Best product for Vinyl seats??

[SuperEd73]

Hi,

I believe most of the conversations on interior products have focused on protecting dashboards & interior trim but I don't remember seeing any comments about vinyl seats. My old Dodge has black vinyl bench seats. The previous owner had the seats redone so they look new. I would like to keep them that way. The old Dodge vinyl was notorious for tearing along the seams embossed into the vinyl. I'm not very worried about shine factor but I would like some ideas as to what can be used to keep the vinyl from drying out and cracking. I'm assuming that the prevailing opinion of oily type (silicone based?) protectants are bad for vinyl?

Thanks!

 

[RTexasF]

I suggest Vinylex Cleaner/Protectant made by Lexol.

 

[mgm13]

303 protectant is the best I have ever used. Blocks UV, not a high gloss shine and not oily or greasy like most products.

Big Mike

 

[HarleyGuy]

Originally Posted By: RTexasF
I suggest Vinylex Cleaner/Protectant made by Lexol.


My choice as well. Along with their leather products too.

http://www.lexol.com/vinylex.html

 

[SuperEd73]

Excellent! I appreciate the feedback.

Thanks a bunch.

Ed B.

 

[SuperEd73]

Just an FYI I purchased some 303 protectant at West Marine. Stuff is pretty hard to find in a retail store around here. I definitely give it a big

Used it on the Dodge a week or so ago and it really does look good. Also like the fact that it doesn't leave any oily residue.

Thanks again!

Ed B.

 

[LexusAussie]

Vinylex or 303 Aerospace. Vinylex will produce more of a shine. Check the labels as most products warn against using these on seats etc as they become slippery

 

[reaper34]

+1 for 303, great stuff.

 

[Gillsy]

303

 

[MKZman]

Now matter what you use, I would recommend spraying the protectant on a mf cloth or applicator and then wipe the applicator on the surface. This helps control how much you apply and where it goes. You let it penetrate and then buff off. You can control the sheen (303 leaves a matte finish) by dampening the applicator first with water.

 

[Built_Well]

Originally Posted By: SuperEd73
I'm assuming that the prevailing opinion of oily type (silicone based?) protectants are bad for vinyl?


Folks rave about Vinylex, and according to the Lexol web site on their moreinfo.html page:

"VINYLEX contains a unique patented composition of silicone and organo-functional silicone specifically designed to provide the desired performance..."

So I guess silicone / PDMS is one of the good guys but the other petroleum distillates found in some products are roundly criticized by folks here.

I guess water-based plus silicone is the way to go, but oil-based products plus silicone is not the way to go.

 

[Built_Well]

Not sure, but silicone may not be considered a petroleum distillate.

From Wikipedia:

Silicones are largely inert, man-made compounds with a wide variety of forms and uses. Typically heat-resistant, nonstick, and rubberlike, they are commonly used in cookware, medical applications, sealants, adhesives, lubricants, and insulation.

Silicones are polymers that include silicon together with carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, and sometimes other chemical elements.

=====

Also from Wiki:

Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) belong to a group of polymeric organosilicon compounds which are commonly referred to as silicones[1]. PDMS is the most widely used silicon-based organic polymer, and is particularly known for its unusual rheological (or flow) properties. Its applications range from contact lenses and medical devices to elastomers, in shampoos (as dimethicone makes hair shiny and slippery), caulking, lubricating oils and heat resistant tiles.

PDMS is optically clear, and is generally considered to be inert, non-toxic and non-flammable. It is occasionally called dimethicone and is one of several types of silicone oil (polymerized siloxane).

 

[Steve S]

Black Magic tire protectant.

 

[RTexasF]

I agree with 303 on vinyl and leather. It contains cleaners that clean (duh) as well as condition.

An inexpensive cleaner that works extremely well can be found at the grocery store......Woolite. Cut with 6 parts water for really dirty or 8 parts for normal cleaning. I prefer cutting it with distilled water because the water here is extremely hard.