How to Repair Cracked Vinyl
A crack in the vinyl of a chair or bench does more than take away from the aesthetics of the piece. It also lessens its usability and can be a hazard for the person using the item. Repairing cracked vinyl restores the beauty of the item and prevents further damage. It is important that the repair be done correctly and with the right supplies, otherwise the repair can lead to more damage to the piece or cause injury to anyone who uses it. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Piece of loose vinyl
- Vinyl cleaner
- Sandpaper
- 1 thin paintbrush
- 1 paintbrush, 3-inch
- Vinyl adhesive
- Vinyl paint
Instructions
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1
Create a patch for the crack. Cut a piece of vinyl that will cover the crack with approximately an inch around the crack.
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2
Clean the surface to be repaired. Gently clean the area with vinyl cleaner. Allow to dry. Vinyl cleaner can be purchased at most major store chains.
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3
Sand the area around the crack. Use a fine-grit sandpaper. This will help the glue stick to the area around the crack.
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4
Apply the vinyl adhesive to the sanded area. Using a thin paintbrush, apply the adhesive to the sanded areas around the crack. Do not use too much or it will seep out around the patch.
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5
Glue the patch over the crack. Press the patch over the crack, making sure there are no bubbles or wrinkles in the vinyl. Let the patch sit for 24 hours.
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6
Paint over the patch (if necessary). Apply vinyl paint with thin even strokes over the patch using the 3-inch brush. Allow the coat to dry, and apply a second coat if necessary.
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Tips & Warnings
If you decide to paint the vinyl, test the paint against the surface in an inconspicuous spot to make sure it matches. Also, be aware that through use, the vinyl might have lost some color, therefore the paint might not match perfectly.
Clean the vinyl with vinyl cleaner on a regular basis. This will lessen the chances of the vinyl drying and cracking.
If the tear is large or in a place that will stress the vinyl, a patch might not be enough. The piece might need to be recovered.
