What Are Outdoor Fabrics?

"Outdoor Fabrics" refer to woven textiles made from a wide variety of synthetic fibers, acrylic, polyester, olefin and various blends, including cotton.  These breathable fabrics are made "water repellent" by a chemical treatment process during manufacturing.  The treated fabric repels (beads) water, resists soiling, staining and impedes mildew formation. 

With time and use the original repellency treatment is diminished, making periodic cleaning and retreatment necessary.  The key to keeping your outdoor fabric looking great and extending its life is periodic cleaning followed by repellency retreatment. 

Common Outdoor Fabric Uses: 

1. Boating:
   Enclosures
   Biminis
   Dodgers
   Boat & sail covers

2. Commercial and residential awnings, outdoor furniture

3. RV:
   Acrylic awnings & furniture 

4. Automotive "canvas" convertible topping. 

Save Money and Add Years To The Life Of Your Outdoor Fabric

Though the cleaning and retreatment procedures in this pamphlet specifically apply to Sunbrella® and fabric  "canvas" convertible topping, they also apply to most outdoor fabrics. 

Waiting until your outdoor fabric is dirty, stained and/or leaking requires the use of harsh chemicals and physical cleaning methods which can diminish service life. 

Simple Cleaning - It's Easy! 

1. While dry, brush, shake or vacuum off loose dirt. 

2. Hose down to remove remaining loose dirt. 

3. Use a mild natural soap (Ivory Soap) in lukewarm water (100°F max). Use soft bristle brush, sponge or cloth to loosen any stubborn dirt.  Properly maintained fabric should require no more than light agitation.  Rinse thoroughly to remove soap. 

4. Allow to air dry. 

It's now time to retreat: 

303 High Tech Fabric Guard is the retreatment product recommended by and for Sunbrella® /Glen Raven Mills, Inc. 

Retreating

303 High Tech Fabric Guard restores lost water repellency and stain repellency to factory new levels.  It stops leaks, resists soiling, impedes mildew formation and helps protect against the sun's harmful UV rays. 

    With 303 High Tech Fabric Guard retreating is easy, quick, inexpensive and lasts a long time. 

 It's Easy With 303 High Tech Fabric Guard

• Use only on new or newly cleaned, dry fabric. 

• Spray on 303 High Tech Fabric Guard until damp. DO NOT SATURATE!

• Allow fabric to dry thoroughly before using or storing. 

• If time permits, two light coats are better than one medium coat. Allow to air dry thoroughly between coats. 

Coverage:
For Sunbrella, "canvas" convertible topping and similar weight fabrics, apply at the rate of 75-100 sq. ft. per 16 oz. Trigger Sprayer 500-800 sq. ft. per gallon.  Expect greater coverage on lighter weight fabrics, less on heavier fabrics and carpeting. 

Maintenance Tip:
About once a month, use a water hose to gently spray off any dirt that has settled (outdoor Sunbrella).  This keeps dirt from settling in and extends the time between soap and water cleaning and retreating. 

For Stubborn Stains:
Soak in the stained fabric for approximately 20 minutes in a solution of no more than 1/2 cup (4 oz.) of bleach and 1/4 cup (2 oz.) natural soap per gallon of water at approximately 100° F.  A non-chlorine bleach is recommended for Sunbrella "Plus" because of its urethane coating.  CAUTION: Excessive soaking in bleach can deteriorate sewing threads.  For special cleaning problems, contact the fabric manufacturer. 

Tip For New Fabrics:
During the fabrication process the factory finish can be worn causing the new fabric to "wet", most commonly at the seams.  To prevent or correct seam leaks, treat the seam with 303 High Tech Fabric Guard. 

WARNING:
Silicone "water repellent" products are not recommended.  These products are not compatible with the outdoor fabric's factory finish and actually promote staining.  Water "sealants" for wood and masonry also are not recommended. 

Before using 303 High Tech Fabric Guard, read the label directions and warnings.

Sunbrella®, made from 100? solution dyed acrylic fiber, is the world's largest selling outdoor fabric. 

303 High Tech Fabric Guard™ is powerful enough to protect fabrics in the harshest environment...outdoors. Yet 303 High Tech Fabric Guard is safe for the finest fabrics, wool, silk, and fine leathers including suede. 

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