Which fabric suits you best

PROS AND CONS WITH SOLUTION DYED ACRYLIC VS OLEFIN

WATER RESISTANCE AND MOISTURE WICKING
– Olefin: Naturally hydrophobic, meaning it repels water and dries quickly. It doesn’t absorb moisture.
– Solution-Dyed Acrylic SDA: Also hydrophobic, though slightly less than olefin. It dries quickly, but it might retain a bit more moisture than olefin. However, it’s very resistant to mildew and mold.

COLOR FASTNESS AND UV-RESISTANCE
– Olefin: Has excellent colorfastness and good UV resistance. The range of colors are limited compared to acrylic. Olefin resists fading in sunlight well, but it needs additives to withstand sun exposure. Cannot be guaranteed for as long as SDA; the fibers will harden slightly and deteriorate under direct sun light.
– SDA: Superior colorfastness due to the solution-dyeing process. The color is infused during the fiber production, making it highly UV resistant and resistant to fading over time, 5 years guarantee. This fiber is commonly used in premium outdoor fabrics (e.g., Sunbrella and Agora) for long-lasting vibrant colors.

ABRASION
– Olefin: Highly durable and resistant to abrasion, good for high-traffic areas.
– SDA: Strong and durable but slightly less than olefin in terms of abrasion resistance. However, solution-dyed acrylic fibers still perform very well.

COMFORT (Softness and Feel)
– Olefin: It is stiffer than acrylic. It can be uncomfortable against the skin in some applications.
– SDA: Softer and more comfortable to the touch compared to olefin. It has a texture that feels more like natural fabrics (e.g., wool or cotton), making it preferable for outdoor furniture cushions and upholstery where the highest comfort level is important.

STAIN RESISTANCE
– Olefin: Excellent stain resistance. Its hydrophobic properties make it resistant to many stains and easy to clean, even from oils and chemicals.
– SDA: Also, highly resistant to stains, but not as much when it comes to oily substances, especially if PFAS finish is applied. However, its solution-dyed construction ensures that stains can be cleaned easily without affecting the color.

SENSITIVITY TO HEAT AND SUN EXPOSURE
– Olefin: Sensitive to heat. It can melt, crack, or distort under coarse conditions during a long time period. It’s not ideal for areas where it may be exposed to high heat or heavy sun for long time.
– SDA: More heat-resistant than olefin. It can withstand higher temperatures without melting, making it better suited for hot environments and better performance to sun exposure. 5 years guarantee.

TEXTURES
– Olefin: Easy to find in coarse and bold textures because it is easier and less expensive to produce thicker yarns.
– SDA: In the past we were limited to lighter fabrics with subtle textures. Nowadays, we have developed heavy and varied textures, included among our catalogue due to the development of fancy yarns.

SUMMARY
– Olefin: Chair, sofa and sun lounger cushions that are used in environment that isn’t exposed to sunlight all day like pool areas and restaurants with parasols. Chair cushions used in restaurants that is exposed to food, drink and grease stains are also preferable to use Olefin. Good for applications like carpeting, marine upholstery, and outdoor furniture where moisture resistance and stain resistance are essential.
– SDA: is preferable for chair, sofa and deck chair cushions that are exposed to the sun all day, such as on beaches and pool areas without parasols. Favored for sofa cushions that need softness and comfort at the level of wool and cotton like high-end outdoor furniture.