How to Redo the Vinyl on a Boat

Run a vacuum attachment over the vinyl to remove any sand or small debris that could scratch the material during cleaning.

Wash the vinyl with a sponge soaked in warm water and several drops of liquid dish soap. This helps remove salts, stains, dirt and grease from the upholstery. Rinse the vinyl with plain water to remove any remaining soap, then dry the vinyl with a rag.

Soak a cotton ball in rubbing alcohol and rub it over the vinyl to further clean the material and prepare it for repair. Use as many cotton balls as you need to clean the vinyl thoroughly.

Use the scissors to cut a piece of backing cloth that matches the hole. Place the cloth inside the hole and smooth it out. It acts as a backing for your repair.

Spread a repair compound over the damaged areas with a palette knife. Mix the compound with coloring included in the repair kit to help it match the upholstery. This helps the repair blend in more with the vinyl so it is harder to see. Test the coloring compound on an inconspicuous area of the vinyl first to see how it looks when it dries. Wipe away any excess because you need only a thin film over the damaged section.

Apply the grain paper from the repair kit to the damaged area using an iron. The heat helps press the patch down and bonds it with the surrounding vinyl. Repeat this process with each damaged area of vinyl until all holes or wear marks are covered. Peel the paper away from the vinyl once you're finished with the iron.

Spray a vinyl protectant onto the upholstery and rub it in with a soft cloth. This helps prevent further damage, restores some of the vinyl's previous finish and helps the repairs blend in more effectively.