Outdoor Fabrics: What Are Acrylic and Solution-Dyed?
The fabric science behind canopy and cockpit cushions - the answer to the question, ‘why is this one so much more expensive?’ is solution dyeing.
There are two main families of outdoor textile used for sprayhoods and cushions, and the answer to ‘why is the same canopy three times the price?’ is in the photo taken five years later. The table below separates the two.
Acrylic - polyester
Feature | Solution-dyed acrylic | Dyed polyester |
|---|---|---|
Colour | The colour runs right through the fibre, inside and out | On the surface only |
Fading in UV | Will not fade for years | Will go pastel after a few seasons |
Water repellency | Impregnated, can be renewed | Less durable |
Price | High | Economical |
The Aegean sun is an accelerated ageing test for textiles. An acrylic fabric’s water repellency weakens over the years; the cloth is often thought to be ‘worn out’, when in fact it usually just needs re-impregnating (water-repellent spray). Incorrect cleaning (bleach, pressure washing) destroys the impregnation and the stitching.
When ordering a new sprayhood or cushion, ask three quality questions: is the fabric solution-dyed acrylic, is the thread UV-resistant, and is the zip good quality? A sprayhood that gets three yeses will be talked about for ten years. Care: wash gently, dry fully, apply water-repellent spray, and store indoors over winter.