RIB Shop - Tube Conditioner

andreworiordan · 13 October 2014, 19:23

Received my tube conditioner today, took about 30min to apply one coat over my 6.7m RIB, the boat is in great condition and the whole lot is washed down after every trip but still shows signs of fading on parts of the tubes. To keep it from getting any worse I ordered a bottle of RIB shops tube conditioner to try out. Not knowing what to expect I set out on a perfect sunny day (temp was about 16'c) Very happy with early results as the tubes look great! will post more pics up in a few weeks to see how it wears over the winter.

andreworiordan · 13 October 2014, 19:25

a few more pics...

Colin D · 14 October 2014, 05:57

Good Morning Andrew .
That added a few pound to your boat . Im just after receiving a 250 ml bottle in the post and looking to do the same to my boat . I tried a little spot on my red pvc akron tubes last night but didn't get the same results as you . Just wondering on your procedure just in case I'm doing something wrong would love to get the white blotches back to red .

Toonribber · 17 October 2014, 12:46

That looks really good. I've an Avon 560 currently in South of France and has been faded by sunlight, similar to the faded patches on yours. I would be delighted to get the tubes to the finish you now have.
Was even starting to think of paint!

Any further advice anyone has great fully received

willk · 17 October 2014, 12:59

To restore "damaged" or old hypalon you need to use the cleaner first. It's a two stage job. I've used both previously and they work well:

Rib cleaning kit for Rib and inflatable boats

Toonribber · 17 October 2014, 13:01

How does it manage to repair faded tubes when the colour has gone?

Rokraider · 17 October 2014, 13:32

Quote:

Originally Posted by Toonribber

How does it manage to repair faded tubes when the colour has gone?

I was wondering about that too.

jambo · 17 October 2014, 13:35

Just by magic !! No I think it's the same as T-cut on car paintwork.

Sent from my iPhone using RIB Net

willk · 17 October 2014, 14:51

Having used both, I'd guess that the "cleaner" combined with mild abrasive action lifts the oxidised material that is "dusty looking" from the surface layer of the hypalon. When this is rinsed and dried, the fabric looks matt but the colour is stronger. The conditioner may contain some sort of brightener but I'd guess it just forms a layer that covers over the matt surface, thus darkening and improving the colour perceived. It is a little shiny and that helps too.

Obviously, if tubes are worn through to the cloth, then it's game over...

Toonribber · 17 October 2014, 15:02

Thanks for that most useful. I think my tubes are in similar condition to the "before " on your pics and they've come up well so will try it.

Trouble is I only get down there once a year and I just want to be out on the water!

Deekus · 17 October 2014, 18:57

Quote:

Originally Posted by Toonribber

Thanks for that most useful. I think my tubes are in similar condition to the "before " on your pics and they've come up well so will try it.

Trouble is I only get down there once a year and I just want to be out on the water!

I have used both on my rib and was impressed with the results.

Top tip:
Make sure you follow the instructions and leave for 10 mins to soak in before cleaning off. This will allow the formula to penetrate stubborn stains and damaged pigment. It will be well worth it 👍
I was amazed at what it brought out of my tubes