Posted: January 1, 2012
Follow these tips to make it last longer.
Take simple steps to extend the life of your canvas, whether it’s a woven acrylic fabric like Sunbrella or a vinyl-coated woven polyester such as Stamoid, and don’t forget to care for the windows and the hardware such as zippers and snaps. In all cases, contact the manufacturer to make sure you’re using the appropriate cleaners, waterproofing agents and polishes, or risk voiding your product warranty, discoloring your fabric and even damaging surfaces beyond repair.
Cleaning & Mildew Management
The best life preserver for canvas is keeping it clean and dry. Brush off any loose dirt, and wash it thoroughly with a non-detergent mild soap — Ivory or another liquid dishwashing soap — and warm water. Rinse thoroughly and do not let the soap dry on the material. Do not put canvas in a dryer or dry clean it, or you will disrupt some of its added properties such as UV inhibitors and waterproofing. For tough stains on acrylic, mix ¼ cup of non-chlorine bleach in a gallon of water and use a soft bristle brush. Avoid using a pressure washer or steam-cleaning devices.
Sunbrella is breathable but still subject to mildew, especially during the wet winter months or if the boat is covered. Vinyl such as Stamoid will mildew even faster. Ventilation is your friend, and dark, airless environments are like a Petri dish. A nice trick is to mix a solution of 50 percent water and 50 percent white vinegar in a spray bottle, and spray the undersides of the dodgers and Biminis. If you use a cover or tarp, be mindful of the friction points, as Sunbrella will chafe through. Provide as much air circulation as possible by adding vents in your tarp with a product such as Airlettes, which snap into the cover without any special tools.
Waterproofing & Storing
If you remove your canvas for storage, clean and dry it thoroughly and store pieces flat with towels or paper between layers. Do not fold vinyl or polycarbonate windows. In some cases, you may be able to gently roll the layers for extended storage. This is the perfect time to polish the supporting stainless to get rid of rust, which will stain the canvas, and any corrosion at contact points.
Windows & Curtains
Canvas windows are usually made of flexible Isinglass, the more-rigid Strataglass or a polycarbonate-like Barrett (Rainier) glass. Clean them all with water, and never use ammonia-based cleaners such as Windex. In some cases, polishes such as Meguiar’s Mirror Glaze or Plexus are excellent, but Strataglass requires only IMAR cleaners and polishes to preserve its warranty. Never use paper towels, as they are abrasive and impregnated with chemicals that streak. Also, do not use Rain-X, as it may fog the vinyl or cause an “orange peel” effect over time.
Zippers & Snaps
