Are You Using the Right Grade of Vinyl Upholstery Fabric?

Vinyl is one of the most popular materials used for upholstery projects, but are you using the right grade for the job? While all vinyl fabrics have water, mildew, and weather-resistant properties, there are distinctions between grades based on their intended use. Depending on what you want to accomplish, you may need contract, automotive, or marine vinyl fabric for your upholstery project. Here’s how you know the right grade of vinyl upholstery fabric to choose.

Hitting the Open Road with Automotive Vinyl

Automotive vinyl fabric is manufactured for appearance and performance. They’re designed to be durable while staying comfortable as the fabric for car seating and interiors. This vinyl fabric can look so much like leather that it’s difficult to tell them apart. However, automotive vinyl is more cost efficient and easier to repair than leather upholstery. It also meets the rigorous standards for vehicle safety.

Vinyl is easier to work with than leather because it’s more pliable and stretches further. For automotive enthusiasts who want to stay eco-friendly, vinyl fabric is the preferred choice because no animals are harmed in its production.

Marine Vinyl Fabric for Outdoor Usage

Marine-grade vinyl fabrics are the best choice for outdoor use because it’s 100% waterproof and resistant to sun and weather damage. Marine vinyl seat fabric is an ideal seat upholstery fabric for boats, outdoor furniture, awnings, recreational vehicles, motorcycles, and more.

Marine vinyl seat fabric is incredibly durable and is made to withstand extreme temperatures without cracking or fading. Keeping marine-grade vinyl clean is as simple as scrubbing with soap, water, and bleach.

While outdoor furniture, overhangs, and boat exteriors absolutely need marine vinyl fabric, don’t forget about the boat’s interior. Outdoor marine environments mean that interiors are also subject to moisture, mildew, and dirt. Marine vinyl fabric has so many features that make it the best vinyl for boat upholstery, including its anti-microbial properties and its resistance to mildew, insects, oils, and chemicals.

Make it Last with Contract-Grade Vinyl

Both residential and commercial furniture that sees heavy use needs contract – or commercial -grade vinyl fabric. Some types of contract-grade vinyl also come with special coatings, such as antibacterial and anti-stain treatments. It’s a strong, durable fabric that can be easily cleaned with soap and water.

Contract-grade vinyl is the right grade of vinyl upholstery fabric for projects that see a lot of use, like massage tables, lounge seating, restaurant seating, bar stools, and more. It’s thicker than other upholstery fabrics, giving it a foam-like quality.

Your Trusted Source for Vinyl Fabrics

All Vinyl Fabrics carries a wide spectrum of vinyl materials, which makes it easy to explore your options and get the right grade of vinyl upholstery fabric for the job. Take a look at our selection of vinyl grades, colors, and textures, or speak with one of our vinyl specialists by calling 877-618-4695 today.