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 marine 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™.
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 marine fabrics have been tested and proven to prevent up to 98% of the sun's radiation UV protection from passing through the fabric when used in shade applications. The Skin Cancer Foundation recommends Sunbrella as an aid in the prevention of sun-induced damage to the skin.
Certain styles of Sunbrella, including Sheers and Shadow, are engineered to allow some light transmission, and should not be used in shading applications where UV exposure is a concern.
Shade products such as umbrellas may not provide protection from sunlight reflected from surfaces such as water or fiberglass. Please use shading products featuring Sunbrella as a part of your complete sun protection regimen, including regular use of sunscreen.
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.
