For durability, easy maintenance and natural anti-bacterial properties,

 expanded vinyl is the ideal choice for seating applications. Due to these inherent features it has provided years of success in marine, automotive and commercial applications. Each range has more specific features, therefore careful consideration should be taken to select the right product for each environment. Armada and Carbon Fibre as examples, feature high UV resistance for performance under the harsh Australian sun and are manufactured to comply with the stringent American marine standards, making them the perfect choice for boat owners. Trailblazer is an automotive quality vinyl and therefore features high abrasion resistance, whilst maintaining a soft handle for additional comfort to the vehicle’s passengers.

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The choice of marine fabrics can seem endless and confusing to the end consumer.

 Whilst the fabric appearance is important, the functionality of the material is crucial to ensure it is going to perform over many years of service. Understanding each product and its key characterises is the only way to ensure the correct choice is made. To help make the right decision, a simple guide has been outlined below.

Sunbrella Plus, Regatta and Mariner are all water proof fabrics making them suitable for marine canopies and bimini tops. Standard Sunbrella however is better suited for fly bridge side wall enclosures or boom covers due to its breathable finish. If you were looking for an all over boat cover, a light weight, water proof product should be used and Surlast would be the ideal choice. Other criteria to consider when making a final choice is; climate and humidity, expected longevity, care & maintenance and material costs.

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Types of clear PVC

PVC “Clear” is used extensively for outdoor blinds and roll-up windows in fabric enclosures on boats.

There are three types for the market, “calendered”, “extruded”, or “pressed”, each type named after its form of manufacture. All three are identical in composition, but differ in quality of surface finish, which determines the degree of visual clarity. The highly polished surface of the “pressed” product is the best surface finish presently available, and is almost universally used in a marine environment.

Clear PVC is highly susceptible to degradation due to exposure to Ultra-violet light and pollutants in the atmosphere, and will turn yellow and brittle over time. Regular cleaning and shielding when not in use will greatly enhance expected life. Nonetheless, all Nolan brands have UV inhibitors added, which provides the added benefit of protection from sunburn and cancer causing radiation.

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Ocean Clear is the next generation in marine window glazing. Until now,

 flexible clear PVC has been used for marine enclosures with reasonable success. The downside to using a PVC product is the clarity and its limited lifespan. After a few short years, clear PVC will show signs of deterioration. Ocean Clear is a semi-rigid coated polycarbonate which provides exceptional clarity and longevity. The only down side to using Ocean Clear for a marine enclosure is the limitation in design. Ocean Clear cannot be rolled or manufactured around tight corners like a traditional clear PVC product, however careful design and innovation can minimise most hurdles providing an enclosure which is both functional and practical.

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When selecting marine carpet there are 3 main criteria to consider;

 UV stability, durability and care & maintenance. The Autex carpet range is manufactured from solution dyed polypropylene fibre which provides a hard wearing, stain resistant finish that will maintain its good looks for years. Added to these key features, the unique needle punch manufacturing process ensures the carpet will never zip or fray eliminating unsightly and dangerous joins and edges. A complete range of colours and textures complete the most comprehensive marine carpet range available.

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Features of Automotive Leather

 

Leather or indeed any material used in an automotive seating application is subject to high levels of wear and tear. The car interior can be exposed to extremes of temperature, and high levels of Ultraviolet light.

For these reasons, auto manufacturers have developed very tough specifications for leather used in cars. Compared to similar upholstery leather, the hides are thicker and have enhanced levels of finishing and surface treatment. Unfortunately, there is a trade-off between softness and durability. Automotive quality leather tends to feel stiffer than upholstery grade, which is sometimes interpreted mistakenly as an indication of poorer quality. Nolan leather meets the specifications of all Australian, European, Japanese and US auto makers. You can be confident that this leather will last the distance.

Leather is a natural product and requires regular care and maintenance to maximise its potential life. Available through Nolan Warehouses is a leather cleaning and conditioning kit specifically developed for automotive leather.

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Choosing a replacement soft-top can be an expensive and confusing decision for the

 end consumer. Essentially there are two options; the purchase of a genuine OE soft-top or an aftermarket soft-top.

Both Robbins and Bestop are manufacturers of quality aftermarket replacement tops. These manufacturers duplicate factory designs, combining original style extrusions and components with premium quality hooding materials and window materials. In some cases, specific changes have been incorporated to improve OE design and increase longevity. With extended warranties that in most cases exceed genuine OE parts, choosing a Bestop or Robbins soft-top is the logical choice.

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Adhesives and related solvents are widely and safely used in upholstery, trimming

 and carpet laying. However, these can be classified as ‘hazardous’ according to the criteria of the National Health and Occupation of Safety Commission (NOHSC) of Australia. It is therefore essential that any risk associated with the use of these functional products is minimised by religiously following the instructions for use, storage and disposal that are printed on every container. In summary, the key points to remember are:-

• Avoid inhalation of fumes, and direct contact of glue with skin and eyes.
• Use only in a well ventilated space; having first eliminated any potential source of ignition.
• Store in a cool, fire isolated space; and dispose of empty containers in accordance with the law and environmental sensitivity.

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