How to Clean Your Clear Vinyl Tarp
It takes time and money to complete a full boat enclosure, dodger, or other job that involves a lot of clear vinyl. The best approach to safeguard your investment is to maintain the appearance of your canvas and vinyl for many years to come. It doesn't take much effort to take good care of clear vinyl. We'll explain how to maintain the pristine appearance of your vinyl goods through proper cleaning and storage.
Be diligent in keeping your clear vinyl clean and well-protected. Maintaining a pleasant appearance is simpler than attempting to remove stains and clouding. It's a good idea to routinely rinse your clear vinyl with freshwater when in saltwater to get rid of salt buildup. Every 1-2 weeks, you should generally rinse your vinyl with fresh, clean water.
IMAR Yacht Soap Concentrate is a great product because it can also be used to clean other hard surfaces on your boat. After thoroughly cleaning your clear vinyl, follow up with IMAR Protective Polish. Every three to four months, we advise thoroughly cleaning your clear vinyl. Spray on a protectant like IMAR Protective Cleaner or 303® Aerospace Protectant once a week, between cleanings, to shield the polish. Here is a more thorough explanation of each stage.
How to Clean & Protect Clear Vinyl Tarp
Clean
- Before cleaning, cool down your clear vinyl by giving it a fresh water rinse.
- IMAR Yacht Soap Concentrate (3 oz) should be diluted in 1 gallon of fresh water.
- Making use of a clean, soft cotton cloth, gently scrape the clear vinyl.
- Rinse well with a hose before drying delicately with a different soft cloth.
Protect
- Apply IMAR Protective Polish directly to a fresh, soft cotton cloth and buff the clear vinyl in a circular motion after washing and drying your vinyl. Do this each one to two months.
- Permit the polish to finish drying.
- Buff out the polish until the clear vinyl shines using a fresh, clean towel.
Touch Up
- Anytime you need to spot clean the vinyl, lightly spray IMAR Protective Cleaner on a soft cloth. Small amounts are effective.
- Wipe firmly into the vinyl.
- To rub the vinyl dry, use a different, clean towel.
Keep unwanted pollutants like sunscreen and insect spray with DEET away from your vinyl to help keep it looking its best in between cleanings. Additionally, remember to avoid getting 303 Fabric Guard on your clear vinyl when repairing the water resistance of your surrounding canvas.
Another simple suggestion is to use 3MTM Adhesive Remover to remove any stray basting tape that may have fallen onto your clear vinyl during the creation of your enclosure or dodger.
Roll up your transparent vinyl with a soft cloth if you need to keep it when it's not in use. This additional covering will prevent the vinyl from rubbing up against itself and perhaps wearing away.
You can buy your own custom clear vinyl tarp from us here