Friday, April 3, 2009

Pro-Tuf Fabric for canopy cover

We're shopping for fabric to make a new canopy cover and a boat cover ... originally thinking of Sunbrella, but now am enthusiastic about Pro-Tuf, an less expensive alternative. Here are some notes...

Neptune Fabrics has a good description ... SUNBRELLA is a good fabric for outdoor use, and they make several different kinds of fabrics. Some are well known for their UV-Ray "sun" resistance, color retention, and water-repellency. There are also other name brands made very similar like PARA-Tempotest and Dickson (also owned by the makers of Sunbrella). There is also "Pro Tuf", so you are not limited to only one choice. Dickson offers very Unique Colors and Patterns not available with Sunbrella. The biggest difference between Sunbrella and Dickson is the price per yard. The Dickson line does not have to support the larger advertising budget, and can be purchased for much less money. Both are 100% solution dyed acrylic canvas with a UV protectant added. While some Sunbrella distributors are asking $27 per yard, the Dickson line and Pro Tuf can be had for as little as $6-$8 per yard. The Pro Tuf line has the urethane treatment similar to Sunbrella's 8400 marine series. With our experience, a top made from the Dickson or Pro Tuf line will be a great top, lasting 5-10 years, or more with no significant fading. Sunbrella will also last that long but at a higher price. We not only make these canvas tops, we also use them, and for our boats, we use the Dickson or Pro Tuff line. We've had no problems with these fabrics.

Georgia Fabric has it for $3.49/yd says
60" Wide Hunter Green Waterproof - Cordura Face - 75% PVC 25% Polyester
Phone us toll free at 1-800-835-5517

DIY Fabric $6.99 says
Pro-Tuf Burgundy Canvas
SKU: Pro-Tuf-Burgundy
• Sold by the yard 60 inches wide Great value
• Pro-Tuf PVC Coated polyester, water proof Recommended uses Boat cover, Car covers, Bar-B-Que. Covers, Exercise pads, wall pads, out door furniture covers, Gaming table covers a great fabric for covers or pads that need protective covers

payless fab $7.99 says
Pro-Tuf PVC Coated Polyester: can be used for outdoor upholstery, automotive and boating upholstery, table covers, indoor upholstery and more. Boat covers, car covers, grill covers and covers for other items can be made from Pro-Tuf PVC Coated Polyester
Color: Blue
Contents: 75% PVC face 25% polyester
Care Instructions: wipe with damp cloth
Hand: flexible
Weight : 8 ounce per square yard
Mildew and oil resistant
Ultra violet stable pigments
Twill weave
Width: 60 inches
Sold by the yard

ebay item $129
This is the finest marine upholstery fabric that we have seen. Don't let the low price fool you. It is fine quality fabric and I think it is every bit as nice as the best known marine fabrics, at, of course, a fraction of the cost. We found a deal on it and we are passing the savings on to you. I have owned boat all of my life and the problem with most boat seat covers is that they are 'slick vinyl'. When the sun is out, which is most of the time that you are on the water, the seats get hot. If you are skiing or swimming and get back in the boat with your wet bathing suit, first you slide all over the seats and and then you start to 'stick to them' - yuck! Our fabric is designed to have the look and feel of cloth but it is actually 75/25 PVC polyester. PVC backed. (see bottom photo.) Textured so you won't slide or stick. Perfect for boat covers, automobile covers, canopies - anywhere that you would like the nice, polished look of fabric, but need something that will withstand the elements. The fabric has all of the characteristics that one would want:
WATER PROOF
MILDEW RESISTANT
UV PROTECTED
FIRE RESISTANT
600 DENIER WEAVE - THAT'S TIGHT!

10 comments:

  1. Hello
    Thank you for make this nice blog.
    I bought a good quality Boat Conopy in cheap price.

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  2. Thanks for the links!
    Really appreciated.

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  3. I found the Pro-Tuff line of canvas in all colors for as low as $3.75/yd (11+) or $5.75 (1-10 yds) here: http://www.nickoftime.net/c-392-outdoor-waterproof-fabrics.aspx

    This really is a great quality fabric and great to work with. I'm using it on my boats and patio. Thanks for your info!

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  4. Have you ever tried dry guy on your canopy for extra protection?
    Dry Guy Waterproofing
    Outdoor Waterproofing
    http://www.dryguywaterproofing.com

    The Leader in manufacturing earth friendly waterproof products for you and your family; Waterproofing for tents, camping gear, outdoor gear, fabrics, boat covers, awnings and many other applications.

    Superior fabric waterproofing specifically formulated for backpacks, duffel bags, hiking gear, and footwear that has to withstand the abuse of hiking and camping in harsh weather conditions.
    Dry Guy lets your boots breathe while protecting against moisture, mould and stains!
    Dry Guy Protect & Extend the Life of all your Hiking & Outdoor Gear

    ReplyDelete
  5. This comment has been removed by the author.

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  6. I would like to know if heat transfer vinyl can be applied the Pro-Tuff Canvas fabric ... or will the heat (about 330 degrees) ruin the fabric?

    ReplyDelete
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