Painting Polyurethane Hot Tub Headrests?

[Gavin Allan]

People on this forum are always so helpful in a number of ways, so I thought I'd ask here:



Anyone know of a paint that might work for the headrests on my hot tub? They are made from integral skin polyurethane foam, and were probably made with an in-mold paint/release process. Anyway, the paint on these pieces is faded and peeling off badly, and they look like heck. New ones are ~$60 each, and I have like six of them, so I sure would like to fix what I have. I recall there are vinyl paints for vinyl upholstery that work well for cars-- anyone have any ideas for what might work for these headrests, especially in the moist steamy environment.



In addition to paint, I need to figure out a way to get the existing paint off. It peels pretty easy, but in very small pieces. It would take me hours to peel each headrest. I haven't tried any solvents, but thought someone might have an idea what solvent might work best to clean them up, but not attack the polyurethane.



Thanks for any advice. Google hasn't been real helpful.

 

[Wes Davis]

Can the headrests be removed and dipped into some type of plasticized coating? Heck you might even try something like cool roof or whatever its called. It is a type of rubberized paint.

 

[Gavin Allan]

I'll check into it. Thinking a thin coating of something might hold up better than a thick dip coat.

 

[Thomas Rogers]

What about taking the headrests off and wrapping them in some heat-shrink type vinyl...something that would be affixed to the backside?



TJR

 

[Richard L]

Have you tried to contact the manufacturer of the hot-tub and see if replacement headrests are available? There might even be some kind of warranty to cover the peeling vinyl paint?



If the parts are not available, then you might want to talk to some Marine/boat or even a pool supply place. They may have more knowledge about what would be an appropriate paint or covering for the headrests since marine products have to stand up to long exposures to water, and sunlight and all the elements.



...Rich

 

[Gavin Allan]

$60 each to replace them.

Thanks

 

[Richard L]

Gavin,

Sorry, I missed the part where you said the replacements cost $60 each. Probably not worth it if the originals fell appart. I guess that only leaves some way to re-cover the old headrests with something cheaper and more durable. Again, probably a Marine or Pool Supply may have a better idea as to what would tolerate the exposure they will be subjected to. Maybe an upolstery shop may have some way to cover them in a weather proof vinyl?



Perhaps there are some small inflatable pillows that would work that could be velcro'd in the same location and work just as well?



...Rich

 

[Gavin Allan]

These are in fine condition other than the peeling paint. I've googled until I can't google no more and have found a few other folks with similar problem looking for a solution. Guess I'll have to do some basic science experiments myself! First thing I'll try is DA alcohol to remove the old peeling paint. If that doesn't work, I'll start going up the solvent line to see what removes the paint but doesn't dissolve the cushion. (I know MEK will.)



i might just leave them unpainted- they are kind of ugly, but they look better than peeling.

 

[Richard L]

Gavin,

I know that many forms of Urethane foam deteriorate when exposed to sunlight and must be covered or painted to prevent deterioration from the UV light.



How about upolstering/covering them with a vinyl or leather like material? If the material starts to deteriorate, you can just recover them.



...Rich

 

[swshawaii]

Sunlight NOT needed, case in point:

 

[Gavin Allan]

Most polyurethane that needs good sunlight resistance is made with aliphatic isocyanates. However, these are a little more expensive than traditional TDI or MDI.



On my hot tub, sunlight deterioration would not be an issue, as it is under my deck, and the cover is closed on it 98% of the time anyway. It usually doesn't get any use during the daytime. I can imagine that the problems are going to be water, 104 degree heat, ozone, and the monopersulfate sanitizer (I don't use chlorine or bromine).



Uphostering/covering them seems that it would cause more problems with water retention, mold, etc.



I appreciate the comments and advice. I learn a lot, and something might click.