bimini and UV

[sailorboy1]

Do bimini lose their UV blocking ability over time? My canvas is dark blues and is in good shape and provides great shading. But it just seems that I've taken more more UV this year. If I miss a spot on my face with the sunscreen I pay the price.

Is there a spray or something to put on the canvas that helps its' UV protection?

[skipmac]

Don't know about loss of UV protection in the bimini but I do believe you also get a good bit of exposure from reflected light and such. Have you just spent more time on the boat this year?

[sailorboy1]

Originally Posted by skipmac

Don't know about loss of UV protection in the bimini but I do believe you also get a good bit of exposure from reflected light and such. Have you just spent more time on the boat this year?

Definitely agree with the reflected light!!! I've spent pretty much the same amount of time on the boat this year as before. I do know that the UV index has been higher this year. But it just seems that even though I've gotten a good tan using my SPF 30 sunscreen that I'm taking more of a sun beating than before.

[skipmac]

I'm pretty it's all due to old age. After all you aren't getting any younger.

[GordMay]

Sunbrella® fabric provides up to 98% UV protection from the harmful effects of the sun depending on depth of colour and fabric weight (heavier 9.25 oz “Marine” fabrics have more UV protection than indoor 6oz fabrics). Whites and lighter coloured fabrics provide less protection than darker fabrics, which have more depth in colour. This protective factor is inherent to the product and will not be reduced by usage and/or fabric exposure to the sun.

“... 303 Fabric Guard 16oz is used to restore water repellency, protect against oil based liquids and other stains, and provide UV screening for indoor and outdoor fabric, carpet, and upholstery ... 303 Fabric Guard is endorsed and recommended by the manufacturers of Sunbrella ...”

➥ 303 High Tech Fabric Guard -Fabric Protection for Sunbrella & More

[mbianka]

I also give a thumbs up to the Protectorant 303 products Gord mentioned. I use it on the hull instead of wax and also on any plastic I want to protect against UV rays. Use it on the sail cover too. Solved the bimini UV issue with solar panels and killed two birds with one stone:
THE BIANKA LOG BLOG: SOLAR BIMINI PART SEVEN: PANELS INSTALLED

[zeehag]

don--wear a hat under your bimini--will keep a lot of reflected sun out of your life.

[rtbates]

What GordMay said!

[belizesailor]

Originally Posted by mbianka

I also give a thumbs up to the Protectorant 303 products Gord mentioned.

Yes, 303 is great stuff! Still managing to avoid replacing my 8 year old bimini by seasonal application of 303.

[Cotemar]

Don Lucas,

A wide brimmed hat will help.
A Burka would be your next best thing.

[sailorboy1]

Originally Posted by Cotemar

Don Lucas,

A wide brimmed hat will help.
A Burka would be your next best thing.

That leaves one of my problem areas exposed. Guess it's going to have to be welding goggles for me

[Cotemar]

Originally Posted by Don Lucas

That leaves one of my problem areas exposed. Guess it's going to have to be welding goggles for me

Don,
You may be on to something new. Total UV protection.

[sailorboy1]

hey I had a boat once with a cockpit that looked just like that, I even have a coat that color

what a small world!

someone though should that that guy that those exposed tops of his hands have the second thinest skin on his body and really going to wrinkle up with the sun!