Published on: 14/07/2021 Updated on: 30/09/2025
How to protect boat cushioning skai fabric over time
With Carlo Luongo and his interesting video tutorials on boat and dinghy cleaning and maintenance, we discovered all the techniques to best treat and clean the different surfaces of our boat. With his 8th video tutorial, Carlo explains how to protect the boat's skai fabric over time. An important aesthetic value of our boat.
We have arrived at Carlo Luongo 's8th video tutorial on boat and inflatable boat cleaning and maintenance, dedicated to how to protect boat cushioning skai fabric. With his series of speeches, Carlo is taking us through the world of boat and dinghy care and maintenance, revealing all the best techniques and tips to clean and protect our boats at their best. And, we can say it loud and clear, a boat cared for and protected to the smallest detail is a "must-have" for us true sea wolves.
The problem: fading and cracking of the cushioning skai fabric
The materials on board our boats are subjected to a variety of "stresses" caused by the marine environment. Sun, sea, salt, limestone, creams, sun oils, and everything else we bring on board can accelerate the deterioration processes of surfaces. One of these is the skai fabric of the boat's cushions, a synthetic fabric-also referred to as "leatherette"-that if not treated properly tends to crack, lose color, or even show cracks. The latter condition is virtually irreparable, as water seepage ensues from the crack, which could rot and mildew the inner padding. This means that the pillow may soon have to be thrown away. And using unsuitable products contributes to accelerating this process....
We have already seen with Carlo Luongo, in one of the previous video tutorials, how to clean the boat's cushioning for early season restoration. Macky, Mafra's degreasing and sanitizing cleaner for skai fabric cushions, was the very star of the video. Macky passed Carlo's test brilliantly, done on a bow cushion in poor condition. See here the video!
If the step of cleaning our boat's interior and exterior skai fabric cushions is important, the care and protection of the skai fabric is perhaps even more so. This is taken care of by the nourishing action of Marly!
It only takes a few minutes a month to protect the skai fabric of the boat's cushioning and extend its "life," let's see how to do it with Carlo Luongo!
Watch the video tutorial on how to protect cushioning skai fabric
The solution? Marly: the invisible protective barrier
Marly arises from the Mafra Research & Development Laboratories just for protect the skai fabric of the boat's cushioning. The product nourishes the surface Of the skai cushioning and revives it, making it soft and elastic. Marly Protects the tissue by nourishing it: thus, prevents discoloration e cracking from dryness and UV rays, and it prolongs life.
Marly is available in the 500 ml bottle and comes complete with trigger. On the label are directions for use in several languages, complete with warning sheets and certificate of biodegradability.
What are you waiting for?
Find out how to best use Marly by Mafra!
The procedure: how to apply Marly
Surface preparation
To ensure complete adhesion and compatibility between the product and the skai fabric, it is necessary to work on a dry, clean surface. Watch Carlo Luongo 's video tutorial on how to clean boat cushioning with Macky.
Application of the product
Apply the product evenly using the supplied trigger, trying to cover the entire area.
Product drafting
With a microfiber cloth such as Heavy Work, spread the product to be sure to treat all areas with the protectant.
Drying
Allow the treated surface to dry, about 30 seconds/1 minute.
Analyze the result
Our favorite time has come, enjoying the result of our work.
In this case, Carlo Luongo does a real test to verify that the product acted as promised, protecting the skai fabric of the cushioning! The water jet test: seeing the water run off is proof of Marly's effect. The product tends to seal the pores of the fabric and give it a water-repellent effect. And the yield is virtually instantaneous!
Marly has created an invisible protective barrier on the treated surface. A guarantee against weathering and greasy, oily soils! What's more, by removing the matte veil, Marly restores the fabric's initial luster. Get ready to give more shine to your dulled cushions!
Carlo's advice is to treat with Marly once a month, depending on the use of the boat.
With periodic treatment with Marly, you will be able to keep your boat's cushioning aesthetically unchanged over time. As a result, you'll be able to ensure its greater value.
In this case, we should also make an assessment of the result by thinking about the savings associated with less wear and tear on the cushions, which will then allow us to postpone the replacement of the cushions!
Protect the skai fabric of the cushions with Marly!
Discover the 500ml format
by Marly
What are you waiting for?
Carlo's final advice:
- Being Marly a liquid product, care should be taken with vertical surfaces (e.g., espaliers), on which it may drip and thus not spread evenly. In this case, Carlo suggests applying the product directly to the microfiber cloth and then spreading it over the surface
- To allow adequate absorption of the product, it is always best to avoid working in full sun, which could cause the product to evaporate. On the contrary, working in the shade and cool, the product will have time to penetrate the fabric and nourish it, preserving its elasticity
- If too much product is applied, the surface may look slippery. In this case, simply wait longer for absorption or wipe over with a dry microfiber cloth to remove excess product
Mafra's marine product range offers the specific solution for each individual operation. Please note that Marly is not the specific product for surface cleaning. For this there are. Macky o Sharky. Use Marly to protect your boat's cushioning from the aggression of external agents and help maintain its original color and elasticity.
Discover all Mafra products for boat and dinghy care and maintenance!
Did you miss Carlo Luongo's tutorials?
Missed a few episodes on Carlo Luongo's boat cleaning and maintenance tutorials? Don't worry, we've got you covered! Here's where you can catch up on all the episodes:
Want to stay up to date with our promotions?
The best Mafra products with special discounts and unmissable offers are waiting for you. Sign up for our Newsletter to receive our discounts and stay updated on the world of Mafra! What are you waiting for?
Keep following us on our social channels for many more useful tips:
