How to Make an Inflatable Raft More Durable

A day on the water can leave your skin sunburned and leathery. Sunscreen provides protection for your skin from long term exposure to sun. Similarly, the sun's ultraviolet rays reflected off water slowly deteriorate the fabric of an inflatable raft, causing its material to weaken and fade. To make your raft more durable, regular treatment with UV protectant can preserve the life of your rafting investment, keeping it durable and resistant to damage. In addition, UV protection keeps your inflatable boat looking its best for years to come.

Things You'll Need

  • UV protectant formulated for vinyl and rubber products
  • Spray bottle
  • Mild liquid soap
  • Cotton cloth
  • 1 microfiber towel
  • Small plastic container
  • 1-inch paint brush
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Instructions

    • 1

      Prepare the material by vacuuming thoroughly to remove any grit which may have collected on the floor, seams, zippers or chambers of your inflatable raft. Sand and other fine grit will adhere to the raft's material when UV protectant is applied, causing possible friction and wear.

    • 2

      Combine 1/4 cup mild liquid soap in 1 gallon warm water. Wash boat carefully, paying special attention to zipper and seam areas where small dirt particles can collect unseen. Rinse thoroughly with hose and allow to air dry completely.

    • 3

      Pour liquid UV protectant into a spray bottle. Spray one section of the raft until it is thoroughly wet with protectant. Rub with cotton cloth until the liquid is evenly distributed and completely dry. Work your way around the raft, repeating the procedure until all areas of your raft have been thoroughly coated with product.

    • 4

      Pour a small amount of liquid protectant into plastic dish. Work UV protectant into the fabric of the zipper next to the teeth with a 1-inch paintbrush. Keep zipper closed and avoid putting protectant on the metal teeth of the zipper, as it could cause them to stick. As product is absorbed, repeat application of the product until zipper material is thoroughly saturated.

    • 5

      Allow product to dry thoroughly for up to 24 hours. Buff lightly with a dry microfiber towel to remove any residual protectant. Extra protectant left on the raft material will attract dirt, which can create friction and cause wear spots.