Truly Waterproof breathable outdoor fabrics may be made of rubber or plastic and do not allow any water to penetrate at all. That sounds great until you realize that a material that is waterproof is also air proof.Without some degree of breathability, waterproof outdoor fabric can encourage the growth of mold or mildew inside a cushion if a small amount of water sneaks in through a seam, it will stay there. Instead of drying out quickly, the dampness in the cushion will quickly become a breeding ground for microorganisms.Truly waterproof upholstery fabric that doesn’t breathe can also make for an uncomfortable seat on a hot day, creating a sweaty, sticky surface wherever it comes into contact with your skin.
Water-repellent means that the fabric is not absorbent if you get it wet you’ll mostly see the moisture beading on the top of the fabric instead of soaking in.Vinyl-coated polyester mesh is one of the most commonly used materials in the world. Available in different weights and strengths, it’s used for everything from tote bags to patio sling chairs to banners, truck tarps and beyond.Most woven vinyl mesh fabric starts with a polyester yarn as the core, which is then extruded with vinyl also known as PVC. Each yarn is individually extruded and bonded to the polyester core yarn. The PVC coating means that no moisture can reach the polyester fiber, making it extremely durable and prevents wear from freezing and thawing in cold weather.
When water-resistant fabric does get wet, the water that remains on the surface of the fabric will dry out quickly.This is the most relevant factor. Man-made fibers can vary in their absorbency, but some are naturally hydrophobic, which means that they repel water on a molecular level. Fabrics with olefin or vinyl content are good examples of this.Many so-called waterproof materials may not naturally repel water, but have been treated with special waterproofing solutions or agents that are applied or sprayed onto the surface of the fabric after it has been woven. The solution which could be made from rubber, wax, polyvinyl chloride or some other mixture forms a coating that acts as a barrier between moisture and the fabric.
High-denier or high-density fabrics can be more water repellent than more loosely woven fabrics. The more tightly a material is woven and the higher the thread count, the more difficult it is for moisture to penetrate the fabric.Olefin yarns are spun from polypropylene fiber, which is water repellent. Not only does it not absorb moisture, it actively pushes it away. Because wetness doesn’t penetrate the fiber, a spilled glass of wine at a backyard cookout can be easily wiped up and is less likely to cause stains. It will also air dry in a snap after rain or a wash.Polyester is naturally water-resistant, but once you coat polyester yarns with vinyl or PVC and weave them together, the water resistance is off the charts. The coating on each strand of yarn in the fabric protects the polyester, and keeps water from penetrating into the fiber. Because this brilliantly water-resistant outdoor fabric is a mesh, air flow is excellent as well.
