Guiding Factors When Purchasing New Upholstery For Your Boat Interiors
Although being a boat owner does come with undeniable swagger, you also take on a host of responsibilities. Failure to accord your boat the maintenance it needs will slowly turn it into an unappealing vessel that you never want to take out on the water, let alone have guests come and hang out on! So when the boat's interior starts looking worse for wear, which is normal due to constant exposure to the sun and water, it is imperative to invest in the right marine upholstery to boost its appearance. With the vast range of fabrics available, you could be leaning toward the cheapest options available, but this is the wrong approach to take. Read on for three tips to keep in mind when purchasing new upholstery for your boat interior.
Water-resistant or waterproof fabric?
A massive mistake that boat owners new to purchasing marine upholstery make is assuming that the terms water-resistant and waterproof are synonymous. Water-resistant fabrics refer to materials that have been chemically treated with specific water repellants. These water repellants function to keep moisture from seeping into the fabric. Waterproof, conversely, means the material will naturally be unaffected by moisture since it is designed that way. You should note, though, that each option comes with its drawbacks. For instance, the chemical treatments in water-resistant fabrics diminish gradually over time so you will eventually have to replace the upholstery. Waterproof fabrics, conversely, are not breathable, so they are vulnerable to mould. Your marine upholstery provider can advise you on which option will be best depending on your boat use.
High-quality artisanship
Once you have decided on the type of material you want, it is critical to ensure that you are hiring the best professional to stitch together the upholstery for your boat interiors. Some boat owners make the mistake of purchasing their fabric from one business then choosing to cut costs by hiring a cheap upholsterer. As a result, they end up losing money since even the best-quality fabric will not look great if stitched together by an amateur! Rather than risk this, it is advisable to contract the services of the same company you are purchasing your marine upholstery from. Hiring a professional that is already familiar with boat trimmings will go a long way in ensuring that you select the best materials, ranging from vinyl to mesh, to provide the comfort you want for the interior. Furthermore, they will also help you choose the right colour scheme and upholstery style so that the interior of your boat matches the aesthetic you had in mind.