I was just wondering...can vinyl be painted?? Is there some sort of special paint that would do justice to it? I've never heard of it, but I might be looking at an older boat with a colored interior and I prefer just white. To redo the entire interior in new vinyl would probably be some $$$.

Indy,
I haven't used the stuff myself, but I've heard only good things about Mar-Hyde vinyl dye. Here's a link to a thread on StarQuestClub.com where a guy rejuvinated the interior of a neglected car with Mar-Hyde.

http://www.starquestclub.com/forums/...ic.php?t=26149

Dan

mar hyde just ok it does not have a natural gloss like vinyl should. use ppg. i did the back seat of a jeep and used dish soap and washed it twice to degrease then after it dried i wiped it down with a clean rag and laquer thinner. the thinner softens the vinyl for better adhesion and it will last and last with a natural shine. the seat in my jeep had rocks and mud and people standing on it all the time and i never left a mark nor did it even get scratched to where you could see the original color before the dye job. you will really like the ppg. the popular colors come in a quart can with a shaker ball cutom colors come in a regular quart can. just dump it in your spray gun and shoot it one light coat and let it tac up for 10 or 15 mins then shoot a second wet coat and you should be good ta go! ratman

before you paint it clean it good then spray some bulldog paint adhesive promoter and it will stay,

the laquer is all he will need for prep to soften the vinyl for physical adhesion

I did my old boat exactly like ratman said only using dupont materials and I was very impressed with the results. Once dyed, the vinyl cleans a heck of a lot easier also since the dye fills in the pours of the vinyl.

Years ago, I had success with just a spray stuff from the auto store.
Did a few interior panels and the "boot" for an old convertible. Actually surprised how well it held up.

There are vinyl stains available. I have used the products twice. They are simular to a deck stain in body. The products must be spray applied, you can not brush apply them. You can even have them custom color matched. Currently, I have the center console in my truck stained. It's been several years and there are no signs of wear. I've been using PPG products.