The Best Fabric for Outdoor Cushions and Why

Sunbrella fabrics are made with 100% solution dyed acrylic. 

Okay, what the heck does that mean? 

Solution dyeing (aka dope dyeing) is a process created in Europe in the 1950's. It involves coloring the polymer prior to extruding it into the acrylic fibers used to create the fabric. In layman's terms, the color is set while the the acrylic is still in liquid form allowing the color to be an integral piece of the finished product.

Traditional dyeing involves applying color to a finished product -- changing its' natural color. Solution dying is done as a first step prior to making the fibres that will eventually become the finished product.  

Think of it this way:

Traditionally dyed products are like an apple -- the outside, the side you see first -- is the dyed color. The inside is the natural color of the product.  

Solution dyed products are like a carrot -- the inside and outside -- through and through are the same color. This is because the color is set prior to making the product. 

So, comparing Sunbrella fabrics to some other outdoor fabrics is truly like trying to compare apples and oranges... errr... carrots. Carrots win hands down!  

It's important because it means Sunbrella fabrics don't fade -- even in the sun. The color is as rich in the middle of the fibers as it is on the outside of the fibers. No more sun bleaching for your patio cushions! 

Did you know Sunbrella® fabrics can be cleaned with Chlorine Bleach? Yup, the solution dyed acrylic will not be ruined by bleach. Makes it a perfect choice for by the pool!

The #1 way to keep your outdoor cushions like new is to regularly clean and care for them. You wouldn't buy a new piece of clothing and never wash it after wearing it, would you?

Outdoor cushions take a lot of abuse from nature as well as through normal use. Dirt and stains should be taken care of on a regular basis to keep your cushions looking great.

Sunbrella fabrics are mold and mildew resistant. The fact is, mildew grows on dirt, pollen and other natural elements. Keeping your cushions free from dirt with regular cleaning is the easiest way to prevent mold and mildew. 

Sunbrella® fabrics Care and Cleaning is online and available to everyone. Not only do they have general care and cleaning guides but they also offer a stain chart to help you get things like suntan lotion, coffee and wine out of their award winning outdoor upholstery fabrics. 

When you have an industry leading product, you stand behind it. Sunbrella fabrics are backed with an unprecedented 5 year warranty against fading or loss of strength due to normal use conditions like sun exposure, mildew or natural elements. 

Bottom line is Sunbrella fabrics last 2 to 10 times longer than conventional fabrics. The cushions you get for cheap at the big box stores? Made in bulk and with fabric and filling that will wear out, fade or otherwise not hold up very long. 

For full warranty information, visit Sunbrella® Fabrics Warranty page.

In 1961, more than 50 years ago, Sunbrella® fabrics hit the market as an alternative fabric for awnings. To that date, cotton had been the choice. The problem with cotton was fading in the sun and overall breakdown of the fibers over time. 

Sunbrella fabrics were born.

During the 1970's, boat owners and avid sailors began to realize that Sunbrella fabrics were the perfect for sail covers and boat tops. These applications required a performance fabric that could stand up to the elements of sun, water, saltwater and more. 

Again, during the 1980's, Sunbrella broke into another market that demanded high performance of its' fabric -- outdoor cushions and patio umbrellas. This step brought Sunbrella fabrics to the forefront for everyday people. The superior quality, color-fastness and gorgeous designs available made  believer's out of homeowners, apartment dwellers and anyone with an outdoor seating space. 

Today, Sunbrella fabrics are used in the awning, marine, outdoor furniture and indoor furniture industries. They have set the standard high for the performance level that consumers want and need in their everyday fabrics. 

Unsurpassed Durability - Over 50 years ago, Sunbrella fabrics broke into the marine market with the best performance fabrics manufactured. Boating enthusiasts put in through the wringer using it on boat awnings, sails, tarps and more. They endured the hard marine life and still looked great. 

Longevity - Sunbrella fabrics can last as long as 20 years with care and cleaning. That's 2 to 10 times longer than other fabrics. 

Fade Resistant - The sun won't fade your Sunbrella fabrics like it can traditional or low quality outdoor fabrics -- and their 5 year warranty backs it up!

Water Repellency and Stain Resistant - Manufactured to resist stains and to repel water, Sunbrella fabrics are the perfect choice for a patio, porch or deck. It can withstand the elements and still look gorgeous. Isn't that what you need from your outdoor fabrics?  

UV Protection - When Sunbrella fabrics are used for umbrellas and awnings, they offer up to 98% protection from harmful UV rays.  

Sunbrella® is a registered trademark of Glen Raven, Inc.