Repairs & Maintenance

Our Repair Services Include:

• Patching & Hole Repair: Expert patching of tears, punctures, and worn areas using matching marine-grade materials

• Restitching: Reinforcement and repair of seams, stress points, and loose stitching using our premium SolarFix thread

• Glass Replacement: Replacement of scratched, yellowed, or damaged Strataglass and Makrolon windows

• Zipper Replacement: Installation of new marine-grade zippers when originals fail

• Hardware Replacement: Replacement of snaps, grommets, fasteners, and other marine hardware

• Frame Repair: Stainless steel frame straightening, and replacement

• Vinyl Repair: Patching and restitching of vinyl upholstery and cushions (limited repairs available—aged vinyl becomes fragile over time and typically requires full recovering for best results)

• Reinforcement: Adding reinforcement patches to high-stress areas before failure occurs

We service all types of marine canvas products including boat covers, bimini tops, enclosures, cushions, and upholstery for powerboats and sailboats ranging from 10 to 60 feet.

Care & Maintenance Guidelines

Proper care and maintenance will significantly extend the life of your marine canvas investment. Follow these manufacturer-recommended guidelines for optimal performance and longevity.

Sunbrella Canvas Care

Sunbrella fabrics are designed for durability and easy maintenance. Regular cleaning prevents dirt buildup and maintains appearance.

Regular Cleaning:

• Brush off loose dirt and debris

• Spray down with water

• Prepare cleaning solution: ¼ cup mild soap (such as Dawn or Woolite) per gallon of lukewarm water

• Clean with soft bristle brush

• Allow solution to soak into fabric

• Rinse thoroughly until all soap residue is removed

• Air dry completely before storing or closing

For Stubborn Stains:

• Apply cleaning solution directly to stain

• Let soak for up to 20 minutes

• Clean with soft bristle brush

• Rinse thoroughly

Mildew Removal:

• Prepare solution: 1 cup bleach and ¼ cup mild soap per gallon of water

• Spray on affected area and allow to soak for 15 minutes

• Clean with soft bristle brush

• Rinse thoroughly

• Allow to air dry completely

Important Notes:

• Never use pressure washers (can damage fabric and remove protective finish)

• Do not use harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners

• Always air dry completely before storing

• Store in well-ventilated, dry location

Sunbrella Horizon Vinyl Care

Sunbrella Horizon marine vinyl combines durability with easy maintenance for cushions and upholstery.

Regular Cleaning:

• Wipe down with soft cloth and lukewarm water

• For routine cleaning: use mild soap solution (Dawn or similar)

• Rinse with clean water

• Wipe dry with soft cloth

Deep Cleaning:

• Mix ¼ cup mild soap per gallon of lukewarm water

• Apply with soft cloth or sponge

• For stubborn stains, let solution sit briefly

• Rinse thoroughly with clean water

• Dry with soft towel

Important Notes:

• Clean spills immediately to prevent staining

• Avoid abrasive cleaners and brushes that can scratch surface

• Do not use solvent-based cleaners

• Protect from prolonged sun exposure when possible to prevent fading

• Apply marine vinyl protectant periodically for added UV protection

Strataglass Window Care

Strataglass is a premium clear vinyl window material that requires specific care to maintain clarity and prevent scratching.

Regular Cleaning:

• Rinse with clean, lukewarm water to remove loose dirt

• Use Strataglass Protective Cleaner (recommended) or mild soap solution

• Wipe gently with soft microfiber cloth

• Rinse thoroughly with clean water

• Dry with clean, soft microfiber cloth

• Apply Strataglass Protective Polish for added protection and clarity

Critical Don'ts:

• NEVER use paper towels, regular towels, or rough cloths (will scratch surface)

• NEVER use Windex or ammonia-based cleaners (will cloud and damage material)

• NEVER use alcohol-based cleaners

• NEVER clean in direct sunlight or when hot

• NEVER use abrasive cleaners or scrub pads

• NEVER roll or fold when cold (can crack)

Storage:

• Roll panels loosely, never fold

• Store with protective layer between panels if stacking

• Keep in climate-controlled environment when possible

• Avoid storing in extreme heat or cold

Makrolon Polycarbonate Window Care

Makrolon is a rigid polycarbonate material used for hard windows and panels that offers excellent clarity and impact resistance.

Regular Cleaning:

• Rinse with lukewarm water to remove loose particles

• Use mild soap solution (pH neutral detergent)

• Wash with soft cloth or sponge using light pressure

• Rinse thoroughly with clean water

• Dry with soft, lint-free cloth or chamois

For Stubborn Dirt:

• Use isopropyl alcohol (isopropanol) on soft cloth

• Wipe gently

• Follow with soap and water wash

• Rinse and dry thoroughly

Important Notes:

• Never use abrasive cleaners, scouring pads, or scrapers

• Avoid cleaners containing ammonia, acetone, or strong alkalis

• Do not clean in direct sunlight or when surface is hot

• Never use squeegees or razor blades

• Avoid high-pressure washers

• For scratches, use polycarbonate-specific polish

Preventive Maintenance Tips

• Regular Inspection: Check canvas, vinyl, and windows regularly for early signs of wear

• Prompt Repairs: Address small issues immediately before they become major problems

• Proper Storage: Always ensure canvas is completely dry before storing

• Seasonal Care: Clean thoroughly before winter storage and spring launch

• Ventilation: Ensure adequate airflow under covers to prevent mildew

• Hardware Check: Inspect and lubricate snaps, zippers, and fasteners regularly

• Frame Inspection: Check stainless frames for stress cracks or corrosion

When to Call the Professionals

While regular cleaning can be done by boat owners, certain repairs require professional expertise:

• Tears or holes larger than 1 inch

• Seam separation or failure

• Yellowed or clouded window panels

• Broken or bent frame components

• Failed zippers or extensive hardware issues

• Significant mildew or staining that won't clean

Schedule Your Repair

Don't let minor damage become a major expense. Our team at Robie Canvas provides expert repairs using the same high-quality marine-grade materials and craftsmanship we use for new fabrication. We service boats throughout Rhode Island, southern Massachusetts, and parts of Cape Cod.

Contact us today to schedule your repair or discuss your maintenance needs. We're here to keep your marine canvas looking great and performing perfectly for years to come.

All repairs are performed with the same attention to detail and quality standards as our custom fabrication work—as if we were working on our own boat.