I have a Hunter 26 (1998) berthed in TX. All of the original vinyl cushions in the cabin have become "sticky" to the touch. We have tried several different cleaning products in an effort to remove the "sticky" but to no avail. Anyone have a suggestion on how to clean the vinyl that will remove the "sticky"?
Sticky in Texas
- Thread starter mccleskeb
- Start date
Maybe not entirely relevent to cushions, but I have found that when my shore power cord gets sticky from being in the sun and heat, nothing removes the sticky short of scraping it off--not a real option with cushions. I've tried various solvents and label removing products to no avail. I believe heat can be the culprit even without exposure to UV, which I assume is what got to your cushions. My other data point comes from some garage door wiring I was just messing with in the attic of my garage, a space that gets quite hot in the summer. The wiring was a sticky as fly paper.
There might be a boat dealer near you that has some experience with the problem down there. It can get pretty hot and humid below where they get stowed.
Acetone might work, or it could melt your vinyl. Try it on a tiny inconspicuous spot.
Here's a thread from the MasterCraft forum where it sounds like they have had the same problem and came up with a solution. https://www.mastercraft.com/teamtalk/showthread.php?t=67364
I have not tried this but they concluded that it was the plasticizer separating out and it may cleanup with Goo Gone.
- Will (Dragonfly)
Here's a thread from the MasterCraft forum where it sounds like they have had the same problem and came up with a solution. https://www.mastercraft.com/teamtalk/showthread.php?t=67364
I have not tried this but they concluded that it was the plasticizer separating out and it may cleanup with Goo Gone.
- Will (Dragonfly)
I tried it on some throwable boat cushions that had the same issue, it worked.
In the past I've used it on shore power cords. Cleans it off but they end up sticky again 6 months later.
They might be breaking down from the sound of it. The only answer may be to cover or replace them.
W
All U Get
We did all the cleaners and diesel with limited success. Bill is right about the elbow grease. We finally opted for covering them with sunbrella.
All U Get
Thanks to all for the replies. Working through the solutions will be my first project of the new year. Happy Sailing!!
On the Hunter 26 cushions as a former dealer who sold nearly a quarter of the production line, Bill Roosa hit it on the nail head, acetone and elbow grease. Just remember not to do that over lexan or other plastic products. That is what I did to include shore power chords of course not plugged in.