Restoring plastic hatches and accesses.

[dmbgreen]

I have a 1997 16' Prosport fiberglass skiff with a number of white plastic hatches and accesses.
With some work I can get them clean, white and stain free, but they are very porous and get
dirty and stained very quickly. Does anyone have any recommendation for something that I can us to seal their surfaces so they will repel stains ect.. Something that will get soaked in and make them more stain proof. Don't want to replace or paint if I don't have to because they are functional.
Thanks, I have some automotive vinyl restorer I may try.

 

[Scott Danforth]

buy new hinges.

you are trying to restore something that is UV damaged. plastic bits are designed to last 15 years max (that is kept indoors when not in-use) and 5 years max with direct UV exposure.

The plastic parts are under $5 the stainless versions are under $10

it will cost you more in time and product to attempt do do anything other than replace.

 

[dingbat]

Don't want to replace or paint if I don't have to because they are functional.

UV damaged plastic has lost a considerable amount of structural strength. Not to mention their sealing capabilities (orings) are most likely compromised as well.

Lots of cosmetic bandaid fixes (sanding, painting) but only 1 way to fix the problem once and for all… replace