You may have a few questions, and hopefully the following will provide answers. If not, fill out our contact form, and we'll be glad to help you.
Q: What makes Sunbrella fabric so durable?
A: Sunbrella is the result of over 45 years of ongoing research and development. Sunbrella's UV-resistant color pigments are fully blended into its high performance fiber. Sunbrella fabric's strength and color refuses to fade even under the harshest conditions, while retaining the softness of spun cotton.
Q: Is Sunbrella fabric waterproof?
A: Because Sunbrella furniture fabrics are designed to be breathable, they are water repellent, but not completely waterproof. Over time, the water repellency can be refreshed by using 303 High Tech Fabric Guard™ (www.303products.com).
Q: How often do I need to thoroughly clean Sunbrella?
A: The best way to keep Sunbrella brand fabrics looking good is to simply clean them as needed. Rinse off dust and dirt, wipe spills as soon as they occur or spot cleaning soon after stains occur. Removable cushion covers may be machine-washed in cold water with mild laundry soap and air dried. For more stubborn stains, Sunbrella fabrics are bleach cleanable.
Q: How do I clean my top/canvas?
A: Your top fabricated with Sunbrella fabric is easy to clean and maintain. The key to having a beautiful top for a long time is to simply rinse your top (and boat) after each use with clean water. This prevents build up of dirt that is hard or impossible to see. Then occasionally your top will need a thorough cleaning, which once again, is an easy project for the boat owner.
Q: How do I remove mold and mildew?
A: Sunbrella fabrics will not support the growth of mildew, but dirt on the fabric will promote mildew growth, which makes regular cleanings important. Mold and mildew can be cleaned and removed from Sunbrella fabrics. No set timetable exists for when fabric should be cleaned, and the local environment has a great deal to do with determining cleaning frequency. Cleaning is required less frequently in a dry environment than in a humid one with heavy foliage.
Q: Do Sunbrella fabrics provide UV protection?
A: Sunbrella fabrics have been tested and proven to provide up to 98% UV protection from harmful effects of the sun when used in shade applications. Sunbrella fabrics have been awarded the "Seal of Recommendation" by The Skin Cancer Foundation, an international organization dedicated to the prevention of skin cancer (www.skincancer.org). Whites and lighter colored fabrics provide less protection than darker fabrics, which have more depth of color. This protective factor is inherent to the product and will not be reduced by usage and/or fabric exposure to the sun.
Q: Where can I get products for my boat made with Sunbrella fabric?
A: You can find the fabric you're looking for by going to the Where to Buy page in the Marine section of this site. Simply choose your location from the options shown to find names of companies in your area that manufacture or sell marine products made with Sunbrella fabric.