But they may all be the same thing. SwankyDen is support by readers like you. Traditional fabrics where the color is applied after the yarn is spun are more prone to fading. However, they might all be the same. However, the melting factor of Olefin tends to make it the lesser of the two materials. Polyester has been around for a long time, but its terrible looks and lack of quality nearly ended it. Polyester: Rarely used alone in upholstery, polyester is blended with other fibers to add wrinkle resistance, eliminate crushing of napped fabrics, and reduce fading. Polyester is polyester and you know where that material comes from. Unless you are concerned about the overall cost of the product, Olefin should be your go-to outdoor fabric instead of regular polyester because of these improvements. When shopping for outdoor fabric, this is something to keep in mind. 3 - Polyester outdoor fabrics Finally, we take a look at polyester, which is sometimes used on outdoor furniture and cushions. The coin has three faces. Olefin is better known as polypropylene, which is well-regarded for its ability to "wick" away water. In our carpet industry, the terms olefin and polypropylene are typically used interchangeably, as they both mean the same thing. It evaporates more quickly. It does not absorb moisture and it dries very quickly. What Are The Different Types of Pleats? In any case, all of these fabrics perform much better against staining and fading compared to natural fabrics. This also makes it more mold resistant. 2. Is this the best of both worlds? For these types of jobs, Phifertex PVC/Olefin Blends are ideal, giving you all the softness of olefin with the strength and dimensional stability of PVC. Phifer offers a sophisticated line of high-quality designed fabrics made from olefin. Find the right Olefin/Olefin Blends products for your next project and let's create something together. On the positive side, when it becomes wet, the water tends to spread out across a wider area. -May be combined with natural fibers to achieve a stronger weave. -Resists the claws of family pets more efficiently than natural fibers, but it will attract cat hair. Overall, olefin carpet will be considerably less expensive than carpets made of nylon or even polyester . Weve also discussed some of the drawbacks. Olefin - A very versatile carpet fiber. We hope you learned a thing or two from reading this, and that its helped you be a better-informed consumer. Weve already discussed the main drawback. Olefin is a manmade fiber that is typically used along with other fibers to create outdoor fabric blends. A talented chemist named Giulio Natta was the first to formulate olefin fibers suitable for use in many textile applications. So, its not a cut-and-dried question of whether one is better. Also, since no land or water is used in its production it is considered to have a low carbon footprint. In the end, the cost of Sunbrella may be high but in the long run, it may be the cheaper of the two fabrics as it doesn't need replacing as often. Olefin is a soft, lightweight woven fabric designed for outdoor use. When weighing options for outdoor fabrics, many people wonder about olefin fabric vs acrylic --another fabric commonly used in outdoor cushions and upholstery. This material is not easy to recycle and it is not that biodegradable which is a drawback to many potential customers. 3 Elongation is much higher in PP. There will be different qualities available as one online store sells good quality material for about $10 per yard. It is often used in outdoor furniture and for a variety of other applications,. Olefin. However, Olefin does not fade that quickly and is seen as a very durable material to be used outside. Polypropylene performs exceedingly better as a warm fabric than polyester. Depending on the cut, however olefin may be prone to crushing. Polypropylene or polyethylene are the raw materials for olefin. It also absorbs less water. This is something you have to factor in when you go shopping to replace your old outdoor materials. Using a mouse will only cause you to accidentally spill your coffee. After melting, the melted product is pushed through a spinneret to create thread or fibers. Although the two arent technically perfectly interchangeable, olefin is often called polypropylene. Olefin, as you just read, is made from polypropylene or polyethylene. Acrylic Acrylic is lightweight, soft, and can easily be dyed vibrant, colorful shades. Other than those two confusing characteristics Olefin is supposed to be slower to fade than polyester, almost as durable as acrylic outdoor fabric, and very colorful. For those who live in a rainy location, this is a huge perk, as both materials are quick-drying. Say goodbye to those old faded cushions or that bare space! Sunbrella offers more options for colors and designs than olefin does. Rather, allow it to air-dry to keep it in great shape. Then there are those who say that because it is not water-resistant, you cannot spot clean it or use bleach on it. This is done to reduce fading, add wrinkle resistance, and eliminate crushing of napped fabrics. Polypropylene was first invented in 1957 in Italy. If you buy polyester, try for one with a higher thread count. Olefin is a good option too. Keep in mind, however, that its mold-resistant. It doesn't absorb water but spreads it out throughout its fiber mass. Go to the mall and do some shopping first, then compare costs there. Outdoor fabric shouldnt fade in the sun. The question of whether these two synthetic fibers are good sofa fabrics comes down to a very authoritative, It depends. People look for sofas to fill a lot of different functions, from placing in an old study alongside a lot of oak paneling to putting out something to sit on a patio. However, if expense is a concern, it does cost more than regular polyester but it does not fade as fast as the latter material. Take a few minutes and get caught up on these handy materials. The reason for that is the different ingredients used to create those synthetic fibers. Polyester is stiffer than olefin and has a higher melting point. However, a head-to-head comparison will shed more details and give you a better picture of the two materials. Olefin is no exception to that option and it can be seen as a very durable fabric. 4. This fabric resists shrinking or wrinkling and retains its shape well. Now let's talk about more heavy duty outdoor fabrics. This synthetic fabric is renowned for its durability and strength. 4. Sale Quick View. Phifers colorfast fabrics made with olefin have been designed to stay bright and beautiful for years, rain or shine. Shop fabric.com's selection of Olefin/Olefin Blends products! On-line shopping for this product will be the most secure and convenient option. Revolution Outdoor From there those fibers are woven into fabric or yarn. This synthetic fiber is made from a polyolefin - such as polypropylene or polyethylene. Washable fabrics vs. dry clean only fabrics are pretty self-explanatory . It is still made of plastic, which will melt if it gets too hot. Those are the most important considerations when choosing a cloth for outdoor furniture. There are differences between the two starting with basic chemistry. Waterproof fabrics don't let water soak into the fabric, no matter how long they are left outside. Its best qualities are that it is a great fabric for outdoor furniture including patio furniture, umbrellas, and so on. The biggest problem this material has when it is used outdoors is that it will fade faster than Olefin. Theyre both easy to care for and comfortable, and theyre both fashionable. Polyolefin. In contrast, olefin does not fade as soon and is considered a long-lasting outdoor material. This is a big point that needs to be clarified before you buy the material. Usually cheaper in cost, polyester isn't as lightfast or UV resistant as olefin or acrylic fabric. Theres a difference between a brand name and a fabric name, and Sunbrella is neither. Also like acrylic canvas, olefin fabrics dry quickly and resist the weather, stains and mildew, but it is not quite as water resistant as acrylic. As youve just read, Olefin and Sunbrella are often comparable in terms of performance, but Olefin has less downsides. Its a good option if you live in a climate that doesnt get too hot, because its the most affordable of the three. Were more than happy to help you choose the perfect product for your outdoor bench. In looking at the benefits for both materials, it is okay to say that Olefin is almost as good as Sunbrella. According to Cherry Dobson in "The Complete Guide to Upholstery," leather is . Those are the key elements for any outdoor furniture fabric. Neither fabric is completely waterproof, but both do a pretty good job of repelling moisture. This moisture-repellent property also makes it a durable choice, as no moisture guarantees fungus-free furniture. Using Olefin to create billowing outdoor drapes can give your patio or porch the ambiance of an upscale resort. Olefin, the trade name for the textile that is produced out of polypropylene fibre, was developed by Italian chemist Giulio Natta in 1957 in Italy. When comparing Sunbrella to Olefin, the former is said to be more colorfast and water resistant. This causes the material to fade quickly under the sun's UV rays. the water tends to spread out across a wider area, Olefin is also more mold-resistant and dries faster than polyester. That is something to consider when looking for an outdoor fabric to buy. Propylene was once burned off as waste and is now useful for creating an eco-friendly material. Find the best online outlet where you can save on the shipping costs to cut down on your expenses. While 100% olefin fabric is ideal for upholstery, cushions, and curtains, it has not been engineered for weight-bearing or tensioned applications such as sling chairs. Everything comes down to how much money you have available. Olefin is an exceptional performer when it comes to dealing with water. 100% Cotton 4 100% Polyester 9 Acrylic/Acrylic Blends 4 Cotton/Cotton Blends 25 Olefin/Olefin Blends 137 Polyester/Polyester Blends 115. Olefin is the most comfortable material listed here and it is also moisture-wicking, water-resistant. Olefin outdoor fabric is ideal for projects where you want a durable fabric thats still soft and chic. Both types of fabric are ideal for outdoor use, but the olefin has many advantages. To learn more about Olefin fabrics and its competitors just continue to read our article. It evaporates more quickly. While the two are made from a similar chemical process and the two are synthetic, olefin and polyester are different things. When blended with wool, polyester aggravates pilling problems. While in reality, this may seem to be an impossibility when it comes to fabrics just about anything is possible.