Use MEK. Methyl Ethyl Keytone. It is used to clean PVC before patching. I used about a gallon of the stuff before I painted the bottom of my 12'6" inflateable. First patch any big leaks. Then clean it with MEK, then rough the surface up with some sand paper. Wipe it down. Thin the Base coat with xylene(I missed this step, and the base was thick and difficult to apply evenly.) When it has dried and the gasses have vented, 3 days in dry weather, paint on the final coat. If this stuff is applied correctly, it is amazing. My inflateable is great now.