The Upholstery Forum

Thanks for looking at my post. I have searched for an answer to my question but haven't found a really good, complete one. SO, I'll ask it hear in hopes of continued Awesome feedback from the members. My question is about the different kinds of vinyl that are out there. My main interest is in automotive work, However, hopefully your responses go beyond just automotive applications.

I'm sure there are different kinds of vinyl for seats, door panels etc. Are there different grades, thicknesses, weights etc?? If so how do you know which one to use in a certain situation? Are some better if they are going to be exposed to a lot of sunshine? Do some wear better over time? Do some stand up to damp areas better than others? Do some work better in curved applications, maybe stretching more or less?

I'm sure you get where I'm coming from. As I've said before, I'm new to all of this and just wanting some guidance and also some knowledge so I can make good decisions in the future when selecting vinyl. Thanks Again Everyone!! Mark

@TorqueMonster1 I'll be watching this post too! I know little. Best vinyl for sun is UV rated vinyl, marine and automotive. I once went to fabric store and bought a vinyl remnant to make my dog a bed. I scratched everyone of them with my finger nail because I didn't want hers to rip it. I found a tough one. I stitched up a bed and 7 months later is still wasn't scratched but her body oils made the vinyl blister and peel. I think it was meant for wall covering. I will never buy vinyl that doesn't come with a spec sheet again! So it's good you are asking before you buy. Look forward to learning more about it.

@TorqueMonster1 I’ve had good luck with Morbern vinyls, they have a good line of marine and auto. I think every company has different grades, so doesn’t hurt to ask the vendor either. Along with the UV vinyls like @kl4bidn said, use a good UV thread. I’ve found that the more leather like the vinyl even for auto grade vinyl, the more delicate it is. Can’t think of the brand right off the top of my head. I think to give it that softer, supple feel, they take some of the wear and scratch resistance out of it. But this is just me others may have their opinions too.

@kl4bidn,

I have 24 years experience with testing vinyls and bodies. Every single one of them is going to harder up after a couple of years then crack. Look for Prauge it was vinyl used on a major medical table manufacture.

Hey @BigRig I watched a boat trimmer video a while back and he stated that if you wanted to keep your vinyl boat seats looking good and remaining soft for years to come you should wipe them down with mineral spirits once a year using liberal amounts of it. I tested his suggestion on a 20 year old golf cart we have because if it ruined it I wouldn't be out much but to my amazement it worked! It cleaned and re- softened the vinyl to like new! He said when the mineral spirits evaporates it leaves the oil behind to condition the vinyl. Just thought I would pass this tid bit along.

@Bondo497 i didn’t know this either, thanks for sharing I might suggest this to customers coming in with vinyl work esp boats!

@Bondo,

Cool Bondo. I have a seriously dry cracked vinyl table that I will give this a shot to tomorrow.

@TorqueMonster1 Vinyl comes recommended for different applications. Furnature , Marine, Automotive, Hospitality, ETC. Most vinyls are fine to use in cars. Marine vinyl will have mildew resistance. Some are more wear resistant than others. This is indicated buy the double rub rating of the fabric. The have UV ratings also. However with cars I dont focus on this to much. My main concern when choosing fabric for a build is. Do I like the color and do I like the feel of the fabric. Now if your doing tractor seats and you only care about durability you can also find strong vinyl suited for that application as well but it wont be nice and soft vinyl.

@Bondo497 I have heard of this and it makes sense but I have never tried it. Thanks!