Upholstery recommendation (material)
02-09-2014, 07:28 PM
#11
Registered
Join Date: Sep 2013
Posts: 23
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
The vinyls sold by SailRite are very good quality, but don't be afraid to experiment with the machine and other suppliers. Look for vinyl from Morbern or Spradling. Both make great marine grade seating vinyl. The home machine will do just fine with a #16 needle if she sews slowly. A machine that accomomdates a #18 needle would be better. Try to avoid welting/piping since this would mean 4 layers of vinyl instead of just 2. Most seats are either 2 layers or a layer of vinyl plus mesh (Phifertex). Some on-line suppliers besides SailRite.com - yourautotrim.com or rochfordsupply.com. Use only bonded polyester thread - size 69 or 92 - neither of which are sold at JoAnn Fabrics. Cotton and nylon rot in 3 to 6 months. Foam can be bought from Rochford or foamorder.com. Good deals can be had from ePay as well.
02-21-2014, 11:52 AM
#13
Registered
I am having some upholstery work done on one of my boats, and they were talking about the original vinyl being "automotive" in that there was a cloth/fabric backer. Although most of the vinyl looked good, there was a discoloration at the edges he said actually came from the back. Moisture trapped in that fabric backing and causing mold. Marine material all the way, with all of the qualities listed above. The couple of bucks you save on cheap vinyl will bite you in the buttocks later for sure!
02-21-2014, 11:53 AM
#14
The vinyls sold by SailRite are very good quality, but don't be afraid to experiment with the machine and other suppliers. Look for vinyl from Morbern or Spradling. Both make great marine grade seating vinyl. The home machine will do just fine with a #16 needle if she sews slowly. A machine that accomomdates a #18 needle would be better. Try to avoid welting/piping since this would mean 4 layers of vinyl instead of just 2. Most seats are either 2 layers or a layer of vinyl plus mesh (Phifertex). Some on-line suppliers besides SailRite.com - yourautotrim.com or rochfordsupply.com. Use only bonded polyester thread - size 69 or 92 - neither of which are sold at JoAnn Fabrics. Cotton and nylon rot in 3 to 6 months. Foam can be bought from Rochford or foamorder.com. Good deals can be had from ePay as well.
Will likely get the AllSport 4-way stretch white vinyl by Mobern from the SaitRite.com site. What foam is suggested for both stability and comfort?
Last edited by LaughingCat; 02-21-2014 at 02:12 PM.
