*This is a guide to properly care for your new upholstery to ensure a long life and sustained durability.*

You must view your boat upholstery as fine outdoor furniture. There are some inherent characteristics shared by all types of upholstery. One of the common links is that they both use urethane foam. Foam will absorb water, even so-called "closed cell foam". We have seen many different foam types from different manufacturers, and the unfortunate common link is that water will find a way in - some less than others, but in none the less.

Since foam will absorb water, there are two things that are employed.

First, the vinyl is sown together using a needle size that has the same diameter as the thread, leaving less opportunity for water to get past the vinyl into the foam. 

The second is a basic common sense approach. This means that you should treat your boat upholstery much like you would any other upholstery. Sure, there are differences in the vinyl between different types of upholstery, but there are many other characteristics that are the same. Always be conscience of any water sources, for example, you should never hose down your cushions. Instead, wipe them clean with a damp rag (no wire brushes) and only use non-solvent cleaners. Harsh cleaners such as bleach as well as rough surfaced cleaning equipment will quickly degrade the UV coating on the vinyl and lead to premature oxidation from the sun. Should your cushions become saturated, be sure to take quick action to dry them out. We employ zippers in most of our cushions, which allows you to remove the foam to let dry.  For plastic wrapped foam, if there is water penetration the plastic will have to be permanently removed to allow the water to evaporate. For other cushions that have a wood/plastic core, we cut air vents to allow for quicker evaporation.

Of course, you should still always try to avoid any source of unnecessary water. If the cushions are installed on a vessel that is left outdoors, it is critical to keep them covered. Not covering them will not only allow water intrusion (even with the foam wrapped in plastic), but it will expose the vinyl directly to the elements. It is also highly recommended to use a vinyl protectant product on a regular basis. The generally "harsher" environment boat upholstery is subjected to warrants the need of such a product. Read the instructions on the vinyl protectant product and apply it after every use, or as a routine when you clean your boat.  

Lastly, when remove snap on cushions from the boat, grab the snap directly and unclick.  Do not pull the cushion away from the male snap.  Doing so will cause the vinyl, mesh, or flap to tear.