DIY Motorcycle Restoration Tips

Motorcycle Restoration: Restore vs. Replace

So, you want to make your motorcycle (or auto) look like new and restore the paint, plastic, chrome, aluminum, or stainless steel to its original finish…

A general misconception among many people that have automobiles, motorcycles, recreational vehicles, medical furniture, home furniture and more that are in need of repair is that, “It is less expensive to replace rather than to restore.” This is a fallacy.

This is the reason why so many people want to recondition cars, boats, trucks, tractors, RV’s, furniture, headlights, vinyl and leather surfaces and more. Why throw something out that could be restored to new for a fraction of the price.

Safety Tip: Though we believe in restoration vs replacement, when examining your motorcycle if a plastic or fiberglass part appears to be damaged severely and has a structural value to it - you may want to consider replacing this part for the rider’s safety.

Is this your motorcycle?

DIY Motorcycle Restoration Tips

Most of every motorcycle’s outer covering or fairings are made from high-strength plastic or fiberglass reinforced resin. These plastics are designed to to repel the sun’s ultraviolet rays, but the sun can still cause fading over time. Depending on how you neglect your bike, you may also experience cracking on the surface of your painted areas.

Replacement parts can be very expensive and sometimes hard to find depending on the age of your motorcycle. Follow this guide below if you’d like to save money and restore what you have. You’ll feel great about your savings and your micro-impact on your carbon footprint in reducing one more plastic purchase.

The Tips

Some things you’ll need.

• Concentrated liquid laundry detergent

• 100 percent cotton rags (terry cloth)

• Painter's masking tape

• Plastic conditioner

• Plastic polish

• Plastic buffing compound

• UV sun blocker for plastics

Wash thoroughly

Wash the damaged plastic thoroughly, using a concentrated liquid laundry detergent. A good guide is 3 teaspoons detergent to about 16oz of hot water. Remember detergent in concentrated so you don’t need to overdo it. More is not better. Plastic buffing compounds, conditioners and polishes require a grease-free surface to work properly. Plastic motorcycle parts are exposed to grease from the engine, as well as dirt and debris from the road, therefore, a complete cleaning is absolutely necessary. Wipe everything down with cotton terry cloth and allow the surface to dry before going forward with your job. You may need to plan this into your schedule.

“As usual, you should follow any special manufacturer’s instructions regarding the conditioner.”

Examine the area

Examine the plastic surfaces to determine what type of damage has occurred. Most sun damaged areas will be faded, fogged or yellowed. Fogged plastic will have a hazy look that leaves the plastic's finish cloudy and unclear. Use painter's masking tape to create a 2-inch border around the damaged areas.

Apply plastic conditioner

Many plastic conditioners are designed to neutralize yellowing or fading, thus restoring the plastic to its original color. Work the conditioner into the surface of the plastic, moving the cotton rag in a circular motion. Allow your work to dry for at least two hours. You can reexamine the damaged surfaces for fogging and micro cracks and redo areas if necessary.

As usual, you should follow any special manufacturer's instructions regarding the conditioner.

Apply a plastic polish

Apply a plastic polish to the reconditioned surface (we’re talking about the area you just conditioned). Apply the polish with a 100 percent cotton terry cloth. If there are any noticeable scratches visible after polishing, proceed to the next step. If there are no scratches, remove the masking tape - you’ve come to completion!

Apply buffing compound

Plastic buffing compounds come in two strengths:

1. One for deep scratches.

2. One for light scratches.

Micro cracks from sun damage are repaired with a light scratch remover. Buff the scratches out, using a circular motion rather than moving the rag back and forth parallel with the scratch. This avoids creating a depression or indentation on the surface being buffed. Once the scratches are removed, wipe the area down with a your clean cotton terry cloth or rag.

The buffed area does not have to be reconditioned before proceeding.

Apply a plastic polish

Apply a plastic polish by lightly spraying the surface with enough polish to leave a thin coating across the the damaged areas. Most plastic polishes come in some sort of spray bottle. If the polish doesn't have a spray top, use a couple teaspoons of polish per square foot of damaged area. You can rub the polish in until a glossy and uniform finish is achieved across the entire area. Wipe the damaged area down one last time to complete the project.

Product Tip: Many plastic conditioners offer products that contain a sun blocker formulated for plastics. This sun blocker is similar in concept to what you may apply to your own human canvas when relaxing on the beach.. Apply a coating onto all the motorcycle's plastic parts to extend their life.

You can restore your headlight to! Don’t buy replacement parts when you can restore to new. Check out our article on “How To Restore Your Car Headlights to New”

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Need Professional Help?

Color Glo professional restoration specialists are trained to see beyond the misconceptions. Our specialists know that prioritizing mitigation and restoration efforts will stop further damage, reduce loss and expense and you get up and running again very quickly - motorcycles, vehicles, office furniture… you name it.

Why Care And Restoration of Recreational Vehicles is So Important

Color Restoration for Recreational Vehicles

If you live here in the midwest or in an area of the world where the four seasons come and go, then you may participate in outdoor life through a garage full of gas-fueled machines. And it’s that time of year when spring is showing its face here in the upper mid-west, Minnesota and we get excited about these machines. The sun is shining, the snow is melting and people are emerging to the sidewalks from their long winter slumber.

The first signs of spring are evident when ice fishing houses come off the lake and snow mobiles and sleds go back into storage. We can then look forward to the soothing sounds of jet skis, ATV’s, motorcycles and other warm weather indicators that fill our roads, trails and lakes. You may also be a boat owner and are looking forward to de-winterizing it and hoisting its sails.

It’s possible your ice fishing house needs a little color restoration…
Photo: telegraphjournal.com

How to prepare your recreational vehicles for summer

You’ve waited far too long through the brutal winter months. Now that it is springtime and you’ve housed the winter toys, you are itching to get your jet ski back in the Minnesota waters, your motorcycle back on the streets and your ATV back on the trail. We don’t blame you.

And every single year, you may find that it never fails - you’ve pulled your jet ski or other machine out from storage and you notice damage from the previous season that needs to be repaired. You may even have holes and damage from a mouse in the upholstery and wiring harnesses. Though mechanical damage needs be addressed at your local shop, the visual condition of your investments also needs some attention.

Just like your boats, automobiles, aircraft, home furniture and other lifestyle investments, recreational vehicles require maintenance, restoration and love.

So how about that mouse?

Do you still think they are cute? They love to seek warmth in the colder months and your boats, jet skis, ATV’s and other recreational vehicles in storage provide the perfect shelter with plenty of options for building nests. Though mice can literally chew through wires, harnesses, tubing and other important electrical elements, the most common issue we find after winter storage is damage to cushions. They find their way into the filling and take up residence for the colder months leaving you with spring expenses.

Though it will really depend on the piece and the damage, but generally speaking a Color Glo restoration specialist can bring your marine leather, vinyl and cushions back to life for 70% - 90% cheaper than buying new. And we’ll come right to your garage!

Image: Pontoonpedia.com

The Professional At Color Glo Can Help

Color Glo specialists come to you.  We've been doing it for over 45 years and have built incredible relationships with recreational vehicle owners. All of our repairs are done on-site, meaning you can save time and money during the restoration process.

Our franchisees can fix just about anything. With Color Glo, you can make one call to fix almost everything in the dash, seating, interior, headlights and some exterior paneling. We repair and restore vinyl, leather, fabric, plastic, and carpet to a like-new condition. Some recreational vehicles we love are:

• Snow mobiles

• ATV’s

• Jet skis

• Wave runners

• Motorcycles

• Boats (big and small)

• and more…

Think of it as a full makeover. If you're looking to sell your home, you may hire a professional painter to give a brand new feel and give the rooms a flow that leads you through the house. The emotional piece of spending money is very real when it comes to home, cars, RV's and other items of large expense. In your RV's, Color Glo can dye surfaces like vinyl, plastic, leather, rubber and more. We can also repair and restore scratches, tears, and burns to new. Keeping these investments like new helps their resale value and keeps your enjoyment level high.

Repair vs. Replace

Repairing and restoring the features on recreational vehicles can help make the cost of replacement cheaper. In fact, it will be much less in most cases. You can expect to see as much as a 70% savings when restoring to new with Color Glo and you can demand top dollar for your slightly used RV's. 

Recreational Vehicle vs. Automobile

As a jet ski or ATV owner, keeping your machines cleaned and conditioned is your first priority. Your use patterns on these investments are much different than your car and the potential for damage is high. A marine vehicle needs to be protected from the continual exposure to water and sun. Even when left uncovered overnight, the dampness can cause moisture and dew to sit on the surfaces of the jet ski or wave runner and cause long-term damage. You may not notice it, but one day you'll wake up and it will be sudden damage that you were not expecting.

For ATV’s you probably purpose them for off road fun, hauling and property work. They get beat to death by dirt, stones, fences, water hazards and more. Annual, if not monthly, maintenance is crucial for these investments to look good and work properly.

Having a list of general care practices which includes cleaning and protection will help your recreational vehicles last for many, many years. And keeping your watercraft and ATV’s covered when not in use will increase the life of your plastic, vinyl and leather surfaces by avoiding unnecessary exposure to the elements. You learn more about cleaning watercraft at this great article by Color Glo Specialist Brenda in Michigan, "Top 4 Tips For Cleaning Marine Vinyl Interior". 

How Color Glo can help

Boat/marine/wave runner and ATV repair can be done for plastic, vinyl, various fabrics, and upholstery. If you have cracks, rips, holes, scratches, fades, stains or burns on the interior or exterior, then restoration is a great option for you. 

Color Glo can restore all the interior of your beautiful and hard earned watercraft and recreational vehicles. Whether it be vinyl, boat carpet or even hard plastic, we can make it look new again. Who knows... if you purchased your recreational vehicle new, you may even find our products make your investment look even better than new! Color Glo specialists can perform these services:

• Jet Ski plastic restoration.

• Wave runner plastic restoration.

• Watercraft vinyl restoration and repair.

• ATV plastic & headlight restoration.

• ATV fabric and vinyl restoration.

• Motorcycle plastic, vinyl, headlight and leather repair.

• Seats and beds repair.

• Boat tops restoration.

• Engine enclosures restoration.

• Mildew removal.

• Woodgrain restoration.

• Hard plastic repair

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Help Your Toys Find Their Pasture Faster.

Our professional mobile franchisees come to you, to repair damaged and dirty leather, plastic and vinyl on all types of boats, yachts and personal watercraft, ATV’s and even your 52 foot, cigarette runner.

Color Restoration and So Much More

Color restoration and more

Color Glo International is the world leader in restoration and repair of leather, vinyl, velour, cloth and hard plastics commonly found in the markets of automotive, aircraft, marine and furniture.  Formally incorporated in 1975 Color Glo began franchising in 1982. Today we can be found in hundreds of markets throughout world. Color Glo products are proven everyday to offer the correct results and best value every time they are put to the test.

We initially began our franchising in the United States and have since then expanded into Canada and over 50 countries worldwide. Our focus is restoring and repairing common defects such as worn and faded interior components such as leather upholstery, headliners, burns and broken plastic or composite molding. These problems are found in the interior of every automobile, RV, truck sports vehicle, plane or boat in use today. You can learn a bit more about How RV Owners and Dealers Benefit From Color Glo.

A Little Bit of History

Since it’s beginning in 1975, Color Glo has become the recognized leader in the mobile automotive reconditioning industry. Founded by Everett C. Smith to address the growing demands, Color Glo has from the very beginning been the benchmark of this industry. Having been in the reconditioning industry for years, Mr. Smith knew that the existing products were not of the quality he would need to build a strong and successful brand. Although it was very costly and challenging, he decided that for his company, the only direction that would satisfy his pursuit of perfection and quality was to formulate his own line of exclusive and proprietary products.

Color Glo opened their own research and development labs to formulate the best products in this industry. He hired chemists that had strong backgrounds in new product formulation and research, and over a period of several years is team developed the original Color Glo proprietary line of restoration and repair products. Today the original 8 products in the line have grown to over 100 different and unique products. Each of the over 100 products are developed and selected to work seamlessly within the Color Glo system.

What We Do

This table gives you an overview of the materials we fix, where they’re found and the specific problems we can repair, restore or re-dye. We can find a solution for any problems that arise where these materials are found.

Color Glo Specialists

Our Color Glo franchises are located around the globe.  In the US our 75+ franchises are all mobile units. They come to you! Color Glo's mobile-based technicians will come to your home, office or other location to repair damaged plastic, vinyl, leather, fabric and upholstery. Worn, torn, stained, burned, scratched or otherwise damaged materials can be restored to like new for just a fraction of the cost of replacement.

We are located internationally in over 50 countries. These are location-based shops, set up to provide complete and professional repair and restoration services.

You can find all our CGI International franchises on our website location finder under “Locations”.

Renewable Resources

A very relevant attribute to Color Glo is our commitment to the environment and our commitment to be a green company. Color Glo’s process uses specially formulated proprietary water based and environmentally friendly, non flammable, odor free products.

Our environment is a growing concern and special factors are often taken into consideration when a potential customer is choosing a company for repair and/or restoration. This is where Color Glo comes in. Special attention given now to these considerations can be used to our advantage highlighting the continued implementation and research Color Glo International Environmental impact of products (subject to strict quality controls according to ASTM standards) that led to the creation of color-based eco-friendly, water based, odorless and nontoxic products.

Our environmental policy is based on the belief that no one operates in isolation. Everyone shares the same earth, and everything we do matters to those around us. At Color Glo International, we put people first. The health, safety, and welfare of our customers, employees, and the people of the communities we serve are paramount. That is why we take our commitment to environmental stewardship seriously and have developed specific principles to guide us in our work. At Color Glo, we will ensure that our employees & franchisees have the training, skills and knowledge necessary to adhere to these principles.

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Color Restoration and So Much More

Color Glo international and Color Glo franchisees world-wide are specialists in color restoration and repair of vinyl surfaces, accessories and furniture. Color Glo specialists are available to help restore your valuable property. We offer an on-site service, safety and convenience, eliminating the downtime of transport and ensuring our best work. Our work is permanent and environmentally safe. Color Glo specialists use non-flammable, odorless, water-based products that dry quickly.

Keep your investment for years to come. Revitalize. Restore. Save money. Contact us today for more information.

How To Repair Cracked Vinyl

Cracked Vinyl. What to do?

Vinyl is a common material for furniture that is easy to work with. It’s durable and comfortable, but over time vinyl can sometimes rip, crack or tear. This is especially true for vinyl chairs, which must deal with fluctuations in weight and friction. You may also vinyl in your cars or boats on the dash, door and other areas. Fortunately, repairing cracked vinyl is a process that can be undertaken as DIY. Of course, there are some professional vinyl restoration specialists out there too…

Vinyl on medical furniture repaired by Color Glo specialists.

How to repair cracked vinyl myself

You’ll need a few things to get the ball rolling.

• Rubbing alcohol (optional)

• Hair dryer (optional)

• Iron

• Cotton swab

• Mild hand soap

• Washcloths

• Sandpaper, 320-grit

• Vinyl repair kit

Vinyl is really nothing more than plastic (specifically polyvinyl chloride). Special plasticizers are added to make the PVC flexible and suitable for use on furniture. A clear topcoat seals the vinyl to keep the plasticizers in place. When this topcoat wears away or is damaged, the vinyl can crack. You see this often in cars, boats and and other furniture that have high-wear action. The solution is a liquid vinyl repair kit, and keeping your vinyl conditioned to prevent further wear and tear.

The steps to successful vinyl repair

1. Run the tap water until it is hot. Soak a clean washcloth, then wring it out until it's about as wet as if you are planning to wash your face. Put a dollop of a mild hand detergent onto the washcloth and navigate to the problematic vinyl area.

2. Scrub the cracked area with the soapy cloth to remove dirt, body oils and other contaminants. This is pretty important. Extend past the damaged area 1 to 2 inches so the repair material has something that it can bond to.

3. Rinse the cleaned portion with a new cloth. Run water over the rinse cloth to flush soap and contaminants, then go over the area again. Repeat the process until you are sure that all soap is gone. Wipe the area with a fresh, dry cloth and allow it to air dry until all moisture has evaporated.

4. Sand lightly over the cracked area of the chair. This can be scary for many but it’s necessary. You’ll want to extend about 1/2 inch past the damage, using 320-grit sandpaper. Just take a few swipes; you don't want to bore through the remaining topcoat, simply scuff it up to encourage adhesion. Wipe away any sanding dust with your dry cloth.

5. Mix the liquid vinyl formula, if necessary, as instructed by the manufacturer. Some products come ready-mixed in specific colors. Others may require you to blend the color with the vinyl, or possibly apply the color separate from the vinyl. Read the product instructions for further information specific to the type of kit you choose. If you call a Color Glo specialist, they will use our own products that have been developed to provide long-lasting repair.

6. Grab your small spatula tool, typically included in the repair kit, and dip it into the liquid vinyl and dab it onto the cracked area. Spread the vinyl in an even, thin layer across the damaged area and extending slightly past the crack. You can also wet your finger tip to smooth the area.

7. Apply layers if needed. This is where your hair dryer comes in. If needed, you may apply successive layers. You’ll want to feather the repair slightly outward with each coat to prevent a ridge at the edges of the repair. Allow dry time between each layer as directed by the manufacturer -- typically 10 or 15 minutes. Use your hairdryer now to speed the dry time. You should probably stay about a foot away.

8. Prepping the final surface. You can smooth the final surface only if necessary, with a cotton swab moistened with rubbing alcohol. Since alcohol is hard on vinyl, deteriorating the topcoat and allowing the plasticizers to escape, so use it with caution. Lightly rub over the repair a few times. That’s it.

9. Set a grain in place. Set a piece of graining paper over top of the vinyl repair. Heat an iron, as directed by the manufacturer, and slide over the paper for 30 to 60 seconds to emboss the grain pattern into the repair. Finish with a spray of vinyl clear finish spray to provide a new topcoat to your liking.

Done!

Vinyl Repair on an automobile dash below

BEFORE

AFTER

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Need vinyl repair vs replacement? Don’t want to do it yourself?

Color Glo international and Color Glo franchisees world-wide are specialists in color restoration and repair of vinyl surfaces, accessories and furniture. Color Glo specialists are available to help restore your valuable property. We offer an on-site service, safety and convenience, eliminating the downtime of transport and ensuring our best work. Our work is permanent and environmentally safe. Color Glo specialists use non-flammable, odorless, water-based products that dry quickly.

Keep your investment for years to come. Revitalize. Restore. Save money. Contact us today for more information.

What Is Color Restoration?

What we do. Color restoration and repair services.

Color Glo International is the World Leader in restoration and repair of leather, vinyl, velour, cloth and hard plastics commonly found in the markets of Automotive, Aircraft, Marine and Furniture.  Formally incorporated in 1975 Color Glo began franchising in 1982. Today in hundreds of markets throughout world. Color Glo products are proven everyday to offer the correct results and best value every time they are put to the test.

We initially began our franchising in the United States and have since then expanded into Canada and 50 countries worldwide. Our focus is restoring and repairing common defects such as worn and faded interior components such as leather upholstery, headliners, burns and broken plastic or composite molding. These problems are found in the interior of every automobile, RV, truck sports vehicle, plane or boat in use today. See the MATERIALS WE SERVICE.

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Residential 

Leather, Vinyl, Fabric, Carpet, Cloth, Velour, Wood Grain, Hard Plastic. Color Glo specialists are available to help restore, clean or re-dye your valuable property. We offer an on-site service safety and convenience, eliminating the downtime of transport and ensuring our best work. Our work is permanent and environmentally safe. Color Glo specialists use non-flammable, odorless, water-based products that dry quickly.

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Automotive

Pet Damaged Seats, Cigarette Burns, Seats & Door Panels, Dashes & Consoles, Vinyl Roofs, Sun Decks, Convertible Tops, Carpet, Ripped and Torn Cushions. Would you like your vehicle to look even better than when you first brought it home? You will be amazed at the professional quality of our services. We can restore, repair, rejuvenate , and re-color all of the above fabrics and interiors. 

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Headlight Restoration

Having trouble seeing the road at night? If you have old, faded, dull and stained headlights or tail lights Color Glo can restore them at a fraction of the replacement cost. In just a few simple steps Color Glo can make your lights crystal clear again. We offer onsite mobile service, so we come to you! This means less inconvenience for you; our customer. We will come to your work or home and restore your headlights or tail lights - on site.

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Aviation

Our Speciality. Color Glo, together with Aero Interior Maintenance, offers services that are targeted at leather, vinyl, and plastic surfaces used for interior components of aircraft. These components would include aircraft seating, side panels and reveals, headliners, seat bases, window reveals, table tops, and drink rails. The industry uses many different types of plastics, vinyls, and leathers to accomplish both practical and maintainable surfaces but also to bring elegance to these interiors.

• Cleaning and conditioning – Would include basic cleaning of built up soiling, newsprint ink or ink stains, removing simple scuffs, applying a final coat of leather conditioner.

• Repairing worn areas – Many high wear areas such as seat arm rests and upper back cushions have the actual coating worn thin or all the way through the actual finish coating thus exposing the actual leather to premature wear and leaving it unprotected from the elements. Cleaning, repairing surfaces, and re-dying with multiple coats of finish will bring these areas back to a like new condition.

• Repairing & Re-dying of damaged areas – Many times faded colors, damaged surfaces from scuffs, scratches, and cracking can be repaired to a like new condition. This would include leather, vinyl, and hard plastics. These areas are then re-dyed back to an original color.

QUALITY CONTROL. Many companies have tested their products to prove that they will not alter existing burn certificates but what they haven’t done is create an FAA repair station that controls who uses these products, how they use them, and how they will qualify their work. This is called a quality control system. Using an FAA certificated system will assure that trained people are using these products, these products are traced from point of origin to point of use, and a quality control system is used to issue FAA approved paperwork to the aircraft owner returning the aircraft to service after the maintenance we provide is completed. Color Glo in correlation with AIM, use either FAA form #8130-3 or logbook entry forms at the customer requests. Rest assured that existing burn certifications will not be voided when AIM maintains your interiors.

OUR GUARANTEE. A common question is “How long will it last?” It is simple to make something look good going out the door but the real value to the end user is often found months later after these surfaces have been used and cleaned by the customer. We cannot control how you clean or maintain these surfaces after they leave our hands but we feel confident that it will wear well and often times as well as the original finish. Our guarantee is that we will make you satisfied or your money back, no questions asked. We have not experienced cracking, peeling, tackiness, product coming off onto clothing, and the many other problems that many products cause. We take great pride in the fact our products stand the test of time again and again. We have a long list of customers who continually ask us to perform our maintenance on every annual inspection of their aircraft. They have found that routine maintenance can keep the appearance and condition of these interiors in a like new condition even though they may have thousands of hours of actual use.

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Marine & Recreational

Make that old boat, camper or RV look like new again! Color Glo can Restore, Repair, Clean as well as renew or often change the color of Leather, Vinyl, Cloth, Velour, Woodgrain, Fabric, Hard Plastic & Carpet used on Motorcycles, ATVs, Boats, Jet Skis, Motor Homes, Campers and much more!

Time and use have taken their toll on your once beautiful boat. You may be considering buying brand new vinyl or plastic seating or even replacing that great boat all together. Stop! There is another way!

Color Glo can restore all the interior of your beautiful and hard earned watercraft and recreational vehicles. Whether it be vinyl, boat carpet or even hard plastic, we can make the interior of your boat look new again. Who knows... you may even find our products make your boat look even better than new! Color Glo specialists can perform these services:

• Seats and beds repair.

• Boat tops restoration. 

• Engine enclosures restoration.

• Mildew removal.

• Woodgrain restoration.

• Hard plastic repair

• And much more!

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Medical Vinyl Repair

Refurbish and restore. Bring new life to old equipment and eliminate the costly expense of replacing important work center furniture and equipment with high retail alternatives. 

Medical Vinyl Restoration by Color Glo International

Dental Chair Restoration by Color Glo International

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Deodorizing

Whether your clothes or household items have a old musty odor to them from sitting in the trunk of your car, or to the annoying scent of mothballs; Color Glo specialists can remove almost all foul smelling odors with our deodorizing treatments. We neutralize and deodorize using environmentally friendly, biodegradable products.

Deodorizing treatments range from having virtually no scent, to fresh and clean scented garments, vehicles, furniture or any household item.

A professional service that will eliminate bad odors:

• In homes

• In Vehichles

• In Boats

• In Trailers

• Commercial spaces

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Commercial

Color Glo can Repair, Restore and Rejuvenate all your Office Furniture. Keep all your vinyl and leather office chairs for longer and restore them to a like new status. We do all our repairs on site which eliminates any possible down-time for our customers and keeps your employees happy and productive.

COST EFFECTIVENESS. Restored items demand higher resale value, increasing your margin potential if you're looking to sell them. Restoration also mitigates the very costly option of replacement and extends the life of your corporate furniture and office spaces. You will realize a huge cost savings when compared to the alternative.

On-Site Service

• Property never leaves the customers site.

• Convenient for our customers.

• Eliminates customer downtime.

• Your property is always secure.

Permanent Lasting Repairs

• Specially formulated proprietary water-based products used in this market.

• Non-flammable & odorless.

• Dries in minutes and usable same day. 

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Are you a business owner in need of color restoration/repair? Are you an entrepreneur who would love to build a book of business offering world-class services? 

It's Time To Unleash The Boat - And Repair It...

Has your boat hit the water yet?

If you're a boat owner, your favorite time of year has already made its presence felt - specifically in our hometown of Minneapolis, MN. Though it took a long while for spring to rear its head, it's finally here and headed into summer. Has your boat hit the water yet? It seems for many that the answer is "not yet". 

If you are in this group of "not yet" then you are probably noticing the cobwebs and memories of last year's season draping all over your lake-going vessel. What felt winterized and stored in pristine shape, now looks dreary and far from sparkling clean. Often times, you find the mold that decided to plant itself on your favorite cushion or chair. It's possible a mouse found his way into your storage bins or engine compartment, leaving wires and hoses damaged and in need of repair. Your dash is suddenly dry and cracked after several years of use. What do you do?

Uffda! Does your boat look like this?

Some tips and advice for boat restoration

As the world's leading on-site repair and restoration franchise company, we have a few thoughts on repairing your boat's most used areas. Color Glo Specialists have plenty of experience when it comes to high traffic wear, chips, and cracks. 

High-stress areas

One area of the boat that may "creep up on you" is that back seat section or rear of the boat. It really depends what you use your boat for, but if recreation is its purpose then you are the target for this sentiment. People stepping on the back seats and rear deck after tubing, water skiing or cocktailing on floaties can cause serious wear and tear. Stepping on cushions can cause a lot of direct stress to the seat and its coating. You just might find them to be cracked and in need of repair this spring/summer.

“Stepping on the back seats after cocktailing on floaties can cause searious wear and tear.”

 

How about that mouse?

Cute little guys... warmth is what they seek and your boat is the perfect shelter with plenty of options for making a nest. Though mice can literally chew through wires, harnesses, tubing and other important electrical elements, the most common issue we find after winter storage is damage to cushions. They find their way into the filling and take up residence for the colder months leaving you with, well... expense. 

Though it will really depend on the piece and the damage, but generally speaking a Color Glo restoration specialist can bring your marine leather, vinyl and cusion back to life for 70% - 90% cheaper than buying new. And we come to you! 

Color Glo on location around the world for boat and marine restoration

Boat vs. Automobile

As a boat-owner, keeping your boat cleaned and conditioned is your first priority. Your boat's use patterns are much different than your car and the potential for damage is high. A boat needs to be protected from the continual exposure to water and sun. Even when your boat is left uncovered overnight, the dampness can cause moisture and dew to sit on the surfaces of the boat and cause long-term damage. You may not notice it, but one day you'll wake up and it will be sudden damage that you were not expecting.

“As a boat-owner, keeping your boat cleaned and conditioned is your first priority.”

Having a list of general care practices which includes cleaning and protection will help your boat last for many, many years. And keep your watercraft covered when not in use will increase the life of your plastic, vinyl and leather surfaces by avoiding unnecessary exposure to the elements. You learn more about cleaning your boat at this great article by Color Glo Specialist Brenda in Michigan, "Top 4 Tips For Cleaning Marine Vinyl Interior". 

How Color Glo can help

Boat/marine repair can be done for marine plastic, vinyl, various fabrics, and upholstery. If you have cracks, rips, holes, scratches, fades, stains or burns in your boat's interior, then restoration is a great option for you. 

Color Glo can restore all the interior of your beautiful and hard earned watercraft and recreational vehicles. Whether it be vinyl, boat carpet or even hard plastic, we can make the interior of your boat look new again. Who knows... you may even find our products make your boat look even better than new! Color Glo specialists can perform these services:

• Seats and beds repair.

• Boat tops restoration. 

• Engine enclosures restoration.

• Mildew removal.

• Woodgrain restoration.

• Hard plastic repair

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Help Your Boat Find The Lake Faster.

Our professional mobile franchisees come to you, to repair damaged and dirty leather, plastic and vinyl on all types of boats, yachts and personal watercraft, and even your 52 foot, cigarette runner.

Restaurants Save Money by Repairing, Not Replacing

Repairing vs. Replacing in Restaurants

Restaurant managers and owners can develop very strong relationships with quality repair and restoration professionals. And they should; having a leather, vinyl, and color restoration specialist in your back pocket is a crucial element to your profitability in a business with so much wear and tear on your bottom line.

Full-service professionals can repair the deepest cracks, rips and tears to leather and vinyl surfaces, leaving them looking like new.

Been there. Done that. We've all sat at a booth or table at a restaurant and noticed that there are rips, tears, or even potentially ages old cigarette burns (in the case of "vintage" joints). At any rate, something is in dire need of repair.  And there's nothing worse than sitting at a booth or bench that that rips and cracks below your legs or a table that has deep scratches or chips in your eating area. You may have also been in restaurants that have excessive sun damage on chairs, window treatments and other areas, making the space you are sitting in feel old and dated. It takes your experience right down the tubes. 

If you're a restaurant owner or manager, then this is just part of the gig. Certain areas of a dining room can really suffer from wear and tear of high customer traffic. The cost of replacing these items, unfortunately, can be brutally expensive when you consider how many booths, tables, and chairs sustain damage and wear throughout a restaurant's lifetime.

“Restaurant managers and owners can develop very strong relationships with quality repair and restoration professionals.”

 

A Cost-effective Solution

So how does one reduce the massive expensive of operational wear and tear in the restaurant business? That's where Color Glo International comes in. As a solution to this common problem, many restaurant owners are partnering with companies that repair and restore damage to vinyl, leather and plastic surfaces. It can literally save your business hundreds or thousands of dollars in replacement costs depending on the size of your restaurant, and especially over time.

In some of our customer case studies, we find that restaurants have 5 or more booths with rips and tears, vinyl upholstery in need of major repair and other blemishes in high traffic areas. While it's certainly true that any restaurant builds its reputation on service and food offerings,  customers also want a comfortable dining environment. There is certainly no charm or warm and fuzzy feelings that come from a space that is in disrepair. 

The bottom line for all restaurant owners, whether large or small, comes down to two questions:

1. Can I afford to replace old/worn items?
2. Do I have the time, tools and patience/skillsets to tackle it on my own?

Likely not, on both accounts. Repair and restoration specialists can come in during non-business hours and do restoration work on-site, typically within one day depending on your needs.  

A common misconception

Many restaurant owners believe that when they buy seating and other wearable surfaces for their restaurant that they are buying a timeline of durability. They think that when they rip or tear, they need to replace these items. This often causes them to sit unaddressed, due to the high cost of replacement. 

Full-service restoration professionals can repair deep rips, cracks, and tears to leather and vinyl surfaces. The repair and restoration work makes these surfaces look like brand new, which is just as good as a full replacement. You won't wait for ordering, shipping, installation or any of the other costs associated with replacement. In fact, you'll probably spend less than half of the cost repairing and restoring what you already own. 

Ultimately, it's a business decision. If you could repair to a new state at a fraction of the price of replacement, why wouldn't you consider this option?

Big savings for chains

Consider this mathematical example. If you're an owner of a chain or you manage a group of restaurants, this is where the savings can become grossly apparent. If one booth costs $100 to repair vs. $600 to replace and you have 7 locations with an average of 8 booths that require attention, you've just saved $28, 000. You also didn't have to wait for supplies, installation or any other tedious tasks along the way. Your business operates as normal and takes on a transformation during non-operating hours of the day. 

One of most valued partners you can have in the service industry is one that focuses on restoration and repair of your high-traffic and wear/tear areas. There is no doubt that it is really important to maintain your restaurant's appearance and comfort in order for your guests to return time after time again.

Since the cost of operating and repairing restaurants continues to reach exorbitant levels, many restaurateurs have become increasingly savvy by making smart alliances with restoration specialists that perform work on regular basis. This ensures that areas of concern are being addressed quickly before they become more expensive repairs or very unsightly for their clientele.

Today, your reputation management is an area of concern in multiple areas. Keeping your space in top condition for your guests will keep them coming back; this is directly managed by you. But it also keeps your customers from leaving negative or poor reviews online and elsewhere around the internet. Your reputation management online might be handled by your favorite digital marketing company, but it starts inside your doors. Color Glo International can help you stay on top of your reputation with a quality service that is convenient and timely, all the while saving plenty of dollars on the bottom line.  

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Does your restaurant need a facelift?

If your booths, chairs and other leather or vinyl surfaces are in serious need of repair and your image is not as compelling as it was the day you opened your doors, then find a Color Glo Specialist to help design a repair/restoration schedule to maintain your reputation.

Bring Your Boat Interior Back to New in 2023

Marine Interior Restoration Guide

Spring is upon us and you may ask yourself, "how do I make my boat look newer than my neighbors?"... Vanity we know, but the truth is that many boat owners love to showcase their watercraft much like sports car owners do. Keeping your boat in tip-top condition both inside and out, not only will make you look like a superhero on the water but it will speak volumes when you're ready to sell it and upgrade to your 52-foot cigarette runner. 

Your concerns, like many, rest with the cost of restoration. We all know the age-old acronym that boat owners pull out at house parties and dockside conversations:

• B - Bring

• O - Out

• A - Another

• T - Thousand

So, plunking down another thousand to restore the interior doesn't make sense for a lot of people. It’s a durable craft, designed to be used - use it. We're here to tell you that your two biggest concerns can be satisfied today. You don't have to spend your precious weekend hours learning to become a marine interior restoration specialist while missing precious lake time in spring NOR do you have to spend thousands. Color Glo specialists are speedy and have your pocketbook in mind since you're already down a few bucks. 

Boat Restoration Inspiration

Just look at the pudding. The proof is in it. These are Color Glo marine restoration projects where boats have been brought back to life. Quickly and affordably. 

BEFORE

AFTER

Boat Seat Repair can be done for marine plastic, vinyl, various fabrics, and upholstery. If you have cracks, rips, holes, scratches, fades, stains, or burns in your boat's interior, then restoration is a great option for you. Our professional mobile franchisees come to you, to repair damaged and dirty leather, plastic, and vinyl on all types of boats, yachts and personal watercraft, and even your 52-foot, cigarette runner.

BEFORE

AFTER

BEFORE

AFTER

Save Money and Time With Color Glo

Make that old boat, camper or RV look like new again! Color Glo can Restore, Repair, Clean as well as renew or often change the color of Leather, Vinyl, Cloth, Velour, Woodgrain, Fabric, Hard Plastic & Carpet used on Motorcycles, ATVs, Boats, Jet Skis, Motor Homes, Campers and much more!

Color Glo can restore all the interior of your beautiful and hard earned watercraft and recreational vehicles. Whether it be vinyl, boat carpet or even hard plastic, we can make the interior of your boat look new again. Who knows... you may even find our products make your boat look even better than new! Color Glo specialists can perform these services:

• Seats and beds repair.

• Boat tops restoration. 

• Engine enclosures restoration.

• Mildew removal.

• Woodgrain restoration.

• Hard plastic repair

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How To Avoid Boat Interior Restoration

Eventually, you'll need to either put serious elbow grease and free time into your boat or employ someone to provide boat restoration services. You can't avoid it, but you can prolong it. Here are some great tips to keep your boat in "like new" shape for yourself, for you drooling lake neighbors, or for resale. 

1. Clean the Carpet of Your Boat. So many boat owners never think to clean the carpet of their boat after every use. Think about it... not only do we drag our dirty feet on it, but also drip fish slime, spill salted plastics, and scents, and of course, spill cocktails, food, and other "stuff" all over it. It takes tremendous abuse. 

2. Clean your live wells! Your live wells are a breeding ground for the stench, stains, and the occasional manhunt for that unknown odor. You must routinely clean them for the health of stored fish (and the boat owners’ experience). DO NOT use strong detergents, bleach or other chemicals that can have a detrimental effect on the fish you place in there. You'll want to remove filter screens and such, but a nice baking soda and hot water mixture will work magic. 

3. Make sure to clean boat bilges. Just follow your manufactures instructions, but this is something that can fail when you need it most if in an unkept condition. It can also cause a stink on your boat. That's no good for the weekend frolicking with friends.

4. Your console. For plastic and glass, simply use Windex or a similar spray cleaner. For electronic gauges, graphs, and other more sensitive plastic surfaces, use a vinegar-water mixture followed by a soft cloth. Presto!

5. Boat hull, outboard engines, and trailer. These items take an extraordinary beating from the water, the sun, and other debris that hits them at full speed along the way. A very simple thing that keeps your boat looking like new is keeping soft clothes to wipe the boat down immediately after use. When coming out of the water, use a hose or power sprayer to wash your craft and trailer thoroughly. Consult your manufacturer on types of wax or finishing products to give your boat that brand-new glisten. 

6. Vinyl boat seats. Lastly, your boat seats get abused by your excursions, your family, and your friends. The sun also will wreak havoc on them causing them to dry out and crack, just like our skin. The opposite issue of mildew and mold can occur when the surface is not allowed to breathe properly. There are various products you can employ to condition your seats, even household cleaners like dishwashing soap can be great for cleaning them. As always we suggest you consult your specific manufacturer's brand guidelines to get the longest possible lifespan before you give Color Glo a call to do restoration work. 

From faded and worn to brilliant and new. Bring your boat back to life with Color Glo. 

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Need a Color Glo Specialist?

Save Time and Money with Medical Furniture Upholstery Repair

Medical Furniture Upholstery Repair

When it comes to commercial equipment (especially medical and dental furniture) the cost of procuring everything you need to outfit your business can be horrendous. But that's just step one - getting the place in order. Daily use can very quickly wear the surfaces of your dental chairs, medial beds and office chairs. Replacing these items is often not very cost-effective and not typically in the budget as wear and tear appears at unexpected times. 

What should you do...

Color Glo International can help. 

At Color Glo International, we have products and processes that clean and restore these medical furniture categories to keep your expensive assets from getting worn out, saving you time and money in the long-run.

• Examination tables. 
• Rolling stools.
• Dental chairs. 
• Waiting room furniture.
• Other medical or dental vinyl / leather furniture.

Color Glo International is the World Leader in restoration and repair of leather, vinyl, velour, cloth and hard plastics commonly found in the markets of Automotive, Aircraft, Marine and Furniture.  Formally incorporated in 1975 Color Glo began franchising in 1982. Today in hundreds of markets throughout world. Color Glo products are proven everyday to offer the correct results and best value every time they are put to the test.

We initially began our franchising in the United States and have since then expanded into Canada and 50 countries world wide. Our focus is restoring and repairing common defects such as worn and faded interior components such as leather upholstery, headliners, burns and broken plastic or composite molding. These problems are found in the interior of every automobile, RV, truck sports vehicle, plane or boat in use today. See the MATERIALS WE SERVICE.

Medical & Dental Furniture

Color Glo Franchise operations offer advanced equipment, products along with tried and true processes in the industry for medical furniture upholstery repair. 

The certified technicians at CGI can revitalize your examination tables and waiting room furniture. Restoration will enhance their natural beauty and strength, making them look and feel like new again. Since we're an international franchise operation, our skilled franchise owners will come to your location and meticulously restore and repair your vinyl and leather furniture.

Save time and money. Eliminate scuffs, scratches, rips, tears, scrapes, and color fasting that may happen over time. Color Glo technicians will restore, renew and re-dye all leather, vinyl and upholstered furniture. The cost savings can be up to 90% of the typical cost of replacement. Repair and restoration services are done on your watch and at your office or location so that your business keeps running smoothly. In many cases, repairs can be done same-day. There's simply no easier or faster way to address aging furniture that can look like new again. 

Dental Chair Restoration by Color Glo International

Medical Vinyl Restoration by Color Glo International

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Restore your investments

Clients and customers notice the little things. Minor damage can be a major factor in a patient's impression of your medical or dental practice. Let CGI's team of upholstery professionals repair, recover, re-dye and bring new life back into your exam chair and tables, stools, and waiting room furniture. 

When it comes to cost-effective implementation, Color Glo International can help you save up to 90% of the total cost of buying new medical furniture. 

Materials We Service

Top Reasons Restaurant Customers Prefer Booths Over Tables

Do you prefer booth or table?

When hungry customers enter a restaurant, one of the first questions that the host or hostess will ask them is whether they prefer a table or a booth. If a booth is available, customers are more often to choose a both over a table. Many people will wait for one to become available if they are all occupied, even though they could sit immediately at a table. Those customers that prefer to sit at booths have their reasons and these reasons may vary from customer to customer.

Understanding the thinking behind why restaurant customers love to sit in booths is an important aspect of furnishing a restaurant. Although booths are often more expensive than tables and seats of similar quality are, they are often necessary to satisfy as many customers as possible. Furthermore, by understanding the reasons why restaurant customers love booths and by being familiar with different features of restaurant booths, restaurateurs can select the booths that are most likely to please their customers.

Why Do Many Restaurant Customers Prefer Booths?

Restaurants in general should have a mix of seating available for its customers. Some people will prefer booths and others will prefer tables, couches or whatever interesting mix of seating they have decided to put together. The ability to satisfy a diverse crowd of regular customers often depends on this mix. 

When it comes to purchasing booths, it helps to understand the reasons why some customers prefer booths to tables with chairs. Knowing how customers think and their taste preferences is critical to the success of any business. Analyzing some data or surveying customers may help a restaurant realize why some people would rather sit in booths vs. a table, and helps restaurateurs to satisfy their customers by furnishing the right kinds of booths.

1. Privacy

Whether eating at a tablecloth establishment or at a local hole in the wall, many diners enjoy having a measure of privacy while they eat. A booth that is situated against a wall helps to provide this privacy by blocking off one side of the table and benches. A booth with high-back benches provides extra privacy, keeping most other diners at an establishment from seeing the party seated in the booth. The high backs also help to block sound, keeping conversations confined to the booth and blocking the sounds of other diners conversing and using utensils from entering the booth. Furthermore, the added privacy of a booth makes a more secure spot for keeping purses and jackets.

2. Comfort

Booth benches can provide greater comfort for diners than chairs can. Many booth benches have soft, padded seats and backs, whereas chairs are made from either wood or metal that offer less padding. Benches tend to be sturdier than chair seats and backs are, giving diners additional support. This support helps them not to feel their own weight as they eat, resulting in less physical fatigue. Another comfort advantage that booths possess is that each diner has a larger seating area, with a bench providing uninterrupted seating space across its breadth. Diners seated in chairs are limited to the seating space that the chair itself provides.

3. Less Traffic

One of the greatest appeals of a restaurant booth is the limited traffic around the booth. Since many booths are placed against a wall one side and other booths on two more sides, waitstaff and patrons only pass one side of the booth. Traffic tends to move around all four sides of a table with chairs, unless they too are situated against a wall. While they eat, patrons seated at tables with chairs may find themselves dealing with coats or purses of passerby brushing against them or even catching a hip or an elbow. The constant rush of waitstaff can also be an annoyance to customers while they dine. Patrons seated at booths are largely protected from such disturbances, making for a more pleasant dining experience.

4. Coziness

In general, booths tend to offer a cozier feel than tables and chairs do. The open space around chairs makes many restaurantgoers feel exposed, whereas booth benches with high backs offer shelter from restaurant commotion that can distract diners. A group of patrons that is seated in a booth may feel as though they have their own separate space within a restaurant, making for more intimate dining. Booth seating also tends to place patrons closer together, adding another layer of intimacy.

5. More Room

A booth can provide more room for diners to spread out, especially if their party does not fill the booth. Many working professionals that frequent lunchtime places often bring their work with them. These patrons may prefer to be able to lay their coats and bags on a booth bench and spread their papers and electronic devices along the table while still having enough space to eat. The extra space of a booth can also help the members of any dining party relax while they eat, whereas chairs can make them feel cramped, even if there is still space at the table.

Great Booth Features

Once restaurateurs understand the reasons why many patrons prefer booths, they can choose booths with the necessary features to satisfy their customers. Booths have various construction features, booth shapes, and designs. Being familiar with the available options for these features helps restaurateurs choose the booths that are most appropriate to their dining establishments and that are most suitable to their customers.

Construction

Bench height should be at least 36 inches, which brings the bench up to about the shoulder blades for most people, providing enough support for the lower back; The higher the bench, the more private the booth feels

Bench Length. Two-seater bench should be at least 45 inches long, though two people can sit more comfortably on a bench that is 48 inches long. You need to balance the comfort of patrons with the available space in the restaurant

The seat. A bench seat may have springs in it, may be padded, or may just be solid wood or metal. Springs tend to provide support over a longer period than pads do; People also find the extra foam around the springs to be comfortable. Bare metal and wood benches tend to be less expensive

Upholstery. Benches with springs or padding is also upholstered. Vinyl tends to be the upholstery material of choice since it is comfortable and easy to clean. Naugahyde is one of the highest-quality vinyls available for use in a booth. These products can be restored through Vinyl restoration, saving a restaurant a lot of money over time. 

Kick Base. The bottom part of the booth, though not all booths feature one. It provides additional support for the bench and helps patrons maintain good seating posture by giving them a place into which they can dig their heels.

Restaurateurs must balance the booth features that they want to make available to their customers with the price of providing these features. Benches with springs and naugahyde upholstery usually cost more than plain wooden benches do, and the extra cost may not be worth it for some dining establishments.

Shape

Booth seating comes in a variety of shapes. Many booths have straight benches, using a wall to create enclosed seating on three sides. These may be single booths, with one bench, or double booths, with a single back that has benches on both sides of it.

One of the best ways to make use of corners in restaurants is by placing round booths there. These feature semicircular benches, adding extra seating to a corner. These booths also enable all of the patrons seated in them to see one another clearly. This can provide larger dining parties with a more intimate feel and a stronger bonding experience.

Design

Booths may have design features that lend the booths aesthetic qualities. Vinyl-upholstered benches may have a certain number of channels along the bench backs. These are panels divided by stitching and a bench back may have three channels, or eight or more. The vinyl can also be one of many colors or feature multiple colors. Wooden booths may have carved details or they may be stained certain tones. These design features may not affect patrons' comfort, but they are important to the dining establishment's decor.

Conclusion

Many restaurant customers prefer to sit in booths instead of in chairs around a table. They love booths because they offer better privacy, more comfort, more protection from traffic, more coziness, and more room than chairs do. For these reasons, many customers are willing to wait for booths in a restaurant to become available, even foregoing open tables with chairs. In some cases, patrons go elsewhere to dine if a booth is not available. It is therefore important for many dining establishments to provide at least a few booths. It is also important that these booths have the kind of features that help satisfy the reasons why many customers love to sit in booths. There are numerous sources from which to buy restaurant booths, including eBay. The buying process can be challenging and often unsuccessful when customers are not sure for what they should be looking. By understanding both their customers love of booths and the booth features that provide all of the aspects of sitting in a booth that customers expect, restaurateurs can successfully shop for the booths that their dining establishments need.

Restoration of booths. Color Glo international and Color Glo franchisees offer vinyl booth, chair and other industrial furniture restoration. This service can be crucial in the financial end-game inside of a restaurant business. Contact us today for more information. 

Header image courtesy of i5Design.