BOAT OWNER RECOMMENDATIONS

MARINE GRADE VINYL

First and foremost, we are boaters! As a result we have seen most of the problems that boat owners deal with. Proper
care of your boat can prolong the life of the upholstery and enhance your satisfaction with your interior. There are some
common problems that all boat owners may develop. Most of these are avoidable with care and attention.

AVOID AGING
To avoid premature aging use only approved cleaners or a cleaner that is water based. ALWAYS RINSE ANY CLEANING
AGENT OFF COMPLETELY AFTER USE. Most stains can be removed if caught early, and cleaned with a soft bristle brush
and a cleaner like Dawn dish soap. Create lather and lightly scrub with the brush.

Cover your boat when not in use. Shore stations allow for air flow and protection against the sun and rain and are a very
good method for long term storage. Allow adequate venting when using a cover, to avoid trapping moisture and reduce
the effect of UV, which can damage the surfaces of the boat (carpet, upholstery, Gelcoat) over time. Refrain from stowing
wet towels, all weather gear, swimsuits, etc. inside the boat. Cabinets and lockers should be opened, if possible, to aid in air
circulation. Moisture absorbing desiccants may aid in controlling interior moisture.

AVOID “PINK STAIN” - BEWARE OF THE MICROORGANISMS

The two principal causes of offensive odors and unsightly stains and growths are bacteria and fungi, commonly called
microorganisms. Bacteria are simple, single-celled organisms. Fungi, referred to as mold and mildew, are significantly more
complex. A subset of fungal organisms is a type that produces colored by-products as par t of its digestive process. These
by-products are recognized as stains and are typically pink, yellow, purple or black.

BREAK THE CHAIN

To have a mildew problem you need four elements, which are referred to as the Mildew Square. In order for mildew to
proliferate, spores, food, warmth, and moisture are necessary. Elimination of one of these elements would break the square,
and the mildew problem would be eliminated. The most likely element to control is moisture. Keep the surface dry and the
ambient air dry and you can break the link in the Mildew Square. In actuality, this is very difficult. Marine upholstery may be
dry when one sits on it, but it is constantly exposed to rain, splashes and wet bathing suits.

Additional Pink Stain/ Mildew information can be found in the Resource Library. MILDEW SQUARE

TO DECREASE RISK OF PINK STAIN

• Keep your boat free of dirt and debris, and upholstery as dry as possible. SPORES
• Clean frequently with mild soap and water, paying special attention to crevices.
WATER

FOOD
• Always allow upholstery to dry completely!

• Cover the boat when not in use, allowing for adequate venting.
WARMTH
Always remove stains immediately. Upholstery must be kept CLEAN!

The information published in this care guide was developed from the Chemical Fabrics & Film Association, Inc.

©2014 Spradling International, Inc. ®

This information is not a guarantee and does not relieve the user from the responsibility of the proper and safe use of the product and cleaning agents.
The use of cer tain agents can be harmful to the surface appearance and lifespan of vinyl. Spradling, its agents, and assigns assume no responsibility resulting
from the use of such cleaning agents to the vinyl. Cer tain clothing and accessory dyes (such as those used on denim jeans) may migrate to lighter colors.
This phenomenon is increased by humidity and temperature and is irreversible.

Find more vinyl cleaning & care information at: www.spradlingvinyl.com/sim or call the cleaning hotline at 1-800-247-9901

3/30/16

3415 Roger B. Chaffee | Memorial Drive S.E. | Suite 203 1726 Henry G. Lane St.
Grand Rapids, MI 49548 Maryville, TN 37801
800.967.7753 800.247.9901
 MARINE UPHOLSTERY
MARINE GRADE VINYL

M A RIN E UPH OLST ERY FAB R I C AT I ON

The following component attributes are strongly recommended for all marine upholstery,
to assure longevity and extended trouble-free service life of exterior marine upholstery.
• Vi ny l - marine grade quality treated with anti-fungal and antibacterial
additives to retard mildew and bacterial growth and pink mildew
by-products.
• Po ly u reth a n e Fo a m - treated to inhibit fungal growth, and should pass
all standard anti-fungal and antibacterial standards such as ASTM G-21
(CFFA - 120), ASTM E1428 and AATCC 147 (CFFA -300).
• Sub s tr u c tu re (Fr a m e / B a s e ) - plywood, if used, should be marine
grade treated to be mildew and rot resistant.
• Sewin g Th rea d - polyester recommended 69 (3 ply) or 92 (4 ply).
• N eed le Siz e - #20 for 69 (3 ply) thread, or #22 for 92 (4 ply)
thread.
• Po lye thy len e Film - not recommended as an encapsulating barrier
between the vinyl cover and cushioning polyurethane foam.
• Ve n tin g - upholstery as well as substructure should be vented to allow
any trapped moisture to escape and dissipate.

B OAT OWNER R ECOMM E N DAT I O N S

It is wise that boat owners cover their boats when not in use. Allow adequate venting
to avoid trapping moisture to assist in reducing the adverse effect of continuous sunlight,
which can degrade upholstery components over time and shorten the service life of
exterior upholstery.
Boat owners should refrain from stowing wet towels, all-weather gear, swimsuits, etc.
inside their boats. Cabinets and lockers should be opened, if possible, to aid in air
circulation. Moisture absorbing desiccants will aid in controlling interior moisture.

3/30/16

3415 Roger B. Chaffee | Memorial Drive S.E. | Suite 203 1726 Henry G. Lane St.
Grand Rapids, MI 49548 Maryville, TN 37801
800.967.7753 800.247.9901
 TERMINOLOGOY
FOR VINYL-COATED FABRIC
ABRASION RESISTANCE- Wearability of a vinyl
coated fabric (or any product) to resist surface
damage from rubbing or chafing.
ADHEASION- Bonding strength between the backing
and the vinyl surface.
BACKING- Any product used as a carrier to support
a vinyl surface adding overall product strength,
including fabric, non-woven, paper, etc.
CALENDER- Dry compound manufacturing method
used to apply a controlled coating of vinyl hum so as
to produce a film. Compound is heated and drawn
through a series of high temperature polished rolls
to combine all chemicals into the necessary film
thickness. It can then be laminated to any backing to
remain as a film, if desired.
CAST COATING- Liquid (plasticol) manufacturing
process for expanded or non-expanded vinyls
using casting release paper to carry product during
production process. Cast coating manufacturing
method allows for greater accuracy in total product
quality vs. calendering vinyl production procedure.
EXPANDED VINYL- Vinyl coated construction
consisting of three major parts- BACKING, FOAM
(center section) and vinyl SKIN SURFACE. During
production, heat is utilized to "cook" the vinyl making
the middle foam layer "expand," thus creating the
term "expanded" vinyl.
FILLER- Additive (calcium carbonate) generally used
to increase the weight of a vinyl product in lieu of
adding other raw materials. (Fillers are also referred
to as LOADING AGENTS.)
FILM- Solid or flexible vinyl (of any thickness) without
a backing.
FLAT VINYL- Another name for non-expanded vinyl.
FOGGING- Phenomenon created when a
vinyl-coated fabric or film is subjected to high
temperatures in confined areas. Result is plasticizer
exudation (common to automobile interiors).
GAUGE- Total thickness of a vinyl product.
Copyright © 2011 by Spradling International, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
3415 Roger B. Chaffee | Memorial Drive S.E. | Suite 203
Grand Rapids, MI 49548
800.967.7753
GRAIN (EMBOSSING)- Mechanically textured
surface of vinyl.
LAMINATED- Bonding of film and fabric usually with
heat and adhesive.
MILDEW PROOF- Treatments given to vinyl
compound and/or a backing to retard the growth of a
variety of fungi that may result in mildew growth.
NON-EXPANDED VINYL- Vinyl coated product
manufactured without a foam layer between the skin
surface and backing.
PIGMENT- Compound used to provide color.
PLASTICIZER- Additive used to make basic raw
material, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), soft and flexible.
PRINT- Application of tinted inks used to change the
surface appearance of a solid color. Prints are used to
give vinyl fabrics a variety of surface looks including
floral, leathers, etc.
PVC- Common name for polyvinyl chloride resin, the
basic raw material in all vinyls.
SLIP FINISH- Same as top coat.
SKIN THICKNESS- Overall thickness of the wear
layer surface (solid vinyl).
STRIKE-THROUGH- Manufacturing defect that
allows texture from backing to show on surface area.
SUBSTRATE- Another name for backing.
TEAR STRENGTH- Ability of vinyl fabric to resist
tearing. Measured horizontally and vertically on
surface areas.
TOPCOAT- Thin layer of clear or tinted vinyl used on
wear surface to protect total product from abrasion.
Topcoat also provides desired degree of gloss.
TOP SKIN- The thin vinyl layer in an expanded
product.
UNSUPPORTED VINYL- Any vinyl film or expanded
produced without a backing.
UV STABILIZED PIGMENTS- Special pigments
formulated to resist fading or color change resulting
from long-term exposure to the run (ultra-violet
rays).
3/30/16
1726 Henry G. Lane St.
Maryville, TN 37801
800.247.9901
 APPROVED CLEANERS
SPRADLING INTERNATIONAL MARINE

Finish | Topcoat
Cleaner’s Acrylic Napa
Cleaner Grey Scale ISO Grey Scale ISO Grey Scale ISO
Manufacturer 105-A03 105-A03 105-A03
Grey Scale ISO 105-A03

303 Fabric / Vinyl Cleaner 4.5 4.5 4 4.5

(dilution: 1/2 cup (4 oz) 303 Products, Inc. Slight Color Slight Color Moderate Slight Color
in 1 gallon water) Change Change Color Change Change

A&G Boat Wash & 4.5 4.5 4.5 4.5

Multipurpose Cleaner A&G Industries, Inc. Slight Color Slight Color Slight Color Slight Color
(6:1 dilution) Change Change Change Change

4.5 4.5 4.5 4.5

All Purpose CMI Vclean Slight Color Slight Color Slight Color Slight Color
Vinyl Cleaner
Change Change Change Change

4.5 4.5 4.5 4.5

Asepticare TB + 11 Ecolab Slight Color Slight Color Slight Color Slight Color
Change Change Change Change

Babe’s Boat Care Wash 4.5 4.5 4.5 4.5

Babe’s Boat Slight Color Slight Color Slight Color Slight Color
(dilution: 1 oz per gallon Care Products Change Change Change Change
of water)

Bio Kleen Amazing 4.5 4.5 4 4

Bio Kleen
(dilution: 6 oz per gallon Slight Color Slight Color Moderate Moderate
Products Inc.
of water) Change Change Color Change Color Change

4 4 4
Caviwipes XL Packed Metrex Moderate Moderate Moderate Discoloration
Color Change Color Change Color Change Not Approved

4.5 4.5 4.5 4.5

Crystal Simple Green
Sunshine Makers, Inc. Slight Color Slight Color Slight Color Slight Color
(dilution 1:30)
Change Change Change Change

4.5 4.5 4.5 4.5

Coverage Plus
Spray Nine Slight Color Slight Color Slight Color Slight Color
Germicidal Wipes
Change Change Change Change

Dispatch 4.5 4.5 4 4.5

(1:10 dilution) Caltech Industries Inc. Slight Color Slight Color Moderate Slight Color
Change Change Color Change Change

4.5 4.5 4.5 4.5

Ducky All
Ducky Products, Inc. Slight Color Slight Color Slight Color Slight Color
Purpose Cleaner
Change Change Change Change

Cleaner results are rated on a scale of 1 - 5 1-3: Causes discoloration. Not recommended 4-5: *Recommended for use

*Cleaners only recommended if diluted per manufacturer’s instructions.

Topical cleaners must be wiped off with clean water and dried with clean cloth following application.

The performance results shown in this chart are not guaranteed for all SII Vinyl and Polyurethane products.
The evaluations are indicators after laboratory tests and may not be indicative of field performance.

Page 1 3/31/2016

Spradling International, Inc. • P.O. Box 1668 • 200 Cahaba Valley Parkway North • Pelham, AL 35124 • 800.333.0955
 APPROVED CLEANERS
SPRADLING INTERNATIONAL MARINE

Finish | Topcoat
Cleaner’s Acrylic Napa
Cleaner Grey Scale ISO Grey Scale ISO Grey Scale ISO
Manufacturer 105-A03 105-A03 105-A03
Grey Scale ISO 105-A03

4.5 4.5 4.5 4.5

Fabric Cleaner Tekonsha Corp. Slight Color Slight Color Slight Color Slight Color
Change Change Change Change

Fanatastik® Antibacterial 4.5 4.5 4.5 4.5

All Purpose Cleaner S.C. Johnson & Son, Inc. Slight Color Slight Color Slight Color Slight Color
Heavy Duty Change Change Change Change

Formula 409® 4.5 4.5 4.5 4.5

Antibacterial The Clorox Company Slight Color Slight Color Slight Color Slight Color
All-Purpose Cleaner Change Change Change Change

4.5 4.5 4.5 4.5

Glance NA Diluted
Diversey Inc. Slight Color Slight Color Slight Color Slight Color
(1:50 water)
Change Change Change Change

4.5 4.5 4.5 4.5

GP Forward Diluted Slight Color Slight Color Slight Color
Diversey Inc. Slight Color
(1:64 water) Change Change Change
Change

4.5 4.5 4.5 4.5

Hydrogen Peroxide
Clorox Slight Color Slight Color Slight Color Slight Color
Cleaner Disinfectant Wipes
Change Change Change Change

Lustrell Faux Leather 4.5 4.5 4.5 4

Care Kit - Warwick Lustrell Slight Color Slight Color Slight Color Moderate
Lustrell Regular Cleaner Change Change Change Color Change

4 4 4.5 4.5
Lysol Foaming
Brand, IC Moderate Moderate Slight Color Slight Color
Disinfectant Cleaner
Color Change Color Change Change Change

Mold & Mildew Stain 4.5 4.5 4.5 4.5

Remover dilution: 1 scoop Iosso Marine Products Slight Color Slight Color Slight Color Slight Color
(1/2 oz) per quart water Change Change Change Change

4.5 4.5 4.5 4.5

Mother’s Leather Cleaner Mothers Slight Color Slight Color Slight Color Slight Color
Change Change Change Change

4.5 4.5 4.5 4

Oxivir TB Wipes Diversey Inc. Slight Color Slight Color Slight Color Moderate
Change Change Change Color Change

Cleaner results are rated on a scale of 1 - 5 1-3: Causes discoloration. Not recommended 4-5: *Recommended for use

*Cleaners only recommended if diluted per manufacturer’s instructions.

Topical cleaners must be wiped off with clean water and dried with clean cloth following application.

The performance results shown in this chart are not guaranteed for all SII Vinyl and Polyurethane products.
The evaluations are indicators after laboratory tests and may not be indicative of field performance.

Page 2 3/31/2016

Spradling International, Inc. • P.O. Box 1668 • 200 Cahaba Valley Parkway North • Pelham, AL 35124 • 800.333.0955
 APPROVED CLEANERS
SPRADLING INTERNATIONAL MARINE

Finish | Topcoat
Cleaner’s Acrylic Napa
Cleaner Grey Scale ISO Grey Scale ISO Grey Scale ISO
Manufacturer 105-A03 105-A03 105-A03
Grey Scale ISO 105-A03

4.5 4.5 4.5 4.5

Oxycide Diluted - Slight Color Slight Color Slight Color
Ecolab Slight Color
3 oz/gl in water Change Change Change Change

4.5 4.5 4.5 4.5

Sanicloth AF 3 PDI Slight Color Slight Color Slight Color Slight Color
Change Change Change Change

4.5 4.5 4.5 4.5

Simple Green Towels Simple Green Slight Color Slight Color Slight Color Slight Color
Change Change Change Change

Stride Floral Neutral (1:32 4.5 4.5 4.5 4.5

water) - Daily clean (1:64 Diversey Inc. Slight Color Slight Color Slight Color Slight Color
water - Clean excess dirt) Change Change Change Change

Stride Fragrance Free 4.5 4.5 4.5 4.5

Neutral Cleaner Diversey Inc. Slight Color Slight Color Slight Color Slight Color
(1:266 water) Change Change Change Change

4.5 4.5 4.5 4.5

Super S Tekonsha Corp. Slight Color Slight Color Slight Color Slight Color
Change Change Change Change

4.5 4.5 4.5 4.5

Super Sani-cloth PDI Slight Color Slight Color Slight Color Slight Color
Change Change Change Change

4 4 4.5 4.5
Vinyl Sauce Boat Blins Moderate Moderate Slight Color Slight Color
Color Change Color Change Change Change

4.5 4.5 4.5 4.5

Virex II 256 Diversey Inc. Slight Color Slight Color Slight Color Slight Color
(1:256 dilution) Change Change Change Change

4.5 4.5 4.5 4.5

Virox 5 Rtu Diversey Inc. Slight Color Slight Color Slight Color Slight Color
Change Change Change Change

4.5 4.5 4.5 4.5

Wex Cide 128 Wexford Labs, Inc. Slight Color Slight Color Slight Color Slight Color
(1:128 dilution)
Change Change Change Change

Cleaner results are rated on a scale of 1 - 5 1-3 : Causes discoloration. Not recommended 4-5 : *Recommended for use

*Cleaners only recommended if diluted per manufacturer’s instructions.

Topical cleaners must be wiped off with clean water and dried with clean cloth following application.

The performance results shown in this chart are not guaranteed for all SII Vinyl and Polyurethane products.
The evaluations are indicators after laboratory tests and may not be indicative of field performance.

Page 3 3/31/2016

Spradling International, Inc. • P.O. Box 1668 • 200 Cahaba Valley Parkway North • Pelham, AL 35124 • 800.333.0955