Porsche
Cayman Roadster
Automobile
manufacturers are receiving warranty claims from owners of convertibles that
have disintegrated prematurely. Often this can be attributed to an unwitting
detailing professional or vehicle owner who uses strong solvents or other harsh
cleaners on a regular basis to keep the convertible material clean.
Unfortunately,
such harsh cleanings tend to break down the material and the stitching that
holds the various materials together. They also offer no protection from ultra
violet radiation (UV-B) which will result in subsequent fading from
photosynthesis
The
Haartz Corp (acquired Rode & Schwalenbert that was established for 105
years) the world leading manufacturer of automobile convertible tops
exclusively recommends Wolfsteins Pro-Series RaggTopp ™
Cleaner and RaggTopp
™ Protectant Developed specifically for cleaning,
re-proofing and preserving convertible tops
Fabric tops
Haartz
Corporation solution dyed acrylic topping fabrics - Cambria®,
Stayfast®, Twillfast II®, Sonnenland®
Typical Fabric Top
Composition: Twill Fast™ II by the Haartz Corporation, a three-ply composite
comprising:
1.
100%
acrylic twill weaves outer fabric
2.
Electrometric
twill weave inner fabric and / or a layer of butyl rubber or urethane
3.
A homogeneously dyed polyester / cotton dobby weave lining fabric
Fabric
convertible tops (mistakenly referred to as 'canvas') are considered to be the
best. These are not vinyl or canvas, but a laminate consisting of several
components, a top layer of a solution-dyed acrylic textile, a middle layer of
butyl rubber or urethane, and the poly-cotton headliner.
A
Fabric top comprises a multi-layer composite outer fabric, an inner layer and
dyed polyester / cotton-lining fabric, the acrylic textile is very UV
resistant...that's why it's used in this application. However, it has no
inherent soil resistance; it is only water resistant, not waterproof. These
breathable fabrics are made `water repellent' by a chemical treatment process
during manufacture. It repels (beads) water, resists soiling and impedes mildew
formation.
With
time and use however the original treatment diminishes, making periodic
cleaning and pre-treatment necessary, thereby extending the useful life of the
fabric. After a year or so, fabric convertible topping starts to lose is soil
and stain resistance, owners begin to notice the fabric gets wet and has to dry
out when it rains.
The
top doesn't leak because of the layer of butyl rubber (that's what it's for).
However, wet fabric is an indication that the top can now soil or become
stained and that it is time to treat the top with an appropriate fabric
protector to prevent soiling and staining.
Road
dust and dirt settles on the fabric weave, water and dirt act as an abrasive
and if left will break down the fibres and abrade the stitching. There should
be no need to wash your fabric top every time you wash your car. Each time you
wash, even with the gentlest car wash concentrate: you are removing the
previously applied protection.
On
fabric tops, it is recommended that you use a chemical with a fluorocarbon
repelling system. Such a chemical will
bond with the fabric and repel liquid and dirt while at the same time providing
ultraviolet protection. Look for
products that do not contain silicone, Freon, or chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs).
Just vacuum the top using a brush attachment to remove loose dirt and then
rinse with plain water, blotting dry with a Microfiber waffle weave towel
Although
the fabric does not promote mildew growth by itself, mildew may develop on dirt
and other foreign substances that are not removed. This is especially true in
warm, humid, dark environments.
A
regime to keep the fabric clean through regular washings, before it becomes too
dirty, will enhance the life and beauty of the acrylic fabric and make
successive cleaning easier.
There
is a lot of misinformation about protecting convertible fabric tops; if your
goal is maximum protection, do not use water beading/sheeting as an indicator,
as its caused by surface tension; while it’s true that it is a visual indicator
that the protection previously applied is still present it does not guarantee
that it’s actually providing protection.
“If water beads on the
surface it’s protected and able to repel stains” (Just
like water beading on a paint; it’s due solely to surface tension) the answer to both is - No
The
waterproof protection you get from a convertible top comes from the butyl
rubber core sandwiched between the outer canvas and the inner pre-shrunk cotton
layer. An applied protection only renders the fabric water resistant.
Most
automatic car washes will not harm cloth top fabrics. Washes with water jets
and hanging cloths provide a more gentle cleaning action. Those using heavy
barrel brushes could damage the top material. Haartz recommends hand washing.
You don't have to wash your car's top every time you wash your car, but used
occasionally it will remove ingrained soil /road dirt.
Every
time you wash your convertible top, even with the gentlest car wash shampoo,
you are stripping off any previously applied protection. A better methodology would be to vacuum the
top using a brush attachment to remove loose dirt and then just rinse the top
with clean water.
Stitching
(seams and rear windows)
The OEM uses a poly-cotton thread on the fabric tops seams,
which is relatively weak, and requires ultra violet (UV) protection and a
fabric protector to ensure its longevity. Road
dust and dirt settles on the fabric weave, water and dirt act as an abrasive
and if left will break down the fibres and abrade the stitching. DO NOT use uses strong solvents or other harsh
cleaners on a regular basis as this will cause the stitching to fail. This is
what holds your convertible top together so it’s very important to provide
suitable protection.
The
Haartz Corp (acquired Rode & Schwalenbert that was established for 105
years) the world leading manufacturer of automobile convertible tops
exclusively recommends Wolfsteins Pro-Series RaggTopp ™ Cleaner and RaggTopp ™ Protectant Developed specifically
for cleaning, re-proofing and preserving convertible tops, fabric tops should
be cleaned and retreated every three to six months, these cleaning kits consist of two products:
1. Cleaner to remove soiling, stains and
atmospheric pollution for both natural and synthetic materials. The best
cleaners are formulated from low-pH (low alkalinity) and gentle enough for
repeated use over years. They will rely on proteins and enzymes for their safe,
but effective, cleaning power.
2. Fabric protector to re-proof and
preserve fabric tops from the effects of water absorption, surface soiling and
staining, and provide a sunscreen from UV radiation and subsequent fading, and
it repels dirt, grease, and oil. It doesn't make your vinyl top glossy or
greasy-looking. It will have the natural matte sheen of new vinyl.
These
products are environmentally friendly, biodegradable and non-toxic
Alternative product
1.
This is the fabric protector
recommended by Glen Raven Mills (Sunbrella) and the Harrtz Corporation, 303 Fabric Convertible Top Cleaner and Protectant Kit - Fabric/Vinyl Top Cleaner is a proprietary blend of sequester
agents, surfactants and hyper-wetting agents. It lifts and suspends oil and
grease
303 High Tech Fabric Guard – is specifically
developed as a UV screening protective treatment for aerospace and aviation
applications, Regular use will provide
the best protection against UV-B
radiation High Tech Fabric Guard - leaves a
like-new, non-oily, anti-static finish that does not attract dust. Treated
surfaces actually repel dirt, oils, road grime, insect residues and tree sap.
Restores lost water and stain repellency to OEM levels.
2.
Gtechniq i1 Fabric Nano Coating – coats individual
fibres, which allows the material to breath, while at the same time repelling
dirt and liquid. It has no affect on the tactile feel or colour of any fabric
Methodology
• Masking - use a 1-mil x 9-foot x
12-foot plastic drop cloth, cut it in two pieces (6 x 9-feet). With the
convertible top up in front & back, drape one piece across the back as
close to the top hinges as possible. Drape the second piece over the windshield
and far enough 6-foot h back to cover the seat back, fold the convertible top
down but do not latch. Mask the areas around the fabric top with masking tape (3M® Painters Easy Release Blue Tape)
•
Mask the rear window - cover the rear window to avoid over-spray
• Use
a soft horsehair brush to remove any loose surface dust, and then vacuum to
ensure the surface is dust free, use a lint lifter to remove lint from the
fabric surface. Be careful around the rear window to avoid scratching
Cleaning
Most
off-the-shelf car wash soap/cleaners over time will damage the stitching on a
fabric or vinyl top, it usually starts
around the rear window.
• Shake product for 30-60 seconds to
ensure even mixing
• All
surfaces should be clean, dry and free of dust, wax or silicone.
• As
with all cleaning products, always test a small, indiscreet area first to
ensure it won't discolour or stain the surface, and ensure that the pH of the
product is suitable for the material.
•
Apply fabric cleaner (Harrtz RaggTopp®) in a cross hatch pattern //// \\\\ (to ensure an even coverage) with a
clean, damp applicator and leave to penetrate fabric for 10 – 20 minutes
dependent upon stain. Gently scrub using a soft brush to get into the texture
of the fabric. Work the brush from the middle towards the outside.
•
Repeat if necessary; applying two light coats are better than the application
of one heavy coat: allow drying thoroughly between coats.
Stubborn Dirt
Direct Mount DA
Polisher Carpet Brush - turn your orbital
polisher into an interior shampooer, for its ease of use and high quality
results it produces when shampooing carpeting and upholstery. Scrubbing by hand
with a brush takes time and effort, the Ultimate DA Polisher Shampoo Brush is
designed to fit all most orbital polishers, the 5/16 shaft easily screws
directly into your polisher. Heavy duty built construction for long lasting
performance.
Using a slow speed and very moderate downward pressure us a soft
grey brush suitable for wool carpet, fabric /leather upholstery or convertible
top (available from Autogeek)
Badly stained material - wet the area to be cleaned with distilled water plus (a) or (b) above, lightly spray and rinse thoroughly. For neglected convertible fabric tops leave above solution fabric cleaner on overnight, keep damp by covering with a plastic sheet, once stains are removed rinse thoroughly and apply protection. Renovo Soft Top Canvas Cleaner - Dampen the hood, apply the cleaner with a paint brush, and allow dwelling for 20-30 minutes, and then agitating it with a stiff brush and warm water, before rinsing.
Rinsing
Rinse
off using an open-ended low-pressure
water hose and a soft horsehair brush Using a hose without a nozzle, this
allows the gentle flow of water to rinse out the cleaner, gently brush the
surface. Continue rinsing until the rinse water runs clear. Once the top is
thoroughly rinsed, take a soft brush and “brush” the nap of the top in one
direction.
Drying
• Dry
with a waffle weave Micro fibre towel using a blotting motion to dry excess
moisture.
• Allow the fabric to dry for as long as possible
(preferably 24-hours) before using the protectant. An hour or two isn't long
enough, it may feel dry but that’s only the uppermost surface layer (using a protectant on a damp fabric will ‘seal in’ the moisture and encourage the
formation of mildew)
After
washing with warm soapy water and drying the surface; use Plexus® Plastic Cleaner to clean and protect
the surface. It will seal the tint material and keep it clean. It contains
anti-static so it repels the dust and dirt normally attracted to plastic.
It also leaves an invisible, micro-thin layer
of protection, sealing the porous surface, making it more resistant to dirt,
dust and other contaminants. Regular use will help prevent crazing, yellowing
and oxidation which diminishes the plastic's lustre, and appearance,
non-streaking, and it dries crystal clear.
Storage
area
• Most
roadsters will allow you to half-way open the top. Clean the base where it seals against the
paint, lubricate the hinges with lithium grease and then brush and vacuum the tops
storage compartment.
Protecting
•
Apply a fabric protector (Harrtz RaggTopp® Protectant or 303™ High Tech Fabric Guard) on
the dry
fabric, keeping about 6-8 inches above surface and in a cross hatch
pattern //// \\\\ (to
ensure an even coverage) using a back and forth movements spray lightly but do
not soak (if you use too much product it will turn white, rinse away excess and
allow to dry) Two thin coats are better than one heavy one
•Once
you apply the first coat rub the protectant in while it is still damp, this
will help both durability and help the second coat adherence
• Always
ensure that the stitched seams have adequate protection applied to them
•
Alternatively use a soft horsehair paintbrush and apply light thin coats, if
time permits, two light coats are better than one medium coat, using gentle
sweeping motion, rub the protectant in while it is still damp. Do not saturate.
Allow to dry 10-15 minutes between coats, and to dry thoroughly before using or
storing.
Lint
Removal
Once
the top is completely dry, remove any lint or brush fibres with a lint roller
or the sticky side of plastic packing tape. Any lint left on the top will ruin
the appearance of your fabric top.
•
Remove all masking tape and any other materials
• Be
sure to remove any accidental over-spray from paint or glass surfaces
immediately with a damp Microfiber towel or a 1:1 isopropyl alcohol / distilled
water solution. On paint work use a pre-wax cleaner if necessary or fine
detailing clay.
•
After treatment the top will bead water, when the beading diminishes (usually
at 6 monthly intervals, dependent upon climate / use) it's an indication that
it's time for another treatment.
Maintenance
·
Providing the fabric is not
soiled by any foreign matter that needs to be addressed (i.e. tree resin (sap)
bird or insect excrement, etc ) routine cleaning should comprise of vacuuming
with a soft bristled attachment and then use a lint cleaning roller to
remove dust (including pollen) There is no need to rinse the top with water or
use a car wash concentrate or a soft top cleaner; this will only weaken the
protection provided by the protectant and is not a necessary part of a
maintenance regimen
·
Apply ultra violet
(UV-B) protection; periodically to avoid
photo degradation(fading), dependant on climatic conditions as its protection
degrades over time, apply protection (303™ Aerospace Protectant) to fabric by keeping spray about 6-8 inches above surface and
using a back and forth movement spray lightly but do not soak fabric.
·
Apply a fabric protector (Harrtz RaggTopp® Protectant)
each quarter (adjust for use / and or environmental conditions)
Harrtz RaggTopp® Horse Hair Brush - this natural horse hair brush will not harm the finish of
your convertible. It’ nonabrasive and is incredibly soft, yet strong enough to
get into the fibres and texture of your fabric of vinyl top. The design of the
brush makes it easy to grip and gently scrub dirt and grime from your
convertible top, car cover or other fabric and vinyl material like tonneau
covers, vinyl awnings.
Renovo Soft Top Reviver
Available
in Black, Dark Blue, Green and Brown to match your convertible top’s hood; that
will make your convertible top look like new again, great for classic and
modern convertible tops
·
Ensure that the soft top is thoroughly cleaned (Renovo Soft Top Canvas
Cleaner)
·
Ensure that you have sufficient Reviver to complete a full coat.
·
Shake the bottle prior to use
·
Be diligent in removing previous waterproof coatings prior to
application of Reviver.
·
Keep a soft damp cloth ready to wipe off any splashes or
dribbles on paintwork and glass.
·
Work in a timely fashion to ensure that the edges of the freshly
applied Reviver do not dry out too quickly.
·
Work from the centre outwards round and round the vehicle.
·
Only apply to a dry top
·
Allow Reviver to dry completely before applying further product
or taking out in the rain.
Do not - apply the Reviver in direct
sunlight or on a hot day that will cause it to dry too quickly, allow to dry on
glass and paintwork, apply to a soft top that has been coated with a
waterproofing agent without removing the proofer first, apply to vinyl soft tops
-
http://www.renovointernational.com/
Specific Stains
Mould / Mildew - dirt and moisture are essential to mould / mildew propagation;
if the contamination is not removed the fungus will degrade the material. Just
like mould and mildew contamination in other areas, you cannot wash or shampoo
it away; this only exacerbates the problem.
The fungus is caused by living organisms that must be killed
before the material is cleaned, and all the moisture is eliminated by
thoroughly drying the material or the mildew will return
a)
Use a medium soft brush and a 4:1 solution distilled water / ammonia and then
rinse with cool clean water
b)
For tougher stains apply a solution of no more than 1/2 cup (4 oz.) bleach and
1/4 cup (2 oz.) Raggtopp™ Cleaner per gallon of water and then rinse . Mould /
mildew may require repeated cleaning
Please
note that excessive soaking with bleach solution can weaken seam threads. Rinse
the entire top to remove all of the bleach solution from the vinyl, and rinse
the car body to prevent streaking on painted, chrome or other surfaces.
Bird Excrement - this product will remove it
without damage to both vinyl and cloth it will not harm its water repellence. Poop-Off Bird Poop Remover is a non-toxic,
biodegradable, active enzyme formula that removes droppings and residues
composed of all types of avian diets including, seeds, fruit, nuts, meat,
vegetables, nectar, bugs and grains. Originally a marine product, it will not
harm the tops water repellency
Tree Resin (Sap)
– place a
1:10 solution of Isopropyl alcohol on the resin and allow to dwell and then
scrape with a plastic razor blade. Thoroughly rinse surface with clean water
and then replace protection
Paint Overspray -
•
Use Mineral Spirits (a safe solvent) lightly rub the overspray
until removed
•
Rinse off using a low-pressure water hose and a soft horsehair
brush
•
Dry with a waffle weave Micro fibre towel using a blotting
motion to dry excess moisture.
•
Allow the fabric to dry for as long as possible (preferably
24-hours) before using the protectant. An hour or two isn’t long enough, it may
feel dry but that’s only the uppermost surface layer (using a protectant on a
damp fabric will ‘seal in’ the moisture and encourage the formation of mildew)
•
Apply a fabric protector (Harrtz RaggTopp® Protectant
or 303™ High Tech Fabric Guard) on the dry
fabric, keeping about 6-8 inches above surface and in a cross hatch
pattern //// \\\\ (to ensure an even coverage) using a
back and forth movements spray lightly but do not soak (if you use too much
product it will turn white, rinse away excess and allow to dry)
•
Always ensure that the stitched seams have adequate protection
applied to them
•
Alternatively use a soft horsehair paintbrush and apply light
thin coats, if time permits, two light coats are better than one medium coat,
using gentle sweeping motion. Do not saturate. Allow to dry 10-15 minutes
between coats, and to dry thoroughly before using or storing.
Faded fabric - caused by ultra violet radiation (UV-B) photo degradation or
acidic attack; to help to keep or revive the colour - Renovo
Soft Top Reviver a paint-on product that restores faded
colour - www.renovointernational.com/faq.html
Dust /Lint / Light dirt- use a lint roller type brush (3M Lint Roller) to remove light
dust and lint from fabric surface
Renovo Fabric Hood Ultra
proofer –gently lifts dirt, road grime, bird dropping, tree sap and salt
from your canvas top without compromising water repellency. A brush- on
protection specifically formulated for all fabric convertible tops, and boat
covers.
Protects the material from the elements, sun damage, fading,
stains and waterproofs all in one operation Contains a strong UV Inhibitor and
is mould and mildew resistant that will help to prevent the harmful penetration
of everyday dirt into the fibres of new and old convertible top material.
To help to keep or revive
the colour - Soft-Top Reviver www.renovointernational.com/faq.html
Convertible
Top Mechanical Maintenance Care - use
a Q-tip and some lithium grease to lubricate the various parts under the
mechanism for the convertible top, now if you look on this type of top there's
all kinds of
Rear Window
Most
off-the-shelf car wash soap/cleaners over time will damage the stitching on a
fabric or vinyl top. It usually starts around the rear window
Clean
surfaces using Iz einszett 'Plastik-Reiniger' an
intensive, non-corrosive, non-acidic two-phase deep cleaner for urethane that
removes grime build-up thoroughly and effortlessly, these chemicals restore the
original texture, tactile feel and resiliency and optical clarity; use to clean
all coloured and clear water-based acrylic and vinyl; this product is
biodegradable and formalin-free
Renovo Clear Plastic and Window Polish - a
one step cleaner and polish that will remove or reduce clouding, fine scratches
and help restore the transparency to all clear plastic. Shake the bottle well
and apply a very small amount to a soft, 100% cotton towel, work into the
surface with moderate pressure, until all that remains is a faint haze. Burnish
to a shine with a clean, 100% cotton towel. Some areas may require 2-3
applications.
Plastic
polish will not remove clarity defects that are within the plastic or deep
scratches (1.0 ยต) but it will remove external/surface scratching and oxidation
(yellowing). Prior to application of a plastic polish ensure that the surface
is clean and free from dust particles by washing with a soft cloth and warm
water. Be cognizant that heat may cause
the plastics to deform. Using an abrasive polish may remove the UV
protective coating
After
washing and drying the surface; use a plastic polish that is safe for all types
of clear and coloured (polycarbonate) type plastics i.e. Lexan®, Perspex, Lucite and most clear
acrylics - Novus 1 & 2
The
type of polishing cloth you use will make a difference; nonabrasive, absorbent
and lint free. Uses a soft 100% cotton towel (Swissvax or Zymol) avoid using
polyester (Microfiber), which can scratch unprotected plastics.
If using
a machine polisher (Novas 2 & 3) use low speed and light pressure with a clean 100% cotton bonnet (as opposed to foam) to
avoid overheating the plastic
Novus 1 - gently cleans all
plastics without scratching, leaves a lustrous shine that resists fogging,
repels dust, and eliminates static.
Novus 2 -
removes fine scratches, haziness, and abrasions from most plastics (exceptional
for removing scratches from Plexiglas). Use repeatedly and restore faded and discolored
plastics.
I would like to think that these articles become an
asset to anyone who is new to detailing and to professionals alike, as well as
industry experts who seek to advance their knowledge.
I hope
the above article was informative. By having some understanding of the ‘What’
and ‘Why’ as well as the ‘How’ along with a little science to help you
understand how the chemicals we use react, you can achieve the results you
desire.
I would
appreciate it if you would share this article as it helps other detailers
further their knowledge.
Questions
and/ or constructive comments are always appreciated.
Copyright
© 2002 - 2012 TOGWT® (Established 1980) all rights reserved
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