Sunsmart fabrics in New Zealand

Matthieu Frey of the famed French family fabric house Pierre Frey summed it up on his visit here last month commenting that "no country in the world has the level of concern about fabric colour fastness that New Zealand does".

We are well aware of the challenges we have with ultra-violet light and its implications for sunbathers.  Equallly it has implications when selecting fabric for areas exposed to direct sunlight whether they be indoor or outdoor.

The revolution in sunsmart, colourfast fabrics

Fortunately for us, fabric houses the world over have been creating somewhat of a revolution with vastly superior fabrics to use in sunny settings.  These are a far cry from the stiff canvases that donned our deck chairs in the 60s and 70s.  Textured weaves, soft handles, exotic patterns, muted and vibrant colours are all features of the new outdoor ranges from leading fabric labels.

Many fabrics will have a published light resistance classification on the label.  This measures the fabric's resistance to fading when exposed to light.  To establish these classifications, fabric is exposed under specific conditions to a controlled light source that simulates the sun's rays.  At specially timed intervals, the test swatch is compared to a scale and the extent of fading is rated.

Fabrics with a rating of 5 demonstrate strong colour fastness.  Fabrics with a rating of 1 have a high degree of fading.

Upholstery fabrics should have a minimum light resistance rating of 4.  Colour fastness warranties vary considerably so check the specific fabrics you are considering selecting before taking the plunge.

Solution Dyed Acrylic

Solution Dyed Acrylic has been a pioneer fabric in bringing many of the qualities enjoyed in natural fibres to fibres that have significantly greater light resistance.

Solution dyeing is a unique process in which the pigment is added, along with ultra-violet stabilisers, while the fibre is in a viscous form.  This secures the colour so that it can't be faded by the sun.

If you remember Mrs. Marsh's famed toothpaste advertisements of yesteryear profoundly stating that "the colour does get into the chalk", the principle is similar. The pigment permeates through the entire fibre rather than merely coating the surface.  The colour sets so intensley in solution dyed acrylics that they not only have superior colour fastness but are also soil resistant and stain proof.  Many can be cleaned with chlorine bleach.

My own outdoor sofa has lived on my back deck for six years.  It is upholstered in cream solution dyed acrylic with decorative cushions from Mokum Textile's outdoor range.  While we cover it to reduce environmental soiling, it lives in the direct sunlight most of summer.  We have noticed no fading at all.  It gets soiled at times and we are able to clean it with dishwashing detergent, warm water and a cloth.  At one stage it was drawn on with permanent marker (don't ask) and we were able to remove this with bleach.

Mokum Textiles Resort Outdoor Fabric

Mokum Textiles (now part of James Dunlop) recently released their Resort Outdoor range.  This range consists of drapery and upholstery fabrics that are solution dyed acrylics ideal for sunny and heavy use areas.  The range includes distinctive outdoor sheers and upholstery fabrics with Polyolefin to provide a more natural look and softer handle.

Westbury Washable Outdoor Fabrics

Westbury Textiles have just released a range of outdoor fabrics including fabrics constructed from 100% Polypropylene that are hand washable at 30 degrees. These are ideal for heavy use areas where there is a high chance of soiling. Polypropylene resists common types of stains like oils, butter, sun screen and chocolate.  These fabrics have the added benefit of being non-allergenic as well anti bacterial and anti-mould making them safe for homes and the workplace.

This is all in addition to the fact that they have a high rating for light resistance.

So don't feel you need to compromise on your fabrics for that sunny spot where you want to curl up on your sofa.

There are a wide range of fabrics designed for your scenario that deliver colour, comfort and character.

Rod Hanna is the owner and designer for Designers' Collection. Designers' Collection designs, sources and tailor-makes furniture for Interior Designers and Architects across New Zealand and around the Pacific.