Paint will stick to anything-for a while. But the real test comes over time. Fabric, because it is a flexible surface that can absorb water, presents multiple challenges for a coating. Our biggest concern was flogging. If we can’t prevent the varnish on our grab rail from cracking after eighteen months, how can we expect any coating to adhere to a stretchy, pliable surface that is exposed to the elements-storms, high summer temperatures, freezing cold-year in and year out? To answer this question, we fit the test rack to the top of our vehicle and drove at highway speeds for 20 minutes.
- Our test rack was angled across the roof of the test vehicle, so that each panel was exposed equally to the air flow.
- The MDR Dinghy Paint was relatively easy to apply and adhered well through the test. Unlike other paints, there was no flaking
- The Fusion coating failed to protect the cloth. The coating was transparent in many areas and, for reasons, we can’t explain, the fabric suffered more tears than others in the test.
- The Marine Shield flag was virtually unharmed in the test, losing none of its adhesive strength and appearing to lose none of its ability to prevent UV damage.
