Just like cosmetic sunscreens, the best (and safest) boat vinyl protectants contain a natural mineral pigment like TiO2 (titanium dioxide) that scatter and block UV rays and don’t cause skin allergies.
Most protectants and conditioners on the market are silicone-based — 303 Aerospace Protectant being a popular example. They dry clear, offer no concealment of discoloration or mold, and require reapplication every 3–5 weeks. This is no coincidence: vinyl is a closed-cell synthetic material that cannot absorb a conditioner. Whatever you apply sits on the surface temporarily, then washes or wears away. Genuine conditioning — softening and restoring flexibility from within — only works on porous materials like leather. On vinyl, “conditioning” is just a coating that needs constant upkeep.
What’s more, the active ingredients in silicone protectants like 303 are persistent by design — they’re meant to stay on the surface, which means they’re also free to wash off into the water every time it rains. Rub ‘n Restore®, like any coating, contains small amounts of solvent to aid application, but these evaporate as it cures. What remains is a durable, mineral-pigmented finish — not a reservoir of surface chemistry waiting to be rinsed away.
Rub ‘n Restore® conditions, recolors, and protects marine vinyl and boat upholstery in one step, addressing discoloration, fading, stains from pinking or mold, and even concealing repairs. And unlike silicone protectants, it does not require frequent reapplication.
Application
Application is easy and efficient with a damp sponge.
Prior to refinishing:
- Pre-treat mold, mildew, and pinking.
- Repair any tears or cracks with filler. Use a rubberized coating for large areas of cracking or scaliness. Holes must be subpatched before repairing with filler or rubber.
- Clean all other areas with Flite™ followed by alcohol or lacquer thinner.
Less is more when it comes to application. Apply thin coats, only as needed. Once it feels dry, it is ready for another coat or use.
See for yourself how Rub ‘n Restore® stands up to the elements in this video review from one of our satisfied customers:
Cure Time
Cure time (where water does not temporarily discolor it) may take weeks, depending on humidity and temperature. Even if the finish has not had sufficient time to cure, most folks are pleased with its performance. Ensure water does not pool or stand on refinished areas for prolonged periods of time. The worst that may occur is slight discoloration of the finish, which often ‘dries down’. If it doesn’t, simply touch-up and allow more time to cure before exposure to water.
Choosing the right boat vinyl protectant is essential for maintaining the appearance and durability of marine vinyl. Rub ‘n Restore® offers a unique and effective solution with mineral pigments, ensuring lasting protection against UV rays, discoloration, and other common issues. The water-based formula, easy application process, and long-lasting results make Rub ‘n Restore® a reliable choice for boat owners seeking to enhance and preserve their marine upholstery.
If you’re wanting to change the color of marine vinyl, consider a heavier elastomeric coating like SEM®. As an Amazon Associate, we receive a small commission for referring this product.
Hello,
Still in the process of restoring neglected boat vinyl in a pontoon boat. I loved the initial coverage. However after a week of time some sections of each seat look like the need more product applied. Mottled looking- how many coats of product can be applied? Yes I applied thin coats allowing to fully dry between. One sofa has 3 coats and looks like it needs more and it was the worst one with sun damage. Thanks for any advice.
Dark stains or sun damage may require a few extra coats. Less is more. Quit while you’re ahead, but don’t be afraid if some areas need 5-6 coats. The first video on this page demonstrates.
Thank you for your quick response. The overall coverage and effect is better than what I had before utilizing your product.
Wonderful! Thanks for trying our product and sharing the good word!
We purchased a boat and the previous owners used a vinyl spray paint on the seats. The paint is flaking off in some areas. Can this be used over the paint ? Or is there something I can use to remove the paint so I can dye it?
You definitely want to strip that coating off before applying anything else to it. Use this method here.
I have vinyl coated nylon nets on my catamaran that are showing their age. They have lost some of their plasicols in the vinyl coating. Does your product restore some of the original flex?
Thanks,
Thom
We can’t claim our products will reverse damage and restore elasticity, but we’ve had a few customers remark that it has done so with their marine vinyl. Our products will sunscreen the material at least and restore appearance.
We have vinyl boat cushions that have some tears and micro punctures we’d like to repair. Once we use any of your products for repair/restoration, what cleaning and maintenance products are recommended? We would normally use a diluted, gentle detergent (simple green, dawn) for cleaning and marine vinyl UV protectant (303 Aerospace or similar) for protection. Thanks!
See here about future care and maintenance.
I want to change for gray upholstery to navy in sections .
In great shape just color change?
Please see this article about changing color. Our water-based acrylic is suited to change the color of low-traffic areas, but we we recommend a heavier urethane like SEM Vinyl Coat for high-traffic areas.
Hello, you also mention using the SEM coating product for marine applications. I have discolored white sections in our boat vinyl (tan and white scheme) and overall all the vinyl needs to be reconditioned. We do use sunscreen (we try to not apply in or near boat but it happens and the transfer from skin is unavoidable) – what product do you recommend to achieve this? Thank you
Our Marine White is still a great solution. We sell a lot of it and don’t receive any complaints about poor wear even though most folks are using harsh chemical sunscreens. It’s just good to be aware of these products effects on upholstery and finish (not to mention your own skin).
I am amazed…we used the marine white on our 2004 four winns boat seats that the tops had gotten discolored. I sprayed it on the parts that needed touch ups and wasn’t happy with the color difference when I finished. I figured I would expand the re-dye for the entire seat the next day but when I got back to the boat, the color had cured and was now an exact match and made the seats look brand new. This stuff is amazing and I could not be happier…
Thanks for the feedback! Colors do darken as they dry (much like latex paint in your home). Spraying always gets an ultra-smooth result, but don’t be afraid to use a sponge for the base coat. It does a fine job of massaging color into the nooks and crannies, especially if the vinyl is porous and at all sun-rotted.
What color was used on the boat seats in your comparison picture under recolor boat upholstery. Also what ratio of prep and finish to color works best to restore sun dried vinyl
The first photo of the mold-stained seats was Stone with an accent stripe of Slate. The last photo of the yellowed seats were restored with Marine White. I’d do 4:1 up to 2:1 color:clear mix for the first coat only on very porous, sun-rotted vinyl. Use color alone for subsequent coats.
I have a 100-year old leather suitcase that is beginning to rub off and disintegrate. How might I restore it or at least preserve what is left? Thanks.
Sounds like filler and a new finish would do a lot, but it may be too far gone. Please submit photos and request an evaluation for our professional assessment and tailored instructions.
Hi I have a pontoon boat that has tan seats that have faded over the years. Does this product work for this application?
Absolutely, but I would work with a close-matching color. If our Camel or Honey aren’t good matches, I would send a sample for a Custom Color. You can learn more about this service or order swatches of our Camel and Honey here.
Is there an instructional video or instructions on how to apply the products to repair marine vinyl boat upholstery damage like you show in the photo?
We don’t have a video specific to boats, but the process and logic are the same as with other applications. Clean the surface, tape test, and apply with a damp sponge. On desiccated, blistered areas, dilute the color with up to equal parts Clear Prep+Finish for the first base coat, and then use pure color to get coverage and sunscreen. Less is always more.
Can I buy this in Australia
Unfortunately we’re not distributed internationally, but we do ship directly. More info about shipping and a coupon code for international buyers are here.