Caring for Boat Fabrics and Trims
With Nathan Brown
Custom Marine Trimming is a family owned and run trim shop that specialises in the marine market but is capable
of much more. The commencement of Custom Marine Trimming in 2007 was the result of the well-known marine
manufacturer, Haines Hunter, relocating to Melbourne, Victoria from their base situated at Yatala, Queensland. At
that time, Gary and his sons, Cameron, Nick and Nathan, ran the in-house trim shop. As this move coincided with the
redevelopment of Horizon Shores Marina by Meridien Marinas it was decided to base Custom Marine Trimming in this
growing precinct.
Gary and his sons have a combined total of 100 years’ experience together in the marine trimming industry. In that
time they have taken ongoing contracts with boat companies involving production schedules. The work required designing
seating, lounges, side boxes, all weather covers suitable for production. Also, our customers of privately owned vessels are
offered custom fitted designs for all external and internal trim work.
Care and cleaning of acrylic canvas
Regularly use a sponge and soft brush to apply mild soap
and warm water to canvas. Rinse thoroughly. Air dry. You
should never use a high-powered washer to clean your covers;
the pressure can damage the cotton.
Mildew and mould can’t and won’t grow on acrylic
canvas, but, can and will grow on dirt. Therefore it is advised
that owners regularly clean their covers.
The recommend cleaning process for clears
Remove any particles on the surface of the materials to
avoid scratches when wiping with a clean cloth.
Clean with a soft fabric cloth using a diluted warm water
based detergent solution of 1:10 (1 part detergent to 10 parts
water) use a neutral detergent, and always check with the
manufacturer.
Rinse completely with clean water and wipe dry with a
soft lint free cloth or sponge.
You should never fold your clears, always roll the clear
for storage. Never roll up your clears when wet, irreparable damage may
occur due to the sunlight magnifying through the clear, and heating up
the moisture captured inside.
If your clears are hard to see through and the outside surrounds are
still ok, we can sew new clears in and cut the old ones out.
The recommend cleaning for zips and zip runner
When it comes to your zips, you should regularly lubricate zips and
zip runners.
Never force a zip as you my damage it. Salt builds up inside your zip
runners, which will stop the zip from working freely.
If you regularly spray your zips with silicone spray (not WD40), you
will maximums the life of your zips.
The recommend cleaning and maintenance for
press-stubs
With press-studs, a little bit of Vaseline on each clip will help to stop
the salt build up.
If you have any clips that are stuck, use a flat head screwdriver
between the press-stud and the clip in your cover to pop it off.
You should never try to pull on the cover as the clip may pull out of
the cover completely.
The recommend cleaning for vinyl and leather
cushion
When it comes to your vinyl and leather cushion, we recommend
using Arco. This product helps to protect your cushions and will also
help in removing marks. It also stops the vinyl or leather from drying out
and cracking.
With regular maintenance, you can maximize the life of your covers,
clears and cushions. If you have any questions about cleaning or if you
need new covers, we are more than happy to assist.
The recommend cleaning for mesh windscreen
covers
Looking after your mesh windscreen covers, and mesh in your side
curtains or storm covers.
Keep the fabric clean by brushing regularly both sides of the fabric
using a soft-bristle brush and hosing occasionally with clear and cold
water.
Do not apply detergents, cleaning fluids, soaps.
Do not allow foreign matter; dirt, bird droppings, tree sap etc., to
remain in contact with the fabric.
Do not allow petrochemicals or solvents to come in contact with the
fabric.
Avoid harsh scrubbing or rubbing otherwise the surface of the fabric
my damage.
Before stowing away your shade, ensure that the fabric is dry.
Removing stubborn stains from your mesh
Mix a weak concentration of household detergent (1:20) in
lukewarm water. The detergent must not contain solvents.
Apply the detergent and water mix to the fabric using a soft cloth,
sponge, soft bristle or soft mop. After cleaning rinse off ALL residue
with plenty of fresh clear, cold water.
Always check with manufacture beforehand
Truck wash, car wash, or mineral turps should never be used on
any of canvas, clears, vinyl or leathers. As harsh chemicals can take the
protective UV coating off, and this will lessen the life of the materials.
With your boat being shut up for weeks or months at a time, you can
start to get mildew or mould inside the cabin of your boat. If you can’t
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