Restoring colour to sail covers

[CoralReefer]

Same brand name, usually located in the tools dept. Used for dipping tool handles. I went to the UK site, same product.

[Tubsmacker]

Thats good news, I'll post my results as and when I get around to the job.

[sailingdog]

One word of caution with the plastidip...it will make the covers much heavier and stiffer if it is the stuff I'm thinking of. Also, it is somewhat limited in what colors are available.

[TrueBlue]

For some reason, I'm having difficulty accepting the advise for using plastic tool handle goo for a sail cover coating, as being serious.

Is this application really advisable?

[sailingdog]

I can see it being workable... I don't know if it will cause problems, as sunbrella breathes, but plastidip-coated sunbrella probably will not breathe at all. The problem I see with this approach, or the paint approach, on some reflection, is possibly mildew issues...due to the lack of breathability to the painted or dipped cloth.

[sailortjk1]

I've been a bit hesitant about this thread from the very beginning.
Once UV has done its damage, I think the item needs to be replaced.

[Tubsmacker]

I agree with Sailingdog on the issue of breath-ability that needs further investigation. I think the weight issue is perhaps not so important after all, these things are locker bound when underway are they not? Furthermore, the product can be thinned and sprayed on it appears. As for UV, my initial point was that the UV damaged the colour but not the fabric itself. I'm not being overly miserly, it's just that it seemed a shame if not environmentally wasteful to dump covers simply because of the fading. I wonder if the once breathable Sunbrella could be ventilated with vent studs to make up for the plastic tool dip solution?

It is nice to see such interest in my humble question. I do however view the option of simple replacement as simply 'giving in' and not improving the 'status quo'. Having said this, I think those that buy white covers initially, buy wisely indeed!

[sailingdog]

IIRC, the white sunbrella is the material that breaks down the fastest... the darker colors have better UV resistance. The color won't fade on the white ones...but it might yellow, and it can stain pretty easily.

[Tubsmacker]

Lol, I stand corrected Sir. That, Sailingdog, is why you are a Senior member here and I am a Junior one!

[sailingdog]

Originally Posted by Tubsmacker

Lol, I stand corrected Sir. That, Sailingdog, is why you are a Senior member here and I am a Junior one!

LOL... nah...it's just that my work lets me play on the internet way too much, especially when it is cold up here and my boat is out of the water for the winter season.