois or towel in warm water again. Clean off the chemicals from the clear vinyl.

Tips & Warnings

• Keep traffic clear from the vinyl for 30 minutes after treating it.

• Never use any type of sharp object on clear vinyl. They cause scratches and tears that cannot easily be repaired.

• Use mineral spirits or isopropyl alcohol in a well ventilated room.

• Wear gloves when using cleaning products, mineral spirits or isopropyl alcohol.

• Read all warning labels on cleaning products, mineral spirits or isopropyl alcohol.

References

• Empire Today: Vinyl Flooring
• Autotopia Care Care: How To Care For Convertible Tops