Because your boat must face weathering elements like water, air, salt, and other minerals, the upholstery needs to be marine grade. Not every fabric is up to the task, but marine-grade vinyl is durable and specifically designed to withstand the common conditions your boat will experience. Marine-grade vinyl mesh contains the same materials as standard vinyl, but you use it for different purposes. If you want to know more, you’ve come to the right place. Here are the top three things you need to know about marine-grade vinyl mesh.
It Provides Airflow and Prevents Pinking
Typically, this vinyl mesh goes under the bottom of boat seats. This is to ensure adequate airflow between fabrics to prevent stagnant moisture from creating mold and mildew. Trapped moisture is actually one of the most common causes of bacterial pinking. If you’ve ever noticed pinking occur where your seat touched the boat cover, this was due to the lack of airflow between the fabrics encouraging bacterial growth. The marine-grade vinyl mesh allows the water to dry much faster, mitigating the risk of other fabrics becoming damaged or pinkened.
It’s Resistant to Weathering Conditions
Marine-grade vinyl mesh has a specific design that enables it to withstand the conditions your boat may experience while on the water. It also contains additives that make it UV resistant as well as resistant to fungus and bacteria. This is because, as mentioned, your boat’s furniture will get water trapped within the layers, and you want to reduce the risk of mildew growth as much as possible. Additionally, the UV additives protect the fabric color from fading and slow the breakdown of the chemical bonds that makes the vinyl durable.
It Can Be Used on More Than Just Your Boat
Although this vinyl mesh is for boats, that doesn’t mean you can only use it on boats. Marine-grade vinyl mesh can function in a variety of projects. For instance, it can cover furniture that sees consistent sun and moisture exposure. It’s also lightweight, meaning it won’t get heavy and loaded with water when rained on, allowing it to dry even faster than regular mesh fabric. It’s a great option for those who want to reupholster outdoor furniture and ensure it’s even more durable than before.
If you’re looking for high-quality, durable, UV-resistant marine-grade vinyl fabric, All Vinyl Fabrics has you covered. Here, we sell fabric designed to withstand any season. It also comes in a variety of colors, so you can count on it for years to come. Now that you know a little bit more about marine-grade vinyl mesh, what’s stopping you from using it for your next project?