If you're planning on creating an outdoor living space or refurbishing your outdoor furniture, selecting the right fabric can be critical to achieving durability and longevity. Outdoor fabrics need to withstand the harsh effects of Mother Nature, including moisture, sunshine, and dirt. Water-resistant polyester fabric can be an excellent option to consider when looking for outdoor upholstery fabric that will stand the test of time.
What is Water-Resistant Polyester Fabric?
Water-resistant polyester fabric is specially designed to repel water, making it a perfect fabric option for outdoor use. Water-resistant fabric has a tighter weave, making it less porous, and therefore less likely to absorb water. This type of material is commonly used in outdoor upholstery, furniture covers, and awnings because it can withstand rain, mildew, and other outdoor elements.
How is Water Resistance Determined?
Water resistance is determined by the level of hydrostatic pressure that a fabric can withstand without leaking. Hydrostatic pressure refers to how much water pressure a fabric can take before water starts to penetrate through it. The higher the hydrostatic pressure rating of a fabric, the more water-resistant it is.
The most common measuring standard of water resistance is called millimeters of water-resistant column (MWC). This measures how many millimeters of water a fabric can withstand before it leaks. Fabrics that are deemed water-resistant have a rating of around 1,000 MWC. Outdoor fabrics are usually designed to have a hydrostatic pressure rating of 1000 MWC or higher.
Benefits of Using Water-Resistant Polyester Fabric
Water-resistant polyester fabric offers numerous benefits when used in outdoor upholstery. Here are just a few reasons why you should consider using water-resistant polyester fabric for outdoor upholstery.
Waterproofing
As mentioned earlier, water-resistant polyester fabrics are designed to repel water. This means that even if your furniture is exposed to rain or condensation, the fabric should not become saturated and consequently, your furniture should be protected against water damage.
Easy to Clean
Outdoor furniture and upholstery require regular cleaning to prevent dirt and grime from building up. Water-resistant polyester fabric makes cleaning easy because it does not absorb water, making it more resistant to stains and easier to clean than other materials.
Mold and Mildew Resistance
Mold and mildew grow where there is moisture, warmth, and dirt. This is why outdoor furniture is particularly vulnerable to mold and mildew growth. The good news about water-resistant polyester is that it is resistant to mold and mildew when properly cleaned and maintained.
UV Protection
Furniture can easily fade or become discolored when exposed to sunlight. Water-resistant polyester fabric has excellent UV resistance, meaning that it can protect your furniture from fading and deterioration.
Durability
Water-resistant polyester fabric is strong, durable, and resistant to tearing. It has excellent weather-resistant qualities, which makes it ideal for outdoor furniture upholstery, awnings, and other outdoor uses.
Conclusion
Selecting the right fabric for outdoor upholstery is critical in achieving a durable and long-lasting finish. Water-resistant polyester fabric is an excellent option to consider when looking for outdoor fabric that will withstand the elements. This type of material offers numerous benefits, including waterproofing, easy maintenance, mildew resistance, UV protection, and durability. If you are planning on creating an outdoor living space or refurbishing your outdoor furniture, choosing this type of fabric could be a smart move that will stand the test of time.