Vinyl upholstery is still a widely used material for car seats, boat seats, home furniture, and more. Over the years, it’s made quite the name for itself as being both durable and aesthetically appealing. However, removing wrinkles and creases can sometimes drive people to invest in new seat upholstery or even reupholster their furniture.
The good news is you don’t have to go that far to get the wrinkles out of vinyl fabric. Continue reading to learn our simple upholstery tips for removing creases, including the best tools to use, how to get the wrinkles out, and ways to make wrinkle removal easier.
Best Tools to Use to Remove Wrinkles From Vinyl Upholstery
Whether you’re removing unsightly creases from new vinyl seats, car upholstery, or even vinyl tablecloths – choosing the right tools is absolutely crucial for removing wrinkles effectively without causing damage to the vinyl.
Heat Gun, Hair Dryer, & Garment Steamer
Believe it or not, a heat gun or hair dryer can be very effective when it comes to smoothing out wrinkles in vinyl. However, you should use these types of appliances on a low heat setting to prevent damaging the material. This is particularly true for very sensitive items like motorcycle seats, thin tablecloths, and clear vinyl.
Further, the hot water vapors from garment steamers can also help to remove creases in vinyl within a short period. Be sure to watch your hands when working with hot temperatures and keep a close eye on how the material reacts to the heat during the process.
How to Get Wrinkles Out in 5 Steps
Removing pesky wrinkles from your vinyl can be easy, so long as you take the right steps. That said, here are a few steps to help you return your favorite vinyl fabric back to its original glory:
- Clean It - If the material is dirty when you start, you might not be able to see the creases clearly. Further, the added heat could result in additional damage when mixed with debris.
- Use Gentle Heat - Blow dryers, heat guns, and garment steamers should all be applied as even as possible and on a low setting.
- Smooth it Out - After it becomes more flexible, you can smooth it out (gently) with your hands or a soft cloth.
- Let it Cool - When you’re finished, give the vinyl some time to cool down and set. Keep it in a flat and stable position so you don’t create new wrinkles while fixing the old ones.
- Keep a Watchful Eye - Check for any visible signs of heat damage (i.e., melting, texture changes, etc.) during the process and when it’s completed.
Tips to Make Wrinkle Removal Easier
Keep The Heat in Motion
Suppose you’ve used a heat gun, blow dryer, or steamer. In that case, be extra sure to keep the heating source on the move. This seemingly unimportant step is critical as it allows you to distribute the heat and avoid damage evenly.
Skip The Hard Surface – Use a Soft Cloth
You don’t want to replace your wrinkles with scratches, so it’s best to avoid using a hard surface to smooth it. Instead, a soft cloth will do just fine, and it’ll help you side-step avoidable scratching.
Practice Before The Real Deal
Get a feel for the best temperatures and smoothing methods for your vinyl material before getting started. You can always practice on an old piece or a less visible portion of the vinyl you're working on to avoid making a lasting mistake.
Use Vinyl Conditioner
Once you’ve gotten rid of the wrinkles, you can apply a vinyl conditioner to help restore its moisture and maintain its flexibility. This reduces the chances of creases in the future and gives your vinyl a fresh and new shine.
