Faded bimini top canvas - restore? - Maxum Boat Owners Club

ImRich · 06-06-2012, 12:22 AM

Is there a way to restore (or partially restore) a faded bimini top?

I don't mind if it's not perfect. The canvas is a few years old, but still seems to be in good shape, except that it's faded. Most of the canvas treatments that I find online specifically say that they 'will not change the color of your canvas'. In this case, I would like it to change and look the same as when it's wet (which isn't as faded looking as when it is dry).

Any ideas short of new canvas? I'm just trying to stretch the life of what I currently have, and have it look a little nicer until a replacement is absolutely required.

Thanks for any ideas!

Jerryh3 · 06-06-2012, 02:30 AM

Not really. Most covers are synthetic materials which don't take dye well.

seapuppy · 06-06-2012, 04:19 AM

hmmmm....I got nuthin cept to spring for a new top!!......

contact leta's top shop in arlington way....she has the original patterns....price is fair....

SP

pascavone · 06-06-2012, 06:12 PM

they sell canvas spray paint, its fabric paint.

they also sell vinyl paint for seats.

it works well and the paint is flexible, so it dose not flake off.

try a panel with $6 a can of spray paint.

ImRich · 06-07-2012, 03:38 AM

I never thought of fabric paint. Perhaps I'll consider it.

shrew · 06-07-2012, 02:28 PM

How color fast is a fabric paint? I'd be concerned about streaking. Sunbrella is manufactured with the color all the way through the thread in the fabric. I would go the new canvas route and make sure they are using sunbrella and UV resistant thread. My .02. If it's already faded, it's only a matter of time. If shrinkage hasn't already started, eventually tearing will come next. Replace it now or replace it later. If it's functinoally in tact and this is only a cosmetic concern, then i'd leave it as is if replacing isn't an option.

ImRich · 06-07-2012, 03:29 PM

I have so much to do on this boat that I want to try to go in stages. If I can make the bimini look better before replacing it, I'd like to try it.

pascavone · 06-07-2012, 08:33 PM

my isenglass is getting yellowed around the edges, so before i cut it out and have it replaced, i am going to try and auto details trick they use on jeep's, which is metal polish and a low rpm buffing wheel, which according to youtube buffs the plastic smooth again like a like compound.

ImRich · 06-09-2012, 10:30 AM

After looking closer at the bimini top, I think I can make it look much better with good washing, de-molding and water proofing.

I'll try some picture if I'm able.

I'm not sure if this is original 1990 canvas or not yet. Luckily it's not ripped (yet).

shrew · 06-11-2012, 07:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pascavone

my isenglass is getting yellowed around the edges, so before i cut it out and have it replaced, i am going to try and auto details trick they use on jeep's, which is metal polish and a low rpm buffing wheel, which according to youtube buffs the plastic smooth again like a like compound.

Take a look at Flitz and a powerbuff ball on a drill. According to Flitz and the folks at ShipeShape TV, it is supposed to work well. I used Imar's polish this weekend and the admiral did the finish polishing with a handrill and a powerbuff ball. People were coming by all weekend commenting that the glass looked new. These are 5 yr. old curtains. The guy who replaced my curtains asked the admiral to do ONE panel on his boat so he could watch how she did it.

For heavy discoloration, I'd use the Flitz instead of Imar's.

BTW- Flitz IS marketed as a metal polish.

ImRich · 06-11-2012, 07:59 PM

I did a first wash on my rear cockpit cover. Wow, it almost looks like new. There still is a bit of mildew stains, and most is coming out, but I have some Iosoo Mold and Mildew stain remover coming. This should get rid of the rest of what I missed with the brush. Then I'll treat it with 303 Fabric water repellent.

This is the Iosso Mold and Mildew Stain remover that I'm going to try:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mcpUN03pbwU

This just saved me a bunch of money!

pascavone · 07-09-2012, 11:54 PM

i tried using comet and it made it clean and cloudy.

Then i Tried the metal polish with the buffing wheel and that made it shinny and cloudy.

what i was told is my isinglass is the automotive type and not good for UV.

my glass was perfect two years ago, kept clean and still clouded up.

I never run with it up, but it looks ugly cloudy.

to replace all three wind shield pieces is only like $150, so I was using my old stuff as a ginnie pig.

iceman · 07-10-2012, 04:27 PM

I just cleaned my Sunbrella mooring cover for the first time in 2 years. It was pretty dirty with bird droppings and various dirt on top, and mildew underneath. The Sunbrella website stressed using mild soap with no detergent to avoid removing the water repellant. It also suggested using diluted bleach for the mildew. So I used a mixture of 1/4 cup soap and 1/4 cup bleach with a gallon of water. Applied it with a soft brush, let it sit for 20 minutes and rinsed. Worked great!