Wrinkles in your vinyl upholstery can make your furniture look old and worn out. Fortunately, you can usually fix the problem. This guide covers some easy tips for removing those pesky wrinkles. It also briefly discusses how to deal with creases.
Why Does Vinyl Upholstery Sometimes Wrinkle?
Loose Material
Vinyl upholstery can wrinkle for a few different reasons, but one common cause is loose material. This usually occurs when the vinyl isn’t pulled tightly enough over the furniture during installation.
If the vinyl is left with too much slack, it can’t conform to the shape of the cushion or frame. As a result, the material may settle unevenly and develop wrinkles.
Temperature Changes
Vinyl expands when it’s warm and contracts when it cools. So, if your vinyl furniture is located in a spot with direct sunlight, it can develop wrinkles over time.
General Use
Vinyl is inherently soft and flexible, so when you sit or move around on vinyl-upholstered furniture, the material will inevitably stretch a bit.
Moreover, the underlying cushion foam is going to compress, and over time, this can cause the vinyl to develop small, shallow wrinkles known as “comfort wrinkles.”
Comfort wrinkles are more likely to show up on soft cushions as opposed to firmer ones. Fluffing and rotating the cushions can help, but some wrinkling is normal with regular use.
5 Tips For Removing Wrinkles From Vinyl Upholstery
1. Test The Vinyl First For Heat Resistance
Heat is your best friend when it comes to removing wrinkles from vinyl upholstery. There is a range of heating methods that you can potentially try, from using direct sunlight to using a steamer.
However, vinyl can melt, warp, bubble, or discolor if it’s overheated! Whatever method you choose, always test the vinyl before applying heat, preferably in a small, hidden spot.
Once you’ve confirmed the vinyl can handle heat, you can move forward with more confidence.
Can Heat Applications Shrink Vinyl?
Heat doesn’t shrink vinyl. In fact, when used the right way, it actually helps the material relax and expand.
Most vinyl upholstery can tolerate temperatures between 40°F and 200°F without trouble. However, the types of vinyl you find indoors aren’t as rugged as outdoor vinyl. For this reason, caution is always advised.
What Not To Do When Treating Vinyl Wrinkles
Again, vinyl can melt, so don’t overdo any type of heat application! You should also avoid using irons directly on vinyl. Even on a low setting, irons are too intense and can damage the surface.
2. Use A Steamer
A steamer is a great tool for removing wrinkles from vinyl upholstery. It softens the vinyl just enough so that you can smooth the wrinkles out by hand.
Most steamers are safe to use on vinyl, but don’t hold them too close. It’s always best to start with light passes while holding the steamer an inch or so away.
What Steamer Type is Best For Removing Wrinkles From Vinyl?
A garment steamer is generally the best choice for removing wrinkles from vinyl upholstery. It produces a gentle, consistent flow of steam that relaxes the vinyl without too much risk of overheating or melting.
After steaming, use your hand or a soft cloth to gently smooth out the wrinkles while the vinyl is still warm and pliable.
3. Be Super Careful When Using A Heat Gun
Some people use heat guns to remove wrinkles from vinyl instead of steamers.
I’d suggest being careful with heat guns, as they can easily overheat the material and cause permanent damage.
4. Leave Your Vinyl Upholstery Out In The Sun
If you don’t mind moving your furniture outside on a warm, sunny day, the heat will naturally soften the vinyl and relax out the wrinkles.
Of course, you will want to watch out for extreme heat and prolonged sun exposure. Additionally, you don’t want to leave your furniture in a spot where it will accumulate dust or otherwise get dirty.
5. Use A Hair Dryer (for creases)
A vinyl chair can develop creases on the seat when something heavy gets placed on it. If you notice this, a hair dryer will usually fix the problem.
As always, perform a small test before applying heat in earnest, then slowly heat up the crease. It may not come out in the first application, but it should disappear after multiple applications. In the majority of cases, the chair will return to its original appearance.
Can You Prevent Wrinkles in Vinyl Upholstery?
While wrinkles and creases can often be fixed, it’s even better to avoid them in the first place. Some simple habits can go a long way in keeping your vinyl upholstery smooth.
One, try to keep your furniture out of direct sunlight as much as possible. Two, if you need to store your furniture, do so in a temperature-controlled space. Three, avoid placing heavy items on your vinyl seats. Four, use a cover during moves or storage to prevent pressure marks from forming.
Use Vinyl Conditioner
Another way to prevent wrinkles is to use a vinyl conditioner. These contain a blend of refined oils that penetrate the vinyl’s surface, helping to restore the moisture lost over time due to natural wear and tear, cleaning, and exposure to sunlight.
To use a vinyl conditioner, clean the vinyl first, then apply the conditioner with a soft cloth or sponge. Let it sit briefly, and then buff away any excess.
Can Wrinkles in Vinyl Be Fixed Without Heat?
Most wrinkles in vinyl upholstery cannot be fully removed without some form of heat because vinyl is a thermoplastic material.
Methods like stretching or weighting the material may help slightly with very minor wrinkles, but for true wrinkle removal, controlled heat is almost always necessary.
Tips to Remove Wrinkles From Vinyl Upholstery – Conclusion
Getting wrinkles out of vinyl upholstery usually comes down to applying heat safely. However, if you’re working with high-end vinyl, or if the wrinkles just won’t disappear, it might be time to call in a professional.
Need help restoring your vinyl upholstery? Contact Redesign Upholstery for expert advice and support.
