Advice on re-upholstering interior cushions

[livbysea]

greetings,

welcome advice for fabrics for re-upholstering our interior cushions. Seek durable (who doesn't) and easy to clean fabric.

if you know the Portland, Maine area - also seek suggestions for good places to have cushions made.

THANKS!!!

Livbysea

[TreblePlink]

I will be using something similar to Naugahyde, which repels water and is pretty easy to clean.

[Suijin]

I have friends who reupholstered their boat with white Ultrasuade. I was shocked, but they say it's not just stain resistant, it's virtually stain proof. They even had a case of spilling some used diesel motor oil on one cushion and it came out and left no trace. That's pretty remarkable.

I have Sunbrella outdoor "patio" fabric on my cushions. Pretty durable and stain resistant so far.

[slowneasy]

We used Brisa in a cream color a couple of years ago and have been very pleased. They still look like new and easy to maintain.

[livbysea]

Originally Posted by Suijin

I have friends who reupholstered their boat with white Ultrasuade. I was shocked, but they say it's not just stain resistant, it's virtually stain proof. They even had a case of spilling some used diesel motor oil on one cushion and it came out and left no trace. That's pretty remarkable.

I have Sunbrella outdoor "patio" fabric on my cushions. Pretty durable and stain resistant so far.

thanks, interesting - we have filthy cream European Ultrasuede - I swore never again to use a light color. Am also thinking we need a pattern to hide the inevitable - but maybe fabric technology has improved - ours is about 12 years old.

How is the sunbrella with regard to comfort

susan

[livbysea]

Originally Posted by TreblePlink

I will be using something similar to Naugahyde, which repels water and is pretty easy to clean.

thanks - is it a particular marine grade version?

susan

[livbysea]

Originally Posted by slowneasy

We used Brisa in a cream color a couple of years ago and have been very pleased. They still look like new and easy to maintain.

amazing!! maybe I should not swear off cream - it's nice for keeping the boat light and feeling roomy - but ours is such a disaster and I took the arm rests to the dry cleaners and they gave up

I've heard of Brisa - will look at it more carefully!!

thanks,

susan

[slowneasy]

Here is a picture from when they were new. It might not be the best option for you, but I have been very pleased.

[Calif.Ted]

My '02 boat has the crème Brisa from the factory and they still look good, very resilient.
I loaded up all the cushions for another boat once and headed towards Las Vegas, about 150 miles from the coast in the Mojave Desert was an upholstery shop. When I showed them a picture of a sailboat they said "What's that?", much better price than the guy in the harbor.
Don't have a better picture but they are 15 yo here.

[livbysea]

wow - looks fabulous!!!

[livbysea]

Originally Posted by Calif.Ted

My '02 boat has the crème Brisa from the factory and they still look good, very resilient.
I loaded up all the cushions for another boat once and headed towards Las Vegas, about 150 miles from the coast in the Mojave Desert was an upholstery shop. When I showed them a picture of a sailboat they said "What's that?", much better price than the guy in the harbor.

thanks - getting a lot of votes for brisa's crème!

[Cheechako]

A couple thoughts:
-Avoid cotton based fabric as it holds moisture.
-You dont need a marine upholsterer if you have old cushions, may be cheaper from non marine source.
-Zippers are often problematic. If I were upholstering again I would request just an over lap and velcro.
-Be careful going thicker than stock foam... you may end up with the seat level too high and very uncomfortable to sit if your feet dont touch the floor! (dont ask how I know this!)
-For one boat we went to the interior design wholesale place and selected our fabric. (We had an interior decorator my boss helped us with for paint color in our house and she got us entry into the place and a big discount!) Quite expensive at $120 a yard retail, but we didnt pay that, there aren't that many yards in a boat, and it was very nice. I hate anything leather or vinyl like.

[imacad]

fix't

Originally Posted by livbysea

wow - looks fabriculous!!!

[Dolphin460]

Going on 11 years with Sunbrella on my saloon cushions and they still look new. If you wish to use it for outside, I suggest you use closed-foam.

[TreblePlink]

Originally Posted by livbysea

thanks - is it a particular marine grade version?

susan

No - it is marketed to car upholsterers, and about $13 per yard. I wouldn't use it outside, but I think inside the cabin will be fine - Maroon to go with the Mahogany interior.