CLEANING AND WATERPROOFING
As a leading manufacturer of boat canopies and covers, the most frequently asked questions we receive are:
Throughout its lifetime, your boat canopy has to constantly endure nature’s elements. The greatest cause of problems for all types of boat cover is Ultra Violet from the sun, yes, even in the UK! Add to that, the effects of wind, rain and extremes of temperature and you realise how robust your covers need to be.
The first step in deciding how best to treat your canopy is to ascertain what type of material it is made from. The two most common fabrics are PVC-coated Polyester and Acrylic Canvas. If you’re unsure what type of fabric is on your boat here are some tips to help you identify them along with the best treatment for each:
PVC-coated Polyester
This is a fairly heavy fabric which tends to become stiff with age. It is generally coated with a PVC layer which has a grained texture on the top side and a smooth surface on the underside which is often silver/grey in colour. Some PVC’s have a canvas backing; these aren’t really suitable for boat covers although I have seen a fair few.
It’s fair to say that PVC covers are the lowest maintenance option; they can easily be cleaned using soapy water, a hosepipe or even a power-wash. They don’t require any special treatment and will never need re-waterproofing. However, the life of a PVC cover can be greatly extended with careful cleaning and use of a good PVC protector which provides a barrier against atmospheric pollutants and UV. We recommend a cleaner and a conditioner from "SLEEK" which are formulated specifically for use on marine covers and will not damage the environment as they are completely biodegradable.
Acrylic Canvas & Weathermax 80
These are both lighter-weight fabrics made from woven solution-dyed acrylic or polyester yarns and will retain its colour for many years and will remain flexible throughout their lifetime but they do require a little more care and maintenance.
To clean your canvas we recommend “Sprayhood & Tent Shampoo” from “ULTRAMAR”. (Don’t use detergents as they can damage the waterproof coating on the canvas). Apply the solution using the trigger-spray bottle paying attention to any persistent soiled areas. Allow to soak into the dirt for a while before rinsing with clean water. If you use a brush be careful not to use it on the vinyl windows as they will scratch.
The most common causes of staining on woven fabrics are black/brown Mildew and green Algae/Moss.
Heavy Cleaning for Stubborn Stains and Mildew:
Acrylic and Polyester fabrics do not promote mildew growth; however, mildew may grow on dirt and other foreign substances that are not removed from the fabric.
To clean stubborn stains:
Note: Use caution when using bleach solution and be careful not to allow it onto other areas which may be adversely affected.
Many marine canvas products, including covers, canopies and cockpit cushions, use “Sunbrella” brand fabrics. The Sunbrella website has detailed instructions on how to care for their canvas products which can be found at www.sunbrella.com/cleaning. The same principles may be applied to any marine acrylic canvas.
The “Dreaded Green”
Another common complaint with canvas is the appearance of green staining, especially along bottom edges or anywhere that water can collect. This is caused by algae or moss growth and can be effectively banished by brushing the affected areas with white vinegar, allowing to stand for half an hour before thoroughly rinsing.
Once your canvas is clean and dry, you will need to treat it to restore its water and stain repellency. This is a simple process in the form of trigger-spray which is applied directly on the clean canvas. As marine acrylic canvas is originally waterproofed using a Fluorocarbon agent it is not advisable to use silicon-based proofers as they will be rejected by the fluorocarbon-treated surface and be ineffective. Always re-proof with a fluorocarbon-based agent such as “ULTRAMAR” Sprayhood Protector.
As a leading manufacturer of boat canopies and covers, the most frequently asked questions we receive are:
- How do I clean my covers?
- How can I protect my covers?
Throughout its lifetime, your boat canopy has to constantly endure nature’s elements. The greatest cause of problems for all types of boat cover is Ultra Violet from the sun, yes, even in the UK! Add to that, the effects of wind, rain and extremes of temperature and you realise how robust your covers need to be.
The first step in deciding how best to treat your canopy is to ascertain what type of material it is made from. The two most common fabrics are PVC-coated Polyester and Acrylic Canvas. If you’re unsure what type of fabric is on your boat here are some tips to help you identify them along with the best treatment for each:
PVC-coated Polyester
This is a fairly heavy fabric which tends to become stiff with age. It is generally coated with a PVC layer which has a grained texture on the top side and a smooth surface on the underside which is often silver/grey in colour. Some PVC’s have a canvas backing; these aren’t really suitable for boat covers although I have seen a fair few.
It’s fair to say that PVC covers are the lowest maintenance option; they can easily be cleaned using soapy water, a hosepipe or even a power-wash. They don’t require any special treatment and will never need re-waterproofing. However, the life of a PVC cover can be greatly extended with careful cleaning and use of a good PVC protector which provides a barrier against atmospheric pollutants and UV. We recommend a cleaner and a conditioner from "SLEEK" which are formulated specifically for use on marine covers and will not damage the environment as they are completely biodegradable.
Acrylic Canvas & Weathermax 80
These are both lighter-weight fabrics made from woven solution-dyed acrylic or polyester yarns and will retain its colour for many years and will remain flexible throughout their lifetime but they do require a little more care and maintenance.
To clean your canvas we recommend “Sprayhood & Tent Shampoo” from “ULTRAMAR”. (Don’t use detergents as they can damage the waterproof coating on the canvas). Apply the solution using the trigger-spray bottle paying attention to any persistent soiled areas. Allow to soak into the dirt for a while before rinsing with clean water. If you use a brush be careful not to use it on the vinyl windows as they will scratch.
The most common causes of staining on woven fabrics are black/brown Mildew and green Algae/Moss.
Heavy Cleaning for Stubborn Stains and Mildew:
Acrylic and Polyester fabrics do not promote mildew growth; however, mildew may grow on dirt and other foreign substances that are not removed from the fabric.
To clean stubborn stains:
- Prepare a solution of 1 cup bleach and 1/4 cup of mild soap per gallon of clean water.
- Soak affected area in solution for 15 minutes.
- Blot stain with a sponge or clean towel. (Note: This step should be avoided when cleaning the coated side
- Rinse thoroughly to remove all soap residue.
- Air Dry.
Note: Use caution when using bleach solution and be careful not to allow it onto other areas which may be adversely affected.
Many marine canvas products, including covers, canopies and cockpit cushions, use “Sunbrella” brand fabrics. The Sunbrella website has detailed instructions on how to care for their canvas products which can be found at www.sunbrella.com/cleaning. The same principles may be applied to any marine acrylic canvas.
The “Dreaded Green”
Another common complaint with canvas is the appearance of green staining, especially along bottom edges or anywhere that water can collect. This is caused by algae or moss growth and can be effectively banished by brushing the affected areas with white vinegar, allowing to stand for half an hour before thoroughly rinsing.
Once your canvas is clean and dry, you will need to treat it to restore its water and stain repellency. This is a simple process in the form of trigger-spray which is applied directly on the clean canvas. As marine acrylic canvas is originally waterproofed using a Fluorocarbon agent it is not advisable to use silicon-based proofers as they will be rejected by the fluorocarbon-treated surface and be ineffective. Always re-proof with a fluorocarbon-based agent such as “ULTRAMAR” Sprayhood Protector.
RECOMMENDED CLEANING & RE-PROOFING PRODUCTS
Ultramar Sprayhood & Tent Shampoo
In time fabric will become generally dirty and contaminated. It is essential that the fabric is cleaned properly to remove soiling and reduce the chance of any algae build up or mildew. For regular cleaning we recommend using Ultramar Sprayhood & Tent Shampoo. It is easy and safe to use and has been specifically developed for regular use to remove dirt, algae and fungi.
1 Litre will treat up to 7sq/metres of fabric.
In time fabric will become generally dirty and contaminated. It is essential that the fabric is cleaned properly to remove soiling and reduce the chance of any algae build up or mildew. For regular cleaning we recommend using Ultramar Sprayhood & Tent Shampoo. It is easy and safe to use and has been specifically developed for regular use to remove dirt, algae and fungi.
1 Litre will treat up to 7sq/metres of fabric.
Ultramar Sprayhood & Tent Protector
This product has been specifically developed to impregnate your cover to provide outstanding water repellency and protection against contamination from dirt, algae and mildew.
1 Litre will treat up to 7sq/metres of fabric.
This product has been specifically developed to impregnate your cover to provide outstanding water repellency and protection against contamination from dirt, algae and mildew.
1 Litre will treat up to 7sq/metres of fabric.
