WHAT TYPE OF FABRIC DO WE USE?

Many years ago, the fabric known as canvas was invented… one popular purpose was for making sails to catch wind and send ships around the world. Today, canvas has many uses, many outdoors, as awnings, blinds, tents, tarpaulins, boom covers on yachts, mail-bags, umbrellas.
Canvas is a strong durable cloth that withstands a lot of punishment!

ACRYLIC CANVAS

is the best fabric for outdoor use. It has no natural fibres for mildew to attack. It is dope-dyed (when it is spun into yarn, and then the coloured yarn woven) so it is colour-fast for life. There are different grades of acrylic canvas. There is the lighter grade (which feels "thin" to the touch) or there is heavy duty marine grade. The heavy duty marine grade canvas is what outdoor awnings are made of, also the soft top canopy on boats, boom covers on yachts, and Made in the Shade umbrellas. It is very expensive cloth. It is the alsolute best and will last at least 5 years. This cloth is suitable for all climates and does not require periodic waterproofing. Maintenance consists of hosing away the pollens and dust which settle on the top once a month, and allowing the umbrella to dry out before storing. Available in stunning colours. The more solid colours do not show the shadows of dirt through them, so regardless of how soiled the top may get, the umbrella will always look clean underneath where you are sitting. Do yourself a favour, feel the canvas, hold the colour sample up to the light to see how it will look on your umbrella before you decide.