How to clean & protect matt black hypalon tubes

[topspeed]

Hello,
I would be very grateful for advice, as have just taken delivery of a lovely rib, which has matt black hypalon tubes, and they seem to show every mark.
Looks like we got some suncream on them when entering the boat, and then when rafted up a neighbour walked on the tubes, and left dusty looking shoe prints on the tubes.

If you can help, with;
A) best method to clean on a daily basis,
&
B) what can I apply to them, to give more protection to the tubes

Many thanks

[Max...]

Originally Posted by topspeed

…a neighbour walked on the tubes, and left dusty looking shoe prints on the tubes…

Seriously?!

It’s a flipping boat, you’re worried about dusty foot prints.



Time machine job I guess.

[topspeed]

Yes, seriously.
I like to look after the things I have spent a long time working for.

Figure if you don't look after it, then you don't deserve it.

[Max...]

Ok, just a little RIBnet jesting.

I think you’re always gong to struggle with the combo of a matt finish and black tubes which are going to suck in and show every bit of cr@p unless you want to spend far more time cleaning the thing than ever enjoying it.

Hence the time machine comment, matt black looks lovely in publicity shots at a marina but is very impractical if you’re OCD about pristine looks every day.

Obviously there are treatments that can be applied but again on matt Hypalon it’s going to probably affect the sheen or lack of?

Short of dumping a load of chemicals and cleaners in the water everyday not sure what to suggest other than elbow grease and lots of scrubbing but bio degradable cleaners would be nice. The equivalent of Fairy Power Spray etc.

[neil.mccrirrick]

Fairy power spray and magic eraser sponge to clean. Aerospace 303 to protect from uv

Job done

[topspeed]

thanks for the suggestions, will give them a try.

[fastasfox]

I was offered the same material for my re-tube...i turned it down because i feared it would get salt marks on it. For the biggest part I would clean it with a jet wash and treat it like a convertible roof and wouls stay away from chemicals....mild detergent at most I would say...try calling the manufacturer (if they are not based in the Ukraine) or ask the dealer....you have a legitimate problem that many with the same tubes will be searching for an answer to......update the thread when you find the proper solution..then we all learn.

[Chris Caton]

easiest way I've found of keeping my black tubes clean is with soapy water and a stiff scrubbing brush with nylon bristles, if the dirt is engrained then August Race Liquid Rib cleaner is good and the Liquid Rib UV is good to keep the tubes looking good

[EmmG]

Hello, Ultraflex paint could be a solution, it dries to a semi sheen so not very Matt but less shiny than many products and makes cleaning SUPER easy Protective Coatings – Ocean Art
It's a way of making your tubes last longer and look good