Fabric Collections
Details at a Glance
| Material | Sunbrella and solution-dyed performance outdoor fabrics |
|---|---|
| Sample Type | Physical swatches |
| Cost | Complimentary |
| Country of Origin | USA |
These sample swatches let you test how Sunbrella and other solution-dyed performance fabrics hold up against sun and moisture before you commit to a cushion or full seating order. Order fabric swatches from LOOMLAN Outdoor with free shipping and see the actual color, weave and hand of UV-resistant outdoor material in your own light.
How Do Solution-Dyed Fabrics Resist Fading Better Than Standard Textiles?
The color in Sunbrella and similar performance fabrics is dyed into the acrylic fiber before the yarn is woven, not printed on the surface after. That means UV rays can't strip pigment the way they do with surface-dyed cotton or polyester -- the color runs through the entire thread. Sunbrella fabrics carry a warranty against fading because the dye is locked inside the fiber, and they also resist mildew, water and salt air without a topical coating that wears off. Solution-dyed acrylic is the outdoor-furniture industry standard in coastal and high-sun climates because it doesn't bleach out after one season.
Do Outdoor Performance Fabrics Need Any Care or Treatment?
Sunbrella and most solution-dyed acrylics are stain-resistant but not stain-proof, so you'll want to hose them down or wipe spills with mild soap and water before dirt sets in. They don't need fabric protectant sprays or UV treatments -- the UV resistance is built into the fiber. If you store cushions over winter, let them dry completely before you bag them so mildew doesn't develop in a damp, closed environment. Rain won't hurt the fabric itself, but standing water will eventually promote mold on any textile, so either tilt cushions on edge to drain or bring them under cover during long wet spells.
Where Do Swatches Help Most When Planning Outdoor Seating?
Fabric looks completely different in morning light versus late-afternoon sun, and a color that photographs neutral online can read warm or cool once it's next to your deck stain or stone pavers. Order swatches for any fabric you're considering and tape them to the chair frame or hold them against the wall where the piece will sit -- you'll see whether a gray reads blue-gray or taupe-gray, whether a stripe is too bold or just right, and how the texture compares to the outdoor sofas or sectionals you already own. It's the only way to judge fade resistance claims, too: leave a swatch outside for a week and compare it to a fresh one indoors. Performance fabrics won't show any shift; standard canvas or cotton will.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can Sunbrella fabric stay outside all year?
- The fabric itself can stay out year-round -- it won't fade or rot from weather exposure. However, you should store foam cushions indoors or in a waterproof deck box over winter, because repeated freeze-thaw cycles can crack foam and trapped moisture will cause mildew even in outdoor-grade fabric.
- Will the color fade in direct sun?
- Solution-dyed fabrics like Sunbrella are engineered to resist UV fade and typically carry multi-year warranties against significant color loss in full sun. Surface-printed fabrics and non-solution-dyed polyesters will fade noticeably within one season under the same conditions.
- How do I clean mildew or stains off performance outdoor fabric?
- Mix one cup of bleach and a quarter-cup of mild soap per gallon of water, scrub with a soft brush, then rinse thoroughly and let air-dry completely. Sunbrella's acrylic fiber won't be damaged by diluted bleach the way cotton would.
- Is this fabric suitable for a coastal or salt-air location?
- Yes -- Sunbrella and solution-dyed acrylics resist salt air, and the color won't bleach from salt spray the way untreated canvas does. Rinse cushions with fresh water occasionally if you're right on the water to prevent salt crust from abrading the weave.
- Are swatches large enough to judge texture and pattern repeat?
- Swatches are typically 3--5 inches square, enough to see the weave and feel the hand but not always large enough to show a full stripe or pattern repeat. If you need to see a larger cut for a patterned fabric, call 833-566-6526 before ordering custom cushions.
- How are swatches shipped, and is there a charge?
- Swatches ship free via standard curbside delivery to the continental USA. There is no cost for sample fabrics, so you can order as many as you need to compare colors and textures in your own outdoor light.
We recommend a simple and effective cleaning and care regimen for our products.
Use a light application of mild soap and water with a spray bottle or dampened soft cloth to clean the surface of your piece.
Follow with a fresh dry towel to wipe away any excess moisture that remains.