Questions & Answers
About Sunbrella Fabric
Furniture:
Q: Can I purchase Sunbrella furniture fabrics directly from Glen Raven, Inc.?
A: Glen Raven is a fabric manufacturer and we do not sell Sunbrella directly to consumers. We have established a network of fabric distributors who purchase Sunbrella and sell our fabrics to product fabricators in the awning, marine, and furniture trades.
Q: Where can I get furniture with Sunbrella fabric?
A: You can find the fabric you're looking for by browsing the BVZAsia website to find what you want. Then contact your nearest BVZAsia office (link) or complete the Contact Us form. BVZAsia will assess your requirement and advise a selection of suitable retailers or an option to buy directly from the Company.
Q: Can I use Sunbrella on indoor furniture?
A: Absolutely. Sunbrella is now available in thousands of sophisticated styles designed for indoor furniture and is perfect for living rooms, sunrooms, dining rooms or any place in your home. The plush textures of Sunbrella residential fabrics are very different from our traditional canvas products used on outdoor cushions, but they all have the same performance features for which Sunbrella is known. Furniture upholstered or slipcovered in Sunbrella fabric will be easy to clean, last a long time, and won't fade in the sunlight.
Q: What makes Sunbrella fabric so durable?
A: Sunbrella is the result of over 45 years of ongoing research and development. Sunbrella's UV-resistant color pigments are fully blended into its high performance fiber. Sunbrella fabric's strength and color refuses to fade even under the harshest conditions, while retaining the softness of spun cotton.
Q: Is Sunbrella furniture fabric waterproof?
A: Because Sunbrella Furniture fabrics are designed to be breathable, they are water repellent, but not completely waterproof. Over time, the water repellency can be refreshed by using 303 High Tech Fabric Guard™.
Q: How often do I need to thoroughly clean Sunbrella?
A: The best way to keep Sunbrella brand fabrics looking good is to simply clean them as needed. Rinse off dust and dirt, wipe spills as soon as they occur or spot clean soon after stains occur. Occasional rainfall will help keep your outdoor furniture clean. Removable cushion covers may be machine-washed in cold water with mild laundry soap and air-dried. For more stubborn stains, Sunbrella fabrics are bleach cleanable.
Q: What about mildew?
A: Mildew will not grow on Sunbrella unless there is food, dirt or other organic matter on the fabric. Keeping Sunbrella clean is the best defense against mildew. Bleach and other mildew removers do not affect Sunbrella, so cleaning mildew is easy if it becomes necessary.
Q: Can I put wet Sunbrella in the dryer?
A: Sunbrella fabrics do not absorb water and are designed to air-dry very quickly - usually within a matter of minutes. A clothes dryer is not necessary, and will often overheat and shrink the fabric.
Q: Do Sunbrella furniture fabrics provide UV protection?
A: Sunbrella furniture fabrics have been tested and proven to prevent up to 98% of the sun's radiation UV protection from passing through the fabric when used in shade applications. The Skin Cancer Foundation recommends Sunbrella as an aid in the prevention of sun-induced damage to the skin. Certain styles of Sunbrella, including Sheers and Shadow, are engineered to allow some light transmission, and should not be used in shading applications where UV exposure is a concern.
Marine
Q: What makes Sunbrella fabric so durable?
A: Sunbrella is the result of over 45 years of ongoing research and development. Sunbrella's UV-resistant color pigments are fully blended into its high performance fiber. Sunbrella fabric's strength and color refuses to fade even under the harshest conditions, while retaining the softness of spun cotton.
Q: Is Sunbrella fabric waterproof?
A: Because Sunbrella marine fabrics are designed to be breathable, they are water repellent, but not completely waterproof. Over time, the water repellency can be refreshed by using 303 High Tech Fabric Guard
Q: How often do I need to thoroughly clean Sunbrella?
A: The best way to keep Sunbrella brand fabrics looking good is to simply clean them as needed. Rinse off dust and dirt, wipe spills as soon as they occur or spot cleaning soon after stains occur. Removable cushion covers may be machine-washed in cold water with mild laundry soap and air dried. For more stubborn stains, Sunbrella fabrics are bleach cleanable.
Q: How do I clean my top/canvas?
A: Your top fabricated with Sunbrella fabric is easy to clean and maintain. The key to having a beautiful top for a long time is to simply rinse your top (and boat) after each use with clean water. This prevents build up of dirt that is hard or impossible to see. Then occasionally your top will need a thorough cleaning, which once again, is an easy project for the boat owner.
Q: How do I remove mold and mildew?
A: Sunbrella fabrics will not support the growth of mildew, but dirt on the fabric will promote mildew growth, which makes regular cleanings important. Mold and mildew can be cleaned and removed from Sunbrella fabrics. No set timetable exists for when fabric should be cleaned, and the local environment has a great deal to do with determining cleaning frequency. Cleaning is required less frequently in a dry environment than in a humid one with heavy foliage.
Q: Do Sunbrella fabrics provide UV protection?
A: Sunbrella marine fabrics have been tested and proven to prevent up to 98% of the sun's radiation UV protection from passing through the fabric when used in shade applications. The Skin Cancer Foundation (link)recommends Sunbrella as an aid in the prevention of sun-induced damage to the skin. Certain styles of Sunbrella, including Sheers and Shadow, are engineered to allow some light transmission, and should not be used in shading applications where UV exposure is a concern.
Q: Where can I get products for my boat made with Sunbrella fabric?
A: You can find the fabric you're looking for by browsing the BVZAsia website to find what you want. Then contact your nearest BVZAsia office (link) or complete the Contact Us form. BVZAsia will assess your requirement and advise a selection of suitable retailers or an option to buy directly from the Company.
Awnings,
Umbrellas &
Q: Is Sunbrella fabric waterproof?
A: Because Sunbrella fabrics are designed to be breathable, they are water repellent, but not completely waterproof. Over time, the water repellency can be refreshed by using 303 High Tech Fabric Guard™.
Q: Will Sunbrella fabric mildew?
A: Mildew will not grow on Sunbrella unless there is food, dirt or other organic matter on the fabric. Keeping Sunbrella clean is the best defense against mildew. Bleach and other mildew removers do not affect Sunbrella, so cleaning mildew is easy if it becomes necessary.
Q: Can I hose down Sunbrella fabric?
A: One of the best ways to keep Sunbrella fabrics looking good and to delay the need for deep or vigorous cleaning is to hose fabrics off on a monthly basis with clear water. This practice will help prevent dirt from becoming deeply imbedded in the fabric and eliminate the need for more frequent vigorous cleanings. In most environments, a thorough cleaning will be needed every two to three years. Remember after hosing down the fabric to allow the fabric to air dry.
Q: How can I clean bird droppings on my awning? A: For those stains that are beyond our normal care and cleaning instructions, such as bird droppings, roof run-off, acid rain, pollution, rust, tree sap, insect stains, etc., we suggest using a grease removing hand cleaner and gently rub the product into fabric, allowing penetration. Brush with a soft brush, rinse THOROUGHLY and repeat if necessary.
Q: In your cleaning instructions, you use the term "Mild" or "Natural Soap". What is "Mild" or "Natural" soap?
A: By "Natural" or "Mild" soap we mean Ivory Snow, Dreft or Woolite. These gentle soaps rinse out easily and will not diminish the water-repellent "finish" applied to the fabric. Regular laundry detergent will not harm the fabric, but the water-repellent "finish" will be removed sooner (laundry detergents do not affect the stain and UV resistance). BE SURE to use cold water and to air dry the fabric when using laundry detergent. In addition, after several cleanings you will need to retreat the fabric with a water repellent product, such as 303 High Tech Fabric Guard™.
Q: Do Sunbrella fabrics provide UV protection?
A: Sunbrella awning fabrics have been tested and proven to prevent up to 98% of the sun's radiation UV protection from passing through the fabric when used in shade applications. The Skin Cancer Foundation recommends Sunbrella as an aid in the prevention of sun-induced damage to the skin.
Q: How many layers of vinyl film can be applied? A: The warranty covers up to 2 layers of film. Several colors may be used in making a graphic. These may be cut with an overlap so that while you may have used four colors you are still only two layers deep.
Q: Can Sunbrella Graphic System graphics be applied to an existing awning? A: This system was developed for new awnings. The graphics are applied to the Sunbrella or Dickson fabric before attaching to the awning frame. As far as taking an existing awning off its frame and trying to apply graphics, the warranty would not apply since dirt, pollution, or other elements could prevent proper adhesion of the film to the fabric.
Q: How can I clean an awning graphic applied with the Sunbrella Graphic System?
A: You would clean the awning with the same solution (mild soap and water) as other Sunbrella applications. Use mild soap and water applied with a sponge or soft brush. Do not use a strong scrubbing motion. Do not use a power sprayer/washer. While still on the frame, the graphics portion of the awning should be cleaned by washing/brushing from the vinyl portion out, away from the edge of the vinyl. This will help to prevent damaging the "edge" of the graphics which could lead to "lift off." Rinse thoroughly with clean water.
Q: Can a photographic image or complex logo be applied with the Sunbrella Graphics System?
A: For a complex image or photograph, digital printing would probably be the best option. It is possible to print on 3M IJ 180-10 film with a solvent, eco solvent or UV ink printer and apply it the same way you would the standard 7725/7125 films. It is also possible to use 3M 8519 or 8520 Clear Protective over laminate on top of this for greater outdoor durability.
Q: Where can I get awnings made with Sunbrella fabric?
A: You can find the fabric you're looking for by browsing the BVZAsia website to find what you want. Then contact your nearest BVZAsia office (link) or complete the Contact Us form. BVZAsia will assess your requirement and advise a selection of suitable retailers or an option to buy directly from the Company.
General Topics
Q: Does Glen Raven have an environmental policy?
A: It is the policy of Glen Raven and fully supported by BVZAsia to be a responsible corporate citizen in regards to the environment. As a responsible company, we believe that a safe and healthy environment is the obligation of every citizen and every enterprise. We will implement this policy by: Conserving natural resources through reuse and recycling.
Training and educating all employees to meet or exceed all applicable federal, state and local environmental regulations.
Reducing our costs for raw materials, labor and waste treatment through pollution prevention and recycling.
Producing products that have a minimal effect on the environment. Monitoring pollution prevention results and environmental programs through periodic audits. Ensuring the safe release or disposal of any residuals that cannot be prevented, recycled or treated. We are committed to working with local, state and federal agencies to discover effective environmental solutions that meet tests of practicality.
Q: Who makes Sunbrella and where are they located?
A: Sunbrella fabrics are manufactured by Glen Raven, Inc. headquartered in Glen Raven, North Carolina. Having grown from a small cotton mill into a market leader in performance fabrics, Glen Raven maintains a global presence in the manufacturing of high-performance fabric. We supply innovative fabric solutions to a demanding set of industries, and in each of our many markets, we set the benchmark in design and durability.
Q: Does Glen Raven have a sustainability strategy?
A: Glen Raven Custom Fabrics, the makers of Sunbrella® brand fabrics and other performance textile offerings, is committed to continuing innovation in the creation of durable, easy-care products, while also serving as environmental stewards. Our mission as a corporation and our strategic business initiatives are based on the belief that these goals are mutually supportive and attainable in both the short and long-term.
Consistent with our Corporate Environmental Policy, Glen Raven Custom Fabrics "is committed to the continued delivery of the finest performance outdoor, decorative and industrial fabrics in a manner that will minimize the impact on our communities, environment and resource stream while continuing to drive superior business value for our stakeholders and customers." In order to achieve this mission, we have adopted a three-pronged strategy that includes the elimination of waste throughout our processes and supply chain; employing relevant metrics to measure our performance with third-party verification of data; and moving toward more environmentally friendly processes, components and product impact through product lifecycle analysis. While we pursue this initiative through these three strategies, Glen Raven Custom Fabrics will in no way compromise product performance, service, or safety that our markets and customers demand and expect.
The first strategic element, elimination of waste during manufacturing and product fabrication, is not only environmentally beneficial, but also financially and socially responsible. The result is a more efficient operation that reduces demands for valuable resources. We are reducing waste throughout our company with projects that identify and eliminate elements in the waste stream and by maximizing the efficiency of our various manufacturing and operational processes. The second strategic element in our sustainability initiative is the use of metrics and outside verification of data to measure our performance in producing quality products while protecting the environment. Our commitment to measurement means that we review process and product specifications against actual performance; inventory raw materials and justify their product value enhancement; insist on outside audits to verify our data; and promote transparency with all of our stakeholders.
In our third element, we are committed to understanding every aspect of the lifecycles of our products, from manufacturing through application and ultimately in reclamation and reuse. Our commitment to lifecycle analysis requires that we define how each product "promise" is delivered by every component; that we understand potential environmental, health, and waste impacts of each component; that we seek out the most environmentally friendly solution or material that delivers on our brand promise; that we engage our suppliers in understanding the impact or risk in upstream components; and that we develop opportunities for downstream reclamation and reuse. Sustainability means conducting our business in a manner that preserves and reduces impact on our resource streams, environments and communities in which we operate and our products are used. A further component will be to ensure the long term viability and success of our products and Brands for all of our stakeholders. Glen Raven Custom Fabrics will not compromise product performance, service, or safety. Additionally we reinforce our commitment to generate fair financial return for ourselves and our trade partners. This pledge requires that we engage our associates and our supply chain partners in relentlessly pursuing performance solutions that will support these commitments. Ultimately, Glen Raven's commitment to sustainability in the 21st Century is a commitment to redefining and broadening our performance measurements. Financially, we will be more efficient in how we use resources and always diligent in mitigating risks. Environmentally, we will minimize the impact of our products and processes, and socially, we will adhere to safety standards that go well beyond mere compliance. We are confident that this approach will elevate our presence in today's environmentally sensitive global community and enhance the value of all of our brands.
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