What is Outdoor Fabric? Types of Outdoor Fabric

Fabric, that is water-resistant, UV rating proven, color-fast, and fade-resistant performs the best for outdoor activities. Outdoor fabric withstands difficult weather conditions with quick-drying and mould-resistant properties. Any fabric gets enhanced when it is engineered to be durable and fastness in color. In this article, we have covered outdoor fabric, its types, and features. 

What is Outdoor Fabric?

Outdoor fabric refers to the synthetic fibers made fabric that withstands the difficulty of living outside. It is a woven textile that is made of acrylic, blends of cotton, linen, and other features. As a fabric, outdoor varies in aesthetics, quality, and durability.

Outdoor fabrics are breathable, water-repellent, and resistant to soiling. Outdoor fabric goes beyond the limit in terms of pattern offerings and color palettes. 

What is Outdoor Fabric made of?

Outdoor fabric is made of synthetic fibers. Outdoor fibers, for instance, acrylic, polyester, and polypropylene make fabrics for outdoor purposes. Polyester provides the UV test results at the lowest level. Acrylic and Polypropylene perform the best based on the use of UV stabilizers in the fabric. Outdoor yarns have a UV rating of high purpose. The UV rating slows down the process of fading. 

Types of Outdoor Fabric

Outdoor fabric overall offers three different types. Although each of the types has its benefits and challenges, types of these fabrics range from acrylic to vinyl. They are:

• Solution-Dyed: Fabrics that are soft and acrylic tend to be solution-dyed. Their fibers get dyed before the yarn goes through the creation process. Besides, these fabrics lean on the side of expensive nature. They will resist water, although they are not waterproof. 

• Printed: Printed outdoor fabric is less expensive. There are acrylics and polyester versions which tend to be cheap and printed. These fabrics will fade faster. 

• Vinyl Fabric: Outdoor fabric is another type, which is vinyl fabric. It is well-coated in color and pattern. Vinyl fabric is affordable. It is limited in terms of usage. 

Outdoor Fabric Characteristics

There are features that make outdoor fabric high in quality. For instance: the UV Resistance, the Water Resistance, Clean-ability, and Colorfastness. These components are residential and come in great uses. 

1. Water Resistance: Behind any fabric’s deterioration, the causes are sunshine and moisture. Although the fabric repels water, the fabric cannot ensure water penetrates the fabric.

2. The UV Resistance: The UV resistance is high in rating. It lasts longer when the fabric gets exposed to the harsh rays of ultraviolet. Besides, you can opt for a UV resistance rating. Usually, if the UV rating is high, the better the fabric will be.

3. Color Fastness: Colorfastness depends on the ability of the fabric to hold color. It faces exposure in terms of sun, rain, and snow over a period of time. The high color fastness will keep the pattern of the fabric longer in time. 

4. Cleanability: Although cleanability depends on personal preference, the outdoor fabric ensures an effective clean spot. Following the cleaning instructions of the manufacturer will keep you ahead. Mixing a mild type of cleaning soap solution, liquid pills, and all these fabrics will help in the cleaning process. 

It is also important to ensure that the outdoor fabric is stain-resistant and extends itself to clean with regular wash. 

Conclusion

Most of the outdoor fabrics are water-resistant. These fabrics are used in uncovered decks and indoor furniture. These fabrics have a defined finish that helps in protecting the fabric. Also, fabrics that are for outdoor purposes, will not be in direct contact with ultraviolet exposure. If you are looking for fabrics for an active lifestyle, outdoor would be the best ones for being stain-resistant in overall terms.