How To Repair Cracked Vinyl
Vinyl is a common material for furniture that is easy to work with. It’s durable and comfortable, but over time vinyl can sometimes rip, crack or tear. This is especially true for vinyl chairs, which must deal with fluctuations in weight and friction. You may also vinyl in your cars or boats on the dash, door and other areas. Fortunately, repairing cracked vinyl is a process that can be undertaken as DIY.
Cracked Vinyl. What to do?
Vinyl is a common material for furniture that is easy to work with. It’s durable and comfortable, but over time vinyl can sometimes rip, crack or tear. This is especially true for vinyl chairs, which must deal with fluctuations in weight and friction. You may also vinyl in your cars or boats on the dash, door and other areas. Fortunately, repairing cracked vinyl is a process that can be undertaken as DIY. Of course, there are some professional vinyl restoration specialists out there too…
Vinyl on medical furniture repaired by Color Glo specialists.
How to repair cracked vinyl myself
You’ll need a few things to get the ball rolling.
Rubbing alcohol (optional)
Hair dryer (optional)
Iron
Cotton swab
Mild hand soap
Washcloths
Sandpaper, 320-grit
Vinyl repair kit
Vinyl is really nothing more than plastic (specifically polyvinyl chloride). Special plasticizers are added to make the PVC flexible and suitable for use on furniture. A clear topcoat seals the vinyl to keep the plasticizers in place. When this topcoat wears away or is damaged, the vinyl can crack. You see this often in cars, boats and and other furniture that have high-wear action. The solution is a liquid vinyl repair kit, and keeping your vinyl conditioned to prevent further wear and tear.
The steps to successful vinyl repair
Run the tap water until it is hot. Soak a clean washcloth, then wring it out until it's about as wet as if you are planning to wash your face. Put a dollop of a mild hand detergent onto the washcloth and navigate to the problematic vinyl area.
Scrub the cracked area with the soapy cloth to remove dirt, body oils and other contaminants. This is pretty important. Extend past the damaged area 1 to 2 inches so the repair material has something that it can bond to.
Rinse the cleaned portion with a new cloth. Run water over the rinse cloth to flush soap and contaminants, then go over the area again. Repeat the process until you are sure that all soap is gone. Wipe the area with a fresh, dry cloth and allow it to air dry until all moisture has evaporated.
Sand lightly over the cracked area of the chair. This can be scary for many but it’s necessary. You’ll want to extend about 1/2 inch past the damage, using 320-grit sandpaper. Just take a few swipes; you don't want to bore through the remaining topcoat, simply scuff it up to encourage adhesion. Wipe away any sanding dust with your dry cloth.
Mix the liquid vinyl formula, if necessary, as instructed by the manufacturer. Some products come ready-mixed in specific colors. Others may require you to blend the color with the vinyl, or possibly apply the color separate from the vinyl. Read the product instructions for further information specific to the type of kit you choose. If you call a Color Glo specialist, they will use our own products that have been developed to provide long-lasting repair.
Grab your small spatula tool, typically included in the repair kit, and dip it into the liquid vinyl and dab it onto the cracked area. Spread the vinyl in an even, thin layer across the damaged area and extending slightly past the crack. You can also wet your finger tip to smooth the area.
Apply layers if needed. This is where your hair dryer comes in. If needed, you may apply successive layers. You’ll want to feather the repair slightly outward with each coat to prevent a ridge at the edges of the repair. Allow dry time between each layer as directed by the manufacturer -- typically 10 or 15 minutes. Use your hairdryer now to speed the dry time. You should probably stay about a foot away.
Prepping the final surface. You can smooth the final surface only if necessary, with a cotton swab moistened with rubbing alcohol. Since alcohol is hard on vinyl, deteriorating the topcoat and allowing the plasticizers to escape, so use it with caution. Lightly rub over the repair a few times. That’s it.
Set a grain in place. Set a piece of graining paper over top of the vinyl repair. Heat an iron, as directed by the manufacturer, and slide over the paper for 30 to 60 seconds to emboss the grain pattern into the repair. Finish with a spray of vinyl clear finish spray to provide a new topcoat to your liking.
Done!
Vinyl Repair on an automobile dash below
Need vinyl repair vs replacement? Don’t want to do it yourself?
Color Glo international and Color Glo franchisees world-wide are specialists in color restoration and repair of vinyl surfaces, accessories and furniture. Color Glo specialists are available to help restore your valuable property. We offer an on-site service, safety and convenience, eliminating the downtime of transport and ensuring our best work. Our work is permanent and environmentally safe. Color Glo specialists use non-flammable, odorless, water-based products that dry quickly.
Keep your investment for years to come. Revitalize. Restore. Save money. Contact us today for more information.
Color Glo International Certified as a 2019 World-Class Franchise
MINNEAPOLIS, MN. Feb 04th, 2019 – Color Glo International® has received World-Class Franchise® certification from the Franchise Research Institute® for the ninth consecutive year.
Color Glo International® Certified as a 2019 World-Class Franchise® By The Franchise Research Institute®
MINNEAPOLIS, MN. Feb 04th, 2019 – Color Glo International® has received World-Class Franchise® certification from the Franchise Research Institute® for the ninth consecutive year.
According to the Franchise Research Institute, to be considered, a franchisor must be transparent and offer access to every franchisee. The results must be comprehensive (70%+ participation) and responses must remain confidential… no risk for negative and no-reward for positive ratings.
“The answer lies in how existing franchisees rate their franchise as a business investment.”
The Franchise Research Institute® sent a study solicitation notification to all ninety-three (93) Color Glo franchise owners. The study was completed in January 2019. Color Glo personnel gave franchisee contact information to the Franchise Research Institute. The notification included the URL (web address) of the Franchise Research Institute franchisee satisfaction online survey and a numeric “passcode” to insure no duplication of responses.
Franchise owners were encouraged by Color Glo and by the Franchise Research Institute to complete the survey, and were assured that their individual responses to the questionnaire would never be revealed to anyone outside of the Franchise Research Institute (including Color Glo management).
Franchisees logged on to the online survey questionnaire, entered their individual “passcode,” completed and submitted the survey. Sixty-eight (68) of the ninety-three (93) total franchisees, or 73.12%, responded and took the survey. The Franchise Research Institute has no reason to believe that non-respondents’ answers would vary substantially from those respondents.
The maximum error range on this study is plus or minus (±) 3.7% at the ninety-five percent confidence level.
Franchisee Responses
Among the responses received from Color Glo International’s franchisees:
99% gave a positive rating to the overall quality of the franchisor.
92% say if positioned with doing it again, they would re-invest a Color Glo franchise and 93% would recommend to others.
98% gave a positive rating to how Color Glo handles opening support.
100% gave a positive rating to the overall communication between home office personnel and franchisees.
95% gave a positive rating to the long-term growth potential for their franchise business.
99% gave a positive rating on ranking their franchise vs. local competitors.
100% gave a positive rating of how the franchisee rates the overall opportunity.
“We are honored to continually receive recognition for all the hard work that the Color Glo family pours into our franchisees and the success of their operations.”
About Color Glo International
Color Glo International is the World Leader in restoration and repair of leather, vinyl, velour, cloth and hard plastics commonly found in the markets of Automotive, Aircraft, Marine, and Furniture. Formally incorporated in 1975 Color Glo began franchising in 1982. Today in hundreds of markets throughout the world. Color Glo products are proven every day to offer the correct results and best value every time they are put to the test.
Contact
Mandi Brandon
mandi@colorglo.com