FibreGuard Outdoor fabrics: a smart choice for areas exposed to the elements
FibreGuard Outdoor fabrics incorporate the original FibreGuard fabric stain free technology with a few added extras, including solution-dyed polyolefin yarn, especially for outdoor use.
Optimal fade protection
FibreGuard Outdoor's solution-dyed fabrics last years without losing their unique properties, like colourfastness, durability, water and stain repellency.
On top of standing up to UV rays, our FibreGuard Outdoor range is easy to clean, water-repellent and resistant to mildew and odours. FibreGuard Outdoor fabrics undergo rigorous laboratory testing to ensure the most robust colourfast to light-resistant results.
Durable fabrics, whatever the weather
Strong design and construction help our Outdoor fabrics take exposure to the sun’s harmful rays in their stride.
Ready even for the most humid environments
FibreGuard Outdoor’s anti-microbial and anti-bacterial attributes combat the growth of mould and mildew, as well as the spread of bacteria and germs.
Additionally, our fabrics will resist bad odours, commonly found in environments that are more humid.
FibreGuard Outdoor fabrics are durable and soft to touch: the perfect solution for outdoor furniture and decorative accessories. Taking your indoor style outdoors has never been easier.
Are FibreGuard Outdoor fabrics still stain-resistant?
FibreGuard’s easy-clean properties are embedded in the manufacturing process, even with our Outdoor fabrics too.
No after-treatment is necessary.
This takes the extra work (and worry!) out of your hands so you can get on with living.
Stains on FibreGuard Outdoor fabrics are removable, and dirt is easily cleanable resulting in your outdoor fabrics maintaining their fresh, new look.
Are FibreGuard Outdoor fabrics still eco-friendly?
All FibreGuard fabrics are OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100 certified. This guarantees that FibreGuard Outdoor fabrics won’t release any harmful finishes or chemicals into the environment and are safe to use by humans and pets.
Are FibreGuard Outdoor fabrics resistant to sunscreen and sun oils?
Both sunscreens and oils can be easily cleaned in exactly the same four steps as you would use to clean all FibreGuard fabrics.
Our fabrics remain easy to clean, wash after wash, stain after stain, with no topical spray treatment needed.
Outdoor furnishing fabrics FAQ
Outdoor fabrics have special features that make them different from other materials, and they are perfect for designers who want to create beautiful and practical outdoor spaces.
Q: What's the difference between indoor upholstery and outdoor upholstery?
While they might look similar to the naked eye, the engineering behind them is vastly different to account for things like UV rays, humidity, and the occasional spilled margarita.
Q: Waterproof fabrics vs water resistant fabrics: what's the difference?
If you want your outdoor furniture and other items to remain safe in the rain, it is important that you understand the difference between water-resistant and waterproof fabrics.
Outdoor fabrics are waterproof, which means they are designed to prevent water from passing through the material.
- Waterproof items completely block the penetration of water through their fabric or material.
- Water-resistant fabric or material has a medium protection level, meaning that it will not completely repel water but is woven to deter it. Read more: Water repellent, water resistant and waterproof textiles: the facts
Q: How do I know if an outdoor fabric is mildew-resistant or mould-resistant?
Dampness combined with sunlight provides mould and mildew the perfect environment to grow. This is because wet materials rot, and sunlight provides the necessary UV fuel for mould spores to thrive.
FibreGuard Outdoor fabrics are specifically designed with anti-microbial and anti-bacterial properties to combat the growth of mould and mildew, as well as resist unpleasant odours often associated with humid environments. The anti-microbial properties of FibreGuard fabrics are rigorously tested according to these standards:
- ASTM E2149 (2013) – to prove significant reduction of bacteria growth, the result must be a reduction of at least 90%.
- ISO 20743 8.2 (2013) – to prove significant reduction of bacteria growth, the result must be higher than 2, ideally 3
Q: How do you maintain your outdoor fabrics and furniture?
Furniture placement
The first thing you should do is ensure that the fabric or cushioning on your furniture is suitable for outdoor use. It's also important to be careful about where you position your furniture: avoid placing it directly next to trees or bushes where leaves can fall on it.
Spot cleaning
Ensure that your furniture gets spot cleaned regularly so that mould doesn't have time to form on its surface. When dirt and grime build up on your outdoor textiles, they become less effective at protecting you from UV rays or other elements of nature.
Q: What makes some outdoor fabrics 'fade resistant'?
How fabrics are protected against fading
Treatments used on outdoor textiles are specifically designed to block or reflect UV rays. Colours in fabrics must be able to withstand various types of wear and exposure, including:
- Rubbing (from general wear and tear)
- Washing
- Ironing
- Light exposure
ColourFastness tests for outdoor fabrics
Textiles testing is a crucial part of our production process, to ensure the durability and vibrancy of our fabrics’ colours. Five textile colourfastness tests that we run include:
- Colour fastness to rubbing (standard: ISO 105-X12)
- Colour fastness to light (CFL) (standard ISO 105-B02)
- Colour fastness to water (standard ISO 105-E01)
- Colour fastness to washing (standard ISO 105-C0)
- Colour fastness to dry cleaning (standard ISO 105-D01)
Where to buy FibreGuard Outdoor fabrics
FibreGuard is distributed by major fabric companies worldwide such as Fabric Library, James Dunlop Textiles, Home Fabrics, Zepel Fabrics, Accordo Fabrics, Stuart Graham Fabrics, The Andari Group, Zu Design, Acacia Fabrics.
These companies supply the fabric to interior designers, upholsterers, and retail fabric stores.
Online fabric retailers also stock FibreGuard collections: search for "FibreGuard" plus the name of your local, high-end fabric retailer or furniture store.
