Marine Fabric

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pjboats

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Jan 16, 2005
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16091
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We are looking to re-do our canvas top and wondering about outdura fabric. Wondering how it stands up compared to Sunbrella.

Also looking to re-upholster throughout. Wondering about fabric as opposed to vinyl.

This is a new venture so I'm looking for as much helpful information as possible.

Thanks,
 
I am having two couches in my boat that fold out into double beds reupholstered in ultra leather.
 
quote:
Originally posted by crp

I am having two couches in my boat that fold out into double beds reupholstered in ultra leather.

Click to expand...


Come on now. Can you see his bimini in ultra leather? What next? 26" dubs on the trailer.:D[:-bigeyes]:D

Sorry. Couldn't resist!
 
Thanks for the replies.

I like to gather as much relevant information as possible before taking on a new project. The jury is out on Sunbrella versus Outdura. Sounds like very similar products.

Re: ultra-leather. We are considering other fabrics for the interior upholstery besides Sunbrella fabrics. we've considered microfiber before and haven't ruled it out yet.

Just returned from the Toronto International Boat Show and the uniform look of new vinyl upholstery throughout the display models of cruisers yachts is very attractive. If it wasn't for budget constraints and the satisfaction of a job well-done it would be so much easier to opt for brand new as opposed to re-upholstering.

J
 
I am not familiar at all with Outdura, directly or knowing anyone who has used it. I can't say I recall even hearing of it. I have Stamoid on my big double bimini (see avatar) as well as covering the sun pads and bench seat up front: that's a lot of Stamoid and we have been very happy with it. We have Sunbrella on the Whaler's bimini and use it extensively for interior and exterior upholstery and we have been very happy with it too! Sunbrella's excellent track record is well established so I would hardly say the jury is out on them; just pick the appropriate version for your intended use, make sure the shop uses GoreTex Tenara thread, and you will be satisfied.

George
Hatteras 56MY
Boston Whaler 130 Sport
 
George,

Thanks for the feedback. It is the kind of information I am looking for.

I had pretty much decided on an acrylic fabric over a polyester and Sunbrlla happened to come across my radar more than any other. I called a few canvas shops for quotes around the area and one of them mentioned that that they worked exclusively with the Outdura products because it was comparable to Sunbrella but less expensive.

I too had never heard of it but decided to do my homework before making a final decision, hence the refernce to the jury being out for me on the matter. That led me to post here to see what experience, if any, others had had with either of these products.

Regards
 
Sunbrella and Waverly also make fabrics that can be used on the interior. They are fade resistant, however, their selections are limited & they are rather expensive.

You mention microfiber and so far, I've been very happy with the microfiber loveseat that we puchased in 2008,

Basically, whatever fabric you choose should right for the job that you want it to do. If you go online and research mfg's sites such as Maharam, Architex & ArCom, you will be able to see the specifications for the wear testing on each fabric (light & abrasion). For abrasion, look at the Weizenbek #. It is listed in double rubs and the higher the number the greater resistance to wearing the fabric will have. One type of fabric is known as a "Krypton." It is an upholstery fabric (sometimes up to 200K double rubs) that is used in laboratory applications because it is resistant to mold and some chemicals. I would not hesistate to reupholter my dinette with it as I hate sticking to vinyl.

Lady C
 
Thanks,
I checked out those mfg websites you recommneded and was really interested in the "crypton" fabric. Wanted to find out more about it but can't seem to find a distributor in Canada, unless there is a similar material by a different manufacturer. Checked with Joann's fabrics on-line but they don't ship internationally.

Any suggestions?
 
If you have any friends that are Interior Designers or Furniture dealerships they would definitely be able to make a purchase from the manufacturer for you. Unfortunately there would be a markup. You might also try a fabric warehouse. They're usually very large and have a good assortment of commercial fabrics. I know that FABRIC WAREHOUSE at: http://stores.ebay.com/fabricwarehousedirect is on ebay and you can look online at whatever they have. I'm not familiar with whether or not they can ship to Canada.

I'll talk to a friend of mine that's still in the industry and see if he has any Canadian connections.

Lady C
 
FYI -if you are in the Chicago area visit Vogue Fabrics in Evanston and/or Fishman's on Roosevelt in Chicago. They have very large warehouses and lots of bolt ends of high quality materials at good prices.
Good luck!
 
On the interior, we use Sunbrella for valences, the back pads on the dinette, and the head board of the master SR bed. We have been very happy with it, looks good and it is easy to clean. My wife was able to find it in patterns she likes and she is very particular about fabrics. Try calling Boca Bargoons in Hallandale FL or one of their other stores, they often have great deals and this is where Ann shops, as well as Tiffany Fabrics in Hollywood FL which carries a huge supply of both Sunbrella and similar, along with a very knowledgeable staff. And of course, there is SailRite in Fort Lauderdale which does a big internet business and can get anything. Being in Florida, all these companies are very accustomed to serving the marine and outdoor living customer.
 
Found a website with a great deal of marine friendly fabric/upholstery options:http://www.garysupholstery.com/crypton.html?source=google

Lady C
 
quote:
Originally posted by pjboats

. The jury is out on Sunbrella versus Outdura. Sounds like very similar products.

Click to expand...
I use alot of outdura and sunbrella. like you said very sim. you would be hard pressed to tell them apart.
 
I use Sunbrella all the time. Never had a problem. I cannot comment on outdura.

Make sure you use Gore Tenara thread. Canvas is usless without it. Regular polyester thread wears out, Tenara will never wear out. Your canvas will finally deteriorate but the thread will last. There is nothing worse that re-stiching. Once you do this your canvas never holds up as long. Do it right the first time.

Tenara is not cheap, but worth every penny.

For inside I recomend Ultra Leather. Simpley the best. It's breathable, wears incredibley, looks fantastic, and soft as a babies as$. The new leathers are incredibly.
 
The specs on the ultra leather look really good, but do you stick to it like vinyl?
 
As someone else said, have a look at the Sunbrella outdoor furniture fabric. They've got some really good looking stuff that wears like iron and will not fade.

DSC00713.jpg


Bob
 
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