Proper Vinyl Care
Proper Vinyl Care
The products found in this artical can be found at Classic Motoring Accessories. http://www.properautocare.com Vinyl is subject to deterioration from thermal heat (baking grime into the surface), UV radiation (causing fading and cracking), abrasion (sliding in and out of seats) and solvents found in some cleaners and dressings.A microscopic view of automotive vinyl would show raw PVC (polyvinyl chloride) covered by a thin layer of plastic called the "topcoat". The topcoat is the part of the vinyl you see and can touch. To keep vinyl soft and flexible, manufacturers add agents known as plasticizers to the raw PVC. A major function of the topcoat is to hold in these plasticizers, which otherwise would evaporate as the sun heats them. This is why new cars develop a greasy "vinyl haze" on the inside windshield for the first three to six months. Protecting the topcoat is the top priority in properly maintaining automotive vinyl. All vinyl manufacturers agree on and recommend the following:General Cleaning: Never use household cleaners, powdered or other abrasives, steel wool, or industrial cleaners, dry cleaning fluids, strong petroleum distillates, bleach or detergents. Use a medium-soft brush, warm soapy water, (such as Ivory soap), wipe or rinse with cool water and then dry. Stubborn stains should be cleaned with an alkaline (soap) based formula, not a solvent (acid) based formula. Eagle One Zap and Eimann Spot Remover are both alkaline based cleaners.Mildew Stains: To kill the bacteria creating the mildew, use a medium-soft brush and vigorously brush the stained area with a 4 to 1 mixture of water and ammonia; rinse with cool water.Note: All cleaning methods should be followed by a thorough rinse with water using a sponge or wet cloth.Obviously abrasives should never be used on vinyl. Strong petroleum distillates are a universal "no no" for both vinyl and rubber and waxes should never be used on vinyl.Virtually all vinyl manufacturers agree that no type of silicone oil should be used on vinyl. Silicone oil vinyl treatments should not be used for several reasons:Silicone oils typically attack the vinyl topcoat by trapping heat. 2. Silicone oils contain no effective UV screening ingredients.Silicone oil formulas are greasy, build-up products which attract dust, and soil more quickly. READ THE LABEL! Product directions suggesting more than one coat for better cosmetic enhancements are build-up products and not recommended by vinyl manufacturers.Recommended Vinyl Care Products:303 Protectant. 303 is a beautififying liquid sunscreen which will keep vinyl looking like new. 303 contains no petrochemicals, silicone oils or petroleum distillates. 303 is not a build-up product. 303 is not oily or greasy and does not attract dust. In fact, 303 treated vinyl repels dust, dirt and stains, stays cleaner longer and is much easier to clean when finally soiled. 303 is the most powerful UV screening treatment available for vinyl, leather, and rubber. Regular use of 303 can reduce UV caused slow-fade up to 100%.Lexol Vinylex. Vinylex is a one-step cleaner and protectant. Vinylex is a water-based product with special emulsifiers and wetting agents that deep cleans and brings grime to the surface where it can be easily wiped away. Vinylex contains DH60, a strong sunscreen to protect against the harmful effects of ozone and ultraviolet radiation. Vinylex is not a build-up product but does contain a patented bi-modal silicone for gloss.Pinnacle Vinyl & Rubber Protectant. Vinyl & Rubber Protectant uses natural oils and conditioners to keep vinyl flexible and supple. Vinyl & Rubber Protectant is a water-based product and contains no petroleum distillates or silicone oils. It has the lowest gloss (a very satin finish) and best fragrance (natural oils) of any product we offer. Pinnacle Vinyl & Rubber Protectant is not a build-up product.303 Protectant contains the strongest UV sunscreen, Lexol Vinylex the second strongest and Pinnacle Vinyl & Rubber Protectant the weakest sunscreen.Application Tips:In cold weather climates, applying a vinyl & rubber dressing to trunk/door weather stripping helps prevent doors and trunks from freezing shut.Don't spray dressings directly on the dash where they can splatter on the windshield. Apply dressings to an applicator pad and then wipe the dash.A light to medium application of Vinylex on bumpers helps to remove bugs & debris as well as grime and rubber stains.Spray a light coating of 303 or Vinylex into undercoated wheel wells to keep them looking factory fresh.In the home, spray 303 on fiberglass and tile in the shower area to reduce soap films.