Armorall For Boat Seats: Worth The Investment?

Armorall is a popular product used to protect vinyl from UV damage and keep it looking shiny and new. However, there is much debate over whether it is suitable for boat seats. Some people claim that Armorall makes boat seats dangerously slippery, leading to several humorous, yet painful, accidents. Others claim that Armorall dries out the vinyl, causing it to crack, and that it is difficult to stop using it without damaging the seats. Alternative products such as 303, Formula 2000, and mineral oil are recommended by some users, while others claim to have used Armorall for years without any issues.

ArmorAll makes boat seats slippery

ArmorAll is a popular product used to clean and protect vinyl surfaces, such as boat seats, from UV damage. However, using ArmorAll on boat seats can make them extremely slippery, which can be dangerous for passengers. In this article, we will explore the reasons why ArmorAll makes boat seats slippery and discuss some alternative products that can be used instead.

The slipperiness of ArmorAll on boat seats can be attributed to its chemical composition, which includes petroleum distillates and silicone. These ingredients are known to dissolve PVC, a common component of vinyl, and create a shiny, slick surface. This slipperiness can cause passengers to fall and sustain injuries, as described in several online boating forums. In one instance, a boat owner recounted how they applied ArmorAll to their brand new seats, only to have their entire family fall on the seats and end up in a pile on the floor of the boat. Another user shared a similar story, stating that their friends ended up on the floor of their boat due to the slipperiness of the seats treated with ArmorAll.

In addition to the safety concerns, ArmorAll can also negatively impact the condition of boat seats over time. According to upholstery experts, ArmorAll contains alcohol, which can dry out vinyl and cause it to become brittle and prone to cracking. This is supported by several forum users who noticed accelerated drying and cracking of their boat seats after using ArmorAll. One user even warned that using ArmorAll can void some upholstery manufacturers' warranties.

Instead of ArmorAll, boat owners can consider alternative products that are specifically designed for vinyl protection and do not have the same slipperiness issues. One popular suggestion is 303 Aerospace Protectant, which provides UV protection without leaving a greasy residue. Other recommended products include Formula 2000, Baby Oil, and mineral oil, which can replenish and soften vinyl surfaces.

In conclusion, while ArmorAll may initially seem like a good idea to protect boat seats, its slipperiness poses a significant safety hazard. Boat owners should opt for alternative products that provide effective protection without compromising the safety of their passengers.

ArmorAll can cause cracking

ArmorAll is not a good product to use on boat seats. Although it might make the seats shiny, it also makes them slippery, which can be dangerous when out on the water. One person who used ArmorAll on their boat seats described how everyone on board ended up on the floor when they made a fast turn. Another user described how they ended up in the water after applying ArmorAll to their boat seats.

ArmorAll contains alcohol, which dries out vinyl. It also contains compounds that destroy the elasticity in vinyl, which can lead to early cracking. One user described how they had to get their boat seats replaced after using ArmorAll, as the stitching came apart.

There are alternative products available that are better suited to protecting boat seats. These include 303 Aerospace Protectant, Formula 2000, and mineral oil.

ArmorAll is not good for stitching

Another issue with ArmorAll is that it can make the seats slippery, which can be dangerous for passengers. This is especially problematic in boats, where a fall could result in someone going overboard. Several people have shared stories of themselves or others falling after using ArmorAll on their boat seats. In some cases, this has resulted in humorous anecdotes, but it could also lead to serious injuries.

There are alternative products available that can be used to protect and clean boat seats without the same negative effects as ArmorAll. These include Formula 2000, 303 Aerospace Protectant, baby oil, and mineral oil. Some people also recommend using a mild soap and water solution to clean vinyl boat seats.

Overall, while ArmorAll may initially make boat seats look shiny and protected, it can ultimately cause more harm than good. It is important for boat owners to be aware of the potential risks associated with using ArmorAll on their boat seats and to consider alternative products that are safer and more effective.

ArmorAll is bad for foam

Another issue with ArmorAll is that it can be difficult to stop using once you start. While the initial application may make your boat seats look shiny and new, discontinuing the use of ArmorAll can lead to accelerated drying and cracking of the vinyl. This is because ArmorAll contains petroleum products that can speed up the drying process of vinyl over time. Therefore, it is advisable to avoid using ArmorAll on your boat seats to prevent long-term damage.

Furthermore, ArmorAll can also affect the stitching of your boat seats. The chemicals in ArmorAll can cause the threads to rot, leading to tears in the stitched seams. This, combined with the drying effect of ArmorAll on the vinyl, can result in a faster deterioration of your boat seats.

Overall, while ArmorAll may provide an appealing shine, it is not a suitable product for boat seats. Its negative effects on foam, vinyl, and stitching can lead to safety hazards and long-term damage. Alternative products that are specifically designed for vinyl protection and maintenance should be used instead.

ArmorAll is not good for vinyl

In addition, ArmorAll can make vinyl extremely slippery, which can be dangerous, especially in the context of boat seats. This is a common issue that many people have experienced and reported.

There are alternative products available that are specifically designed for protecting vinyl and do not have the same negative effects as ArmorAll. These include 303 Aerospace Protectant, Formula 2000, and Meguiar's Natural Shine. These products are designed to protect vinyl from UV rays and keep it looking new without causing damage.

Therefore, it is highly recommended to avoid using ArmorAll on vinyl boat seats and to opt for a product specifically designed for vinyl protection instead.

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