Monkey Fur dye, anyone done it?

[25thmustang]

I know the answer is to remove and replace however that is a large undertaking that I will either complete at a later date or sell the boat before I do it. For the time being however a previous owner let the “monkey fur” headliner get nasty and stained. I have since fixed the leaks that caused it, however after cleaning with many different products (bleach solutions, degreasers, carpet cleaners, Folex, etc etc) it simply wont come clean enough.

As a solution for the time being I’m hoping someone has either done this or can recommend a good carpet dye/paint that would help cover these stains. My goal would be something acceptable verse perfection.

 

[roffey]

I have never heard of monkey fur, I'm going to stick around and see what the answer will be.

 

[25thmustang]

It’s the term used for the fuzzy hull liner manufacturers use in the cabin. In the 70s it was real heavy shag like stuff. They moved to a thinner carpet like product in the 80’s and then to vinyl after that. Mine is a carpet like one. I’ve seen it referred to as monkey fur, rat fur, etc. I’d love to replace it, but the cabin would have to be dismantled as they install it before they build the cabinets, walls, install windows and hatches, etc.

 

[25thmustang]

This photo shows the stuff on the right side that I need to dye/paint.

 

[roffey]

ok, I have seen that stuff before. I don't think I will be of much help other than to suggest the stuff you have likely tried, like steam, scrub brush....I worked on a car lot years back and we used to spray paint the carpets. It sound goofy but if you spray it lightly and then just fluff it up with your hands it does not look like paint.. not sure you could do that here tho. Like I said I will sit back and read the reply and likely learn something new..

 

[gm280]

Could just put some Chia Pet seeds up there and let it grow out. :lol:

Okay seriously, if you already tried all those things and it isn't clean to your liking, then replace it is your only option... But think about the Chia Pet seed...

 

[25thmustang]

I have used Duplicolor fabric and vinyl paint about 15 years ago on some car door panels and plastic. It held up well but it was black, and it was 15 years ago. Not sure if there are better products out there.

Replacing would be a nightmare, I would have to disassemble most of the cabin (head walls, upper cabinets, remove the windows and trim etc. if it comes to that, I would probably live with it!

 

[Scott Danforth]

I have found nothing that will clean old hull liner.

nothing. not a commercial cleaner, not a commercial solvent. not straight bleach, not straight acetone, nothing would clean the staining

however you can get 6 foot wide hull liner for about $6.82 a yard from most RV shops, and a few minutes with 3M 90 adhesive, replace what you have in a weekend. I used panther RV products for my last hull liner order

if you had leaks, the staining is from both mold and minerals. the mold will come back and feed on the minerals, so even if you die the stain a different color and use a really expensive automotive carpet dye, not only will you still have mold, however every time you lean against the dyed hull liner, you will get dye transfer

did I mention I tried straight bleach..... and straight acetone

 

[25thmustang]

I have also tried straight bleach to no avail. If a dye or paint doesn’t work then I either accept or replace. The good news on transfer, none of the areas to be dyed will be touched unless someone uses their hands to touch it (it’s all basically ceiling as the lower walls are clean enough). I used some mold killing spray in there and mold cleaners as well... but not sure how long term that is.

Hopefully someone has a decent recommendation on a product.

 

[dingbat]

I used the hand attachment on a Hoover carpet cleaner on mine with some success.

Took a lot of the grey (dust) coloration out. Removed a couple of water spots and such. Nowhere near perfect....looks a lot better than it did

 

[SDSeville]

I would try fabric/carpet paint. I used some on an old Sea Ray and it looked decent.

 

[25thmustang]

I would try fabric/carpet paint. I used some on an old Sea Ray and it looked decent.

Any brand you recommend?

 

[25thmustang]

Old post, but I wanted to update in case anyone searches...

I ended up grabbing a bunch of cans of white duplicolor vinyl and fabric dye. I used a trick I read online to grab a hair trimmer and trim the headliner first, which knocks down any fuzzy bits sticking out. I then put in a bunch of fans, taped the boat up and went to town. In the end it looked 100 times better. It does make the material feel stiff... but it only took a couple hours verse days for removal and replacement of the headliner.

 

[25thmustang]

Here are some photos:

 

[hugh g]

Old post, but I wanted to update in case anyone searches...

I ended up grabbing a bunch of cans of white duplicolor vinyl and fabric dye. I used a trick I read online to grab a hair trimmer and trim the headliner first, which knocks down any fuzzy bits sticking out. I then put in a bunch of fans, taped the boat up and went to town. In the end it looked 100 times better. It does make the material feel stiff... but it only took a couple hours verse days for removal and replacement of the headliner.

Where can I buy that Duplicolor dye? I bought a gallon of deck cleaner a few weeks ago & the bottle tipped over, leaked onto the carpet of my truck & turned it white. The capet where it leaked was grey. Thanks!

 

[25thmustang]

Autoparts store had it. Most didn't have white, but they ordered it and had it in a couple days.