Cleaning Vinyl Dorade Vent

[lomalaurie]

I am hoping someone has a solution for me! Our Dorade vents are quite discolored (see picture) and I have tried everything I can think of to clean them, but have had no success....any brilliant ideas out there? I searched the forums before posting, and could not find an answer.

Thanks!

[rognvald]

Originally Posted by lomalaurie

I am hoping someone has a solution for me! Our Dorade vents are quite discolored (see picture) and I have tried everything I can think of to clean them, but have had no success....any brilliant ideas out there? I searched the forums before posting, and could not find an answer.

Thanks!

Lomalaurie, here's an article about painting your cowl vents. Hope this helps. realitycheck.me/rejuvinating-deteriorated-cowl-vents.htm

[Cheechako]

Test a small spot with Lacquer thinner. I clean those vinyl dorades and fenders with it when all fails.

[KDH]

I soaked ours in 90% or higher rubbing alcohol and used a 3m scrubby. On one I used 400+ (might have been 600 wet dry emory paper) and sanded them down. They looked good for about a year. Never got around to painting them!

[Cheechako]

Originally Posted by Cheechako

Test a small spot with Lacquer thinner. I clean those vinyl dorades and fenders with it when all fails.

Maybe they are fiberglass not vinyl...?

[barnakiel]

I had some luck cleaning plastics with mineral turps. It took some soaking and rubbing but the thing looked 'like new' then. Alas, the catch is that once the outer layer deteriorates, bad looks return pretty soon.

Clean, clean, clean ... or else buy new!

b.

[Rex Delay]

Starbrite Boat Scuff Eraser - did an amazing job on mine.

[Blues_Harp]

The picture looks to me like you are past the pigmented outside color and are into the base material. If they belonged to me, I would try some Plastic-cote. Most cans sold are black, but I think I have seen it on the internet in white.

[David M]

I take acetone to mine and then treat with a vinyl protectant.

[appick]

I've recently painted mine. I ended up using some Rustoleum for plastics. I found a good off white to match the color and a red for the inside. It takes awhile to dry however. When it does it remains very flexible and looks fantastic! I couldn't be happier with how it looks bright shiny and clean.

[Stu Jackson]

Paint Brush & Roller Cleaner.

I used to use acetone, but this stuff is much easier, wipe on, light wipe off, no heavy scouring required. Works even on filthy fenders.

[lomalaurie]

Thanks to all for the answers! Much appreciated

-Laurie

[Ziggy]

CRC Marykate Spray Away All-Purpose Cleaner
Works like a charm

[GordMay]

FWIW: I believe that most plastic cowl vents (Nicro, Seadog, & Vetus, etc) are made of PVC, not vinyl.
I’d certainly check any proposed solvent for PVC compatibility.

For instance, undiluted acetone is a solvent for PVC; it penetrates, softens and eventually dissolves the material. However, a weak aqueous solution (25% or less), applied sparingly and rinsed thoroughly afterward, can probably be used to clean PVC without harmful effect. It will not restore the surface (pitting & roughness will remain).

[John Galt]

I had great results with 'brush cleaner' as well. It was recommended by a neighbor for cleaning my yellow dock cords.

Using a 3M green pad produced a bright yellow cord again! Make sure you use gloves. The cord seemed more flexible afterwards as well.