SurLast All Weather Fabric is used for anything that needs outdoor protection--boats, cars, motorcycles, accessories. It is tough, non-abrasive, weather resistant and fade resistant. Sun, wind, rain pollutants, and chemicals that rob covers of their rich colors and cause the material to stretch and deteriorate will not effect SurLast.
SurLast is solution-dyed which means that the colors, UV inhibitors, and stabilizers are added while the fabric is in a liquid state. The color is part of the fibers -- so it will not fade or wash out. It will also not transfer color to your gel coat when trailering. And the UV inhibitors, and stabilizers keep the fibers stronger longer than other polyesters.
A urethane coating is applied to the finished fabric to add stability to the weave, increase water and mildew resistance and to eliminate shrinkage and stretching. This coating also keeps the fabric from raveling for easier construction (no hot knife or surging is required on SurLast).
Some fabrics are so heavily coated that they are waterproof. This keeps water vapors inside the boat causing mildew and color transfer. But SurLast is breathable, the Oxford weave allows water vapor to escape while still keeping weather out. When sewing expose the uncoated side to the sun. Sold per Yard.
SurLast Cleaning and Care:
Sur Last® is easy to care for. It can be washed, or brushed off and rinsed. For normal care and cleaning add two (2) ounces of mild soap (Wool-lite, Dreft, Ivory soap) to one (1) gallon of water which is less than 100 degrees Fahrenheit. Clean fabric with "soft bristle brush". Rinse thoroughly with cold water and air dry. For stubborn stains add maximum one (1) cup of bleach to one (1) gallon of water. Spray on lightly to the fabric "face" (non-coated side). Do not soak fabric. Prolonged exposure to harsh chemicals can damage the coating (coated side) of the fabric. Rinse immediately. Do not leave on for more than two (2) minutes. Cleaning with harsh cleaners, such as bleach will require a retreatment (use 303 Fabric Guard) for restoring water repellency.
SurLast 3856-0000 Hunter Green 60" is a railroaded pattern
Reduce Seaming with Railroaded Fabric
Most upholstery fabric is 54 inches wide and, if it features a pattern, the pattern is run down the length of the bolt. When upholstering, it generally looks best to run a patterned fabric from the top to the bottom of the piece and from the back to the front. This requires seams every 54 inches on larger pieces like sofas and long boat cushions. Alternatively, a Railroaded fabric pattern can be used to eliminated unwanted seams. The patterns in Railroaded Sunbrellas run across their widths. This makes Railroaded Sunbrella perfect for these longer projects.
In this illustration, the fabric rolls out to cover the cushions without need for a seam.
This is a photo example of the railroaded fabric coming off the roll.
This is a photo example of fabric that is not railroaded coming off the roll.
In this illustration the fabric rolls out vertically, and for this type of single cushion, would require several seams to cover the couch.
