Sun, Style & Stain Resistance: Your Guide to Outdoor Fabric

Sun, Style & Stain Resistance: Your Guide to Outdoor Fabric

When it comes to selecting outdoor fabric, beauty is only part of the equation. Behind every stylish pattern or vibrant hue lies a world of performance specifications that can make or break your project—especially in high-exposure environments. From UV resistance to water repellency, understanding the terminology and technical features of outdoor textiles is key to making informed, professional choices. This blog breaks down the most important specs and finishes so you can confidently specify outdoor fabrics that look great and perform even better.

Solution Dyed Acrylic

 

Most fabrics begin with fibers that are initially colorless. The fibers are woven into yarns and the yarns are then dyed and woven into fabric. With solution dyed acrylic the coloring takes place before the yarn is ever created. A liquid acrylic solution is mixed with color and formed into a fiber. The fiber never existed without color. The fiber is then spun into a yarn that is already permeated with color. The final result is a fabric that will remain colorfast after sun exposure, wear and tear and even bleach application. It is soft, comfortable and breathable. It is water resistant and quick drying. It is not water-proof. Acrylic does not promote the growth of fungus or mildew; however mildew may grow on soils or spills that are not removed promptly from the fabric.  As durable as acrylic is it should be treated as a synthetic. Do not dry clean. There should be no need to tumble dry since it will air dry quickly. Ironing is not needed. However, if you should find it necessary use the synthetic setting. Solution dyed acrylic fabrics are often as stylish as indoor products, and work equally as well, if not better because of their ease in cleaning. Solution dyed acrylic fabrics will rate up to 2200 hours of U.V. protection from fading. Think of solution dyed acrylic yarn as a carrot. When cut the color goes all the way through the yarn.

Printed Acrylic/Polyester

 

The most decorative of the outdoor fabrics is also the most affordable. Acrylic is used as a base cloth for many reasons. Because of its strength, durability, resilience, resistance to wrinkling, shrinking, fading, mildew and fungus it is a great choice. In addition it dries quickly and is UV resistant. Polyester has many of the same qualities. It is strong, resistant to stretching and shrinking, resistant to chemical damage, quick drying, wrinkle resistant and is crisp and resilient when wet or dry. Both maintain printed patterns well and resist rot from outdoor elements. The polyester or acrylic base cloths are screen printed with dyes that are resistant to fading and outdoor elements. In addition, a water repellant guard is factory applied in the final finishing process to further protect the pattern. Fibers are synthetic and should be treated as such. Do not dry clean or tumble dry as it can break down the protective finish. Filament polyester and acrylic is woven of continuous fibers and often have a “slick” feeling hand.  Most of these type fabrics can’t be cleaned with bleach as with solution dyed acrylics can. The average fabric in this category will rate only about 300 hours of U.V. protection from fading. These products are thought of as seasonal, however, with proper care they can last for an extended period. Think of printed polyester/printed acrylic products as a radish. The color is vibrant on the exterior, but only sits on the top of the fabric and does not permeate to the core of the yarn.

Lightfastness & Colorfastness

 

You may have heard the terms “lightfastness” or “colorfastness to light” when shopping for the perfect outdoor fabric. Maybe you have seen a lightfastness rating or a particular number of light hours listed on a fabric’s specs, but maybe you didn’t know what they meant or fully understood their significance. Lightfastness or Colorfastness to light is, “the degree to which a dye resists fading due to constant light exposure.  Although this may be particularly important when shopping for fabric that will be used in a sunroom or outdoors, it is important to note that all dyes have some susceptibility to light damage. Problems with fading tend to occur when the fabric chosen was not produced to meet the end use, like using a basic multi-purpose cotton print on patio furniture.

 

Most fabric manufacturers complete UV tests that provide consumers with a rating that directly correlates with the fabric’s ability to resist fading or its lightfastness. The most commonly used method in the United States is the American Standard AATCC 169.3. With this test the fabric is exposed under specific conditions to a controlled light source which simulates the sun spectrum of Albuquerque, New Mexico. At timed intervals, the test swatch is compared visually to a gray scale and the degree of fading is rated on a scale from 1 to 8.

 

 Degree of FadingLight Fastness Type
8No fadingOutstanding
7Very slight fadingExcellent  (over 100 years)
6Slight fadingVery good  (50-100 years)
5Moderate fadingGood  (25-50 years)
4Appreciable fadingModerate  (25-50 years)
3Significant fadingFair  (15-50 years)
2Extensive fadingPoor   (2-15 years)
1Very extensive fadingVery poor  (less than 2 years)

 

Manufacturers may also provide a lightfastness in number of sunlight hours. Any number of hours could be given, but outdoor fabrics usually rate anywhere from 500-2000+. The exact number of hours or years a fabric will last without fading is impossible to determine as there are many factors that come into play, such as the type of dye used, fiber content of the fabric, sun intensity and geographical location.  Take a moment to consider the difference of the sun’s intensity in New York compared to that of New Mexico. Other factors that may affect lightfastness include temperature, humidity, and airflow.

 

Most fabric manufacturers complete UV tests that provide consumers with a rating that directly correlates with the fabric’s ability to resist fading or its lightfastness. The most commonly used method in the United States is the American Standard AATCC 169.3. With this test the fabric is exposed under specific conditions to a controlled light source which simulates the sun spectrum of Albuquerque, New Mexico. At timed intervals, the test swatch is compared visually to a gray scale and the degree of fading is rated on a scale from 1 to 8.

General Care & Cleaning

The care and cleaning of outdoor performance fabrics are about the same. Most fabrics may be maintained, and simple stains removed, by following three easy steps.

 

  1. Lightly brush off any excess debris.
  2. Prepare a cleaning solution of 1/4 cup mild soap per gallon of warm water. Spray fabric with solution and use a sponge or soft bristle brush to clean making sure that the fabric is completely soaked through.
  3. Rinse thoroughly with clean water and allow fabric to air dry.

 

Outdoor fabrics do not stain easily or mildew. However mildew may grow on foreign substances not readily removed from the fabric. If mildew or staining occurs please follow the instructions below.

 

  1. Prepare a cleaning solution of 1 cup bleach and 1/4 cup mild soap per one gallon of water.
  2. Soak the entire trouble spot with the cleaning solution and scrub with a sponge or soft bristle brush until the stain is removed. Apply more solution as necessary.
  3. Rinse thoroughly with clean water and allow fabric to air dry.
  4. If the problem area is severe the amount of bleach in the solution may be increased as needed.
  5. DO NOT DRY CLEAN.
  6. DO NOT STEAM.

 

RM COCO offers a number of outdoor/performance trimmings in its product offering. These items are made of solution-dyed acrylic yarns and may be maintained using the same general cleaning instructions as our outdoor/performance fabrics.

Sunbrella® Care & Cleaning

Sunbrella® products come with their own specific cleaning instructions.  These products may be maintained as listed below.

 

All Sunbrella® fabrics are made of durable, all-weather solution dyed acrylic. Products can be machine washed in cold water and line dried or professionally dry cleaned.  Most stains on Sunbrella® fabrics can be cleaned up with a mild soap and water solution.

 

  1.  Spot wash with a solution of natural soap and lukewarm water.
  2.  Rinse thoroughly with clean water to remove soap and air dry.
  3.  For stubborn stains, use fabric spot remover. Follow the directions on the container.
  4. Sunbrella® acrylic does not promote mildew growth. However mildew may grow on foreign substances not readily removed from the fabric. To clean mildew stains prepare a mild solution of one cup bleach and two capfuls of natural soap per gallon of water. Spray on entire area and allow to soak in. Sponge thoroughly with clean water and air dry.

 

Machine washing of Sunbrella® products

 

  1. Pre-treat any heavily stained areas with an appropriate stain remover.
  2. Depending on wash load size, use normal amounts of mild laundry soap.
  3. Machine wash in cold water for best results.
  4. Air dry.

Flame Retardant Fabrics

FLAME RETARDANT FABRICS

Test and certifications every designer should know

Not all Flame Retardancy tests for fabrics are the same! Identifying the specific application and environment where fabrics are to be used will help determine which FR testing fabrics will need to pass. 

All FR tests measure the flammability of the fabric when exposed to a specific source of flame. FR certification is the assurance via several safety tests that these fabrics pass certain criteria, making them safe to utilize in a variety of environments.

 

Customers can find the world of FR testing confusing, especially if they do not work with FR criteria often. One of the biggest myths in the FR world involves polyester. Polyester yarns are self-extinguishing, so many assume that all polyester fabrics will pass NFPA 701, which is not the case. Additionally, Trevira is a brand of polyester and is not FR. Only Trevira CS products will pass commercial FR testing.

RM COCO lists all of the test results to our customers that are available for each specific fabric we introduce. Since we do not know the specific end usage we provide all FR testing results for each fabric in our line.

 

We use the flame symbol on all fabrics that have passed one or more FR tests, but how the end-use of the fabric, and the specific room setting, is the only way to know which test applies to the specific installation. Most often, NFPA 701 or NFPA 260 are the two tests that our customers need, but that is not always the case.

  

RM COCO offers fabrics that pass Cal 117/SE, Boston Fire, British Standard, Motor Vehicle (FMVSS 302), NFPA 260, and NFPA 701. If a fabric passes any one of these tests we will show a flame symbol on the item, but that does not mean that the fabric will meet all FR requirements for a given project. An NFPA 701 FR certificate is required to pass the building code/Fire Marshall for commercial drapery applications. Furniture manufacturers are required to show that the fabric(s) being used for commercial upholstery applications pass NFPA 260.

FR – Fire Retardant (aka Flame Retardant) 

Fabrics certified FR have been topically treated in an immersion process using a chemical fire retardant after weaving. Cotton and other natural fibers certified as flame-retardant are FR topically treated. Some synthetic fabrics are also topically treated. Since the treatment is topical, it will wear out in time, and repeated cleanings will cause the flame retardancy to dissolve sooner. Most flame-proofing chemicals are water-soluble and will also dissipate through dry cleaning. Draperies made from FR fabrics should be re-tested periodically for flame retardancy, as retreatment may be required. For this reason, “FR” flame retardancy is certified for only one year. A Certificate of Flame Retardancy is furnished to customers upon request.

IFR – Inherently Fire Retardant (aka Inherently Flame Retardant)

PFR – Permanently Fire Retardant (aka Permanently Flame Retardant)
Fabric that has been certified as “IFR” or “PFR” has been woven from fibers that are non-combustible for the life of the fabric. For this reason, the fire retardancy of “IFR” and “PFR” fabrics will last for the life of the fabric and will not dissipate after cleaning. A Certificate of Fire Retardancy is furnished upon request.

NFR – Not Fire Retardant

CBFR – Can Be Made Fire Retardant

CNFR – Cannot Be Made Fire Retardant
Fabric labeled “NFR” is not. If “CBFP” is indicated, that fabric can be treated for fire retardancy. Such treatment would include topical treatment in an immersion process, making the fabric “FR.” Some synthetics can be made fire-retardant. If “CNFR” is indicated, that fabric cannot be treated for fire retardancy and, as such, should not be used in public venues. Among the types of fabrics that cannot be made fire retardant are certain synthetic and/or metallic fabrics.

What is NFPA 701?

 

Fabrics used in most public spaces (including schools, churches, auditoriums, theatres, and more) are required by law in many states and cities to be certified as flame retardant, according to standards developed by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). NFPA has various standards depending on how the fabric will be used. In the case of draperies, curtains, and similar hanging textiles, the standard that applies is NFPA 701: Standard Methods of Fire Tests for Flame Propagation of Textiles and Films. This test measures the flammability of a fabric when it is exposed to specific sources of ignition.

 

NFPA 701 – Test #1

 

Purpose: Used to classify fabrics used in curtains, draperies, or other window treatments as well as other hanging textiles. Method: Specimens are subjected to a 4-inch flame for 45 seconds. Test: Observes flame spread, dripping components during the burn, and burn after-flame has been removed. ACT Recommendation: retains 60% of the original weight and max 2 second drip is Passed.

 

The fabric will pass the test if all samples meet the following criteria:

  • An after-flame that is less than 2.0 seconds
  • A char length of less than 6.5”
  • The specimen does not continue to flame after reaching the floor of the test chamber

 

Fabric certified as flame retardant is certified to have been tested and passed the NFPA 701 test.

 

Note: The highest standard covers all ‘vertical hanging textiles’ for drapery treatments, roman shades, and roller shades.

What additional FR tests may be required on a project?

ASTIM E84 – Upholstered Walls

Purpose: Rates flame spread and smoke development of interior finish building materials. Method: As application dictates (wrapped panels, glued fabric, etc.) samples are laid in a 25’ tunnel and lit aflame at one end. Test: Measures how far and fast flames travel and the amount of smoke that develops. Association for Contract Textiles (ACT) Recommendation: Flame-spread of 25 and smoke dev. of 450 or less for Class 1/A

Notes: This is usually considered to include any items that are a part of the ‘structure’.

BFDIX1 – City of Boston Fire Code

Purpose: Used to classify draperies and decorative materials used within the city of Boston. Method: Specimens are subjected to a 6-inch propane torch flame for 10 seconds. Test: Measures char length and continuation of burn after the flame source has been removed. Strictly designed for materials within the City of Boston. ACT Recommendation: PASS      

Note: A very specific Fire Rating needs to make note of the specific property geography.

CAL/TB 117 – California Technical Bulletin

Purpose: Performed to classify upholstery fabrics used within the state of California. Method: Specimens are subjected to a 5/8” flame for 1 second. Test: Measures the amount of time for the flame to spread upwards and burn a stop cord placed at the top of the sample. Typically, the easiest of all ratings to achieve. ACT Recommendation: PASS

Note: A very specific Fire Rating needs to make note of the specific property geography.

NFPA 260 – Upholstered Seating

Purpose: Measures the ability of upholstery fabric to resist ignition by a smoldering cigarette when the specimen is tested in combination with polyurethane foam cushioning. Method: Wrap test fabric around a cushion and leave a lighted unfiltered cigarette on top of the cushion seat. Test: Measures the char length. ACT Recommendation: Char length less than 1.75” and no foam ignition is Passed. Note: This is the rating also needed for decorative pillows and bedding items, it is a slightly lower standard than NFPA 701.

FAR 25.853 (b) – Federal Aviation Regulation

Aircraft: floor covering, draperies, seat cushions, upholstery, padding, decorative, and non-decorative coated fabrics, etc.

BIFMA, Class A – Business and Industrial Furniture Manufacturing Association

The Business and Industrial Furniture Manufacturing Association is also accredited by ANSI to be the administrator of the U.S. Technical Advisory Group to ISO Technical Committee TC-136 Furniture. ANSI/BIFMA X5.1-2011 general-purpose office chairs, ANSI/BIFMA X7.1-2011 standard for formaldehyde and TVOC emissions of low-emitting office furniture and seating, ANSI/BIFMA M7.1-2011 standard test method for determining VOC emissions from office furniture systems

MVSS 302 – Motor Vehicle Safety Standard

This protocol is currently used by the automotive industry for fabrics used in motor vehicles. The test fabric is placed horizontally and allows the test flame to burn at one end. As the fabric burns away from the test flame it is gradually relieved of the heat and combustion front until within a distance of 1.5 inches from the flame. The test measures flame spread from a point of 1.5 inches from the flame to 11.5 inches from the flame. Any flame spread that is 4 inches per minute or less is acceptable.

UFAC 1 – Upholstered Furniture Action Council

This test is often referred to as the (Cigarette Test) because the purpose is to classify the fabric on its propensity to resist cigarette ignition when tested in combination with a standard foam cushioning material. The candidate fabric is used to cover small pieces of a standard foam cushioning material. The test pieces (fabric over the foam) are placed on a small test rig, simulating a chair back and seat. A lighted cigarette is placed in the crevice where the back and the seat of the chair meet. To intensify the heat, the cigarette is covered by a piece of cotton sheeting fabric. This test records the extent of vertical burning (char length) on the back section of the seat assembly and whether or not ignition occurred.

British Standard Tests

BS5867 Part 2 B & 2C – This standard detail the requirements for flame retardant curtains and blinds fabrics

Part 2 B means that an item can be washed 12 times and still pass the fire retardancy test.

Part 2C relates to inherently flame retardant fabrics which can be washed up to 50 times and continue to be fire-resistant.

BS7175 – Effecting Bedding. The fabrics will need to be polyester to pass as they need to be inherent for the continued washing.

BS5852 – Upholstery fabrics – Crib and match test used to ensure they will not burn with a cigarette and a match against them

Wyzenbeek vs. Martindale Abrasion Testing

WYZENBEEK VS. MARTINDALE

Both Wyzenbeek and Martindale are abrasion, or rub tests. They are however different tests which test different properties and success in one test does not infer success in the other. Wyzenbeek involves rubbing along the warp and weft of the fabric whereas Martindale is a figure-8 rub.

 

The Wyzenbeek and Martindale tests are the two methods commonly used to predict durability. Actual performance is determined by many factors such as fiber content, weaves, finishes, furniture design, maintenance, cleaning, and usage. Durability of an upholstery fabric is a complex combination of a number of performance tests that, in addition to abrasion, includes seam slippage, piling, tensile strength, and usage.

 

There is no correlation between the Wyzenbeek and Martindale tests so it is not possible to estimate the number of cycles that would be achieved on one test if the results from the other test were known.

Test Methods

Wyzenbeek

A Wyzenbeek machine is used for this test allowing sample of the test fabric to be pulled tight in a frame and held stationary. Individual test specimens cut from the warp and weft direction are then rubbed back and forth using an approved fabric as the abradant. The number of double rub cycles achieved before two yarn breaks occur, or noticeable wear is observed, is recorded as the fabric’s abrasion rating. RM COCO supplies the test results for its fabrics that are tested using the Wyzenbeek test method, but determining the suitability of a specific fabric for a specific application rests with the designer, architect and their client.

Industry Standards for Wyzenbeek Testing

  • Passes 3,000 double rubs = Light- Duty Usage (residential)
  • Passes 9,000 double rubs = Medium-Duty Usage (residential)
  • Passes 15,000 double rubs = Heavy-Duty Usage (residential)
  • Depending on end usage, items passing 20,000 and higher are considered contract fabrics

Martindale

 

A Martindale test is an oscillating test. Fabric samples are mounted flat and rubbed in a figure eight like motion using a piece of worsted wool cloth as the abradant. The number of cycles that the fabric can endure before fabric shows objectionable change in appearance (yarn breaks, piling, holes) is counted. Number of cycles determines abrasion rating. RM COCO supplies the test results for its fabrics that are tested using the Martindale test method, but determining the suitability of a specific fabric for a specific application rests with the designer, architect and their client.

 

Industry Standards for Martindale Testing

 

  • Passes 6,000 cycles = Occasional domestic usage
  • Passes 15,000 cycles = Light domestic usage
  • Passes 20,000 cycles = General usage (residential)
  • Passes 25,000 cycles = Heavy usage (residential)
  • Passes 30,000 cycles = Severe usage (residential)
  • Depending on end usage, items passing 40,00 cycles and higher are considered contract fabrics

Equivalents Between the Two Tests

Simply stated you cannot infer a Wyzenbeek score from a Martindale score, or vice versa. Many will say that Martindale results rate about a third higher compared to Wyzenbeek testing, but that is not correct.  This is a “rule-of-thumb” that some use, but this is not a guarantee. The only way to really know is to test the fabric.

Wyzenbeek Tested Fabrics

Martindale Tested Fabrics

Caring for Crypton

Caring for Crypton Fabric

RM COCO is proud to offer a wide selection of Crypton fabrics. These amazing fabrics have a permanent stain-resistant technology, which makes cleaning up spills incredibly easy. The silver-ion technology fends off micro-organisms, safeguarding your furniture against odor-causing bacteria and prolonging the life of your textiles. Homes and high-traffic environments can be messy. And life’s messes require cleaning, so when it’s time to care for your Crypton fabrics, the process can be as easy and pain-free, especially since most liquids simply roll off of Crypton fabrics, or they can be quickly blotted off the surface with a dry towel or sponge. Overall, we can help you get your Crypton fabrics looking good as new —just follow these few easy steps!

Rallycross
Sebring
Titanium
Daytona

Spot Cleaning Your Crypton

The spot cleaning method of stain removal can be used for most light to medium stains, such as coffee, red wine, crayon, and ketchup. Be careful to brush lightly since fibers can be broken or matted in the cleaning process.

  1. Blot any excess liquid; wipe away excess mess with a dry, clean towel.
  2. Mix together a simple soap and water solution. We recommend mixing 1/4 teaspoon enzyme laundry or dish detergent, like Tide®, Cheer® or Dawn®, with 1 cup warm water. 
  3. Apply the solution and agitate with a soft bristle brush. Make sure to brush lightly and work from the outside of the stain inward so as not to spread the stain. Rinse your sponge or brush frequently.
  4. Blot with a clean towel and rinse. Repeat if necessary.
  5. And remember, soap attracts dirt so make sure to rinse thoroughly. 
  6. Allow fabric to air dry

Extraction Crypton Cleaning

The extraction cleaning method of stain removal can be used for most medium or ground-in stains.

  1. Before extraction cleaning, blot up liquids on the surface with a clean, soft towel and vacuum the upholstery.
  2. Prepare a cleaning solution of 1/4 tsp mild, enzyme detergent, such as Tide® or Dawn® dishwashing liquid, per 1 cup of lukewarm water.
  3. Apply the cleaning solution using a misting spray bottle.
  4. Work the solution into the affected area by lightly scrubbing the area with a sponge or soft bristle brush. Make sure to work from the outside of the stain inward so as not to spread the stain and rinse your sponge or brush frequently.
  5. Allow cleaning solution to soak into the fabric.
  6. Wet-vacuum or blot excess moisture with a clean, soft towel. Be sure to extract the entire surface of the upholstered furniture to achieve uniform cleanliness.
  7. Rinse thoroughly to remove all soap residues, as residues will attract dirt.
  8. Repeat steps 3-7 as needed.
  9. Allow fabric to air dry.

Translating Textile Talk: Double Rubs Explained

Translating Textile Talk: Double Rubs Explained

Wyzenbeek what? Martindale who?

As a beginner in the designer industry, I was mystified by the seemingly meaningless jumble of letters and numbers listed on the back of my new fabric samples. All I knew was that I was looking at the results of an unknown durability test my fabrics had been put through, and maybe passed? What exactly did those numbers mean?

 

Now, I am happy to help clarify for you what these test results mean, and how they can be vital for picking out the perfect fabric your project! 

Translating-Textile-Talk-Double-Rubs-Explained-banner-image

The Martindale and Wyzenbeek tests refer to the measurement of a fabrics abrasion resistance and durability. The Martindale test rubs an abrasive cloth along the fabric in a figure eight motion to measure the endurance of the fabric before there is a change in appearance (such as pilling, holes, or yarn breaks), while the Wyzenbeek rubs back and forth along both the warp and weft of the fabric.


A double rub is one back and forth motion, and is considered to mimic daily “wear and tear.” So, those numbers on your sample? It’s the number of double rubs the fabric endured before breaking down, and is a good testament to the usage and durability of the fabric!


More than a Numbers Game! Understand Fabric Usage Based on Double Rubs

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15,000+ Double Rubs 

 

– Perfect for upholstery, and heavy-duty, multi-purpose projects
– Great for heavy traffic furniture, in both residential and industrial environments
– Commercial grade standard is 30,000+ double rubs (in addition to compliance with fire codes!)

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12,000 to 14,999 Double Rubs


– Multi-purpose, medium-weight
– Makes for great pillows, bedding, and lightly used couches, chairs, and ottomans
– Can also be used for some window treatments and décor, like bed skirts

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9,000 to 11,999 Double Rubs

 

– Multi-purpose, light-weight
– Perfect for areas that don’t see much wear and tear, as well as pillows and bedding
– Can also be used for valences, roman shades, and other window treatments

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9,000 Double Rubs and under

 

– Best for draperies only, including sheers

Hopefully this helped you to understand exactly what those durability tests mean, and you can better choose a fabric to suit your project! Do you need to find a fabric with a specific durability rating? With our newly improved search filters, you can find fabrics that fit your need quickly and easily, so you can get back to your project knowing your fabric will pass the test!