What Is the Difference Between Outdoor Fabric & Marine Fabric?

Textile Characteristics

• Six characteristics must be considered before purchasing outdoor or marine textiles. The higher a fabric is rated on these factors, the more you will be likely to pay for the material. Breathability is a measure of the fabric's ability to allow the passage of air through the material. Waterproof material completely defends against water penetration. Abrasion resistance indicates how the fabric will wear, and UV resistance is an indicator of protection against sun damage. Colorfastness and cleanability are the measures of a continued "like-new" appearance.

Outdoor Fabrics

• Outdoor fabrics are appropriate for use in patio furniture, retractable awnings and canopies. These applications will necessitate a high degree of colorfastness and cleanability but will probably require more breathability than complete waterproofing. The material will be exposed to the occasional downpour but will dry quickly after a rain. On a scale of one to five, with five being the highest level of protection, outdoor fabrics rate a five for breathability, colorfastness and cleanability but only rate one for waterproofing, three for UV resistance and four for abrasion resistance.

Marine Fabrics

• Marine fabrics are used in boat covers, awnings, equipment covers and bags where waterproofing and UV resistance is essential. Marine fabrics are exposed to the elements all day, every day, and must withstand wind, waves and stormy waters. A good quality marine fabric will score fives on waterproofing, UV resistance and colorfastness, fours on abrasion resistance and cleanability and only a one on breathability. Marine fabrics are coated with vinyl to keep water out rather than allow air to pass through it.

Combination Fabrics

• Some fabrics are made with a combination of woven acrylic fabric and textured marine-grade vinyl to produce an outdoor/marine fabric hybrid. The outer surface features an outdoor fabric with yarn color that runs throughout the cross-section of the fiber, providing good colorfastness. The marine vinyl back surface is completely waterproof and highly resistant to the abrasive action of rubbing against boat frames and rails. Adequate ventilation is required for hybrid material used on enclosures as the vinyl coating blocks airflow.