Which Sunbrella Fabric to Choose?
When it comes to marine canvas, not all Sunbrella fabrics are created equal. Here’s what you need to know about the three main options.
Complete Comparison Table
Standard Sunbrella Sunbrella Plus Sunbrella SeaMark
Fabric Construction
Solution-dyed acrylic Acrylic + polyurethane coating Acrylic + vinyl backing
Water Protection
Water-resistant Highly water-resistant 100% waterproof
Waterproof Rating
Repels light rain Blocks vertical rain Complete waterproof barrier
Backing Material
None Polyurethane undercoating Marine-grade vinyl laminate
Breathability
Excellent Good Limited
Flexibility
Excellent Very good Good
UV Resistance
Excellent (10+ years) Excellent (10+ years) Excellent (10+ years)
Fade Resistance
Excellent Excellent Excellent
Mold/Mildew
Resistant Enhanced resistance Resistant
Warranty
10-year limited 5-year limited 5-year limited
Price Point
Standard $52 Yard Avg Mid-range $70 Yard Avg Premium $83 Yard Avg
Understanding Each Fabric
Standard Sunbrella Marine Fabric
What it is: Solution-dyed acrylic where color is embedded into the fiber during manufacturing, not applied afterward.
Water performance: Water-resistant but not waterproof. It repels light rain and moisture but will eventually allow water through during heavy or prolonged rain. The breathable nature prevents condensation buildup underneath.
Best applications: - Bimini tops and dodgers - Sail covers and boom covers - Cockpit cushions and seating - Any application where air circulation is important
Warranty: 10-year limited warranty against loss of color or strength from normal exposure and mildew.
Sunbrella Plus
What it is: Standard Sunbrella fabric with a durable polyurethane coating applied to the underside, creating a moisture barrier while maintaining flexibility.
Water performance: Highly water-resistant with superior protection against vertical rain. The polyurethane coating includes a resin-based antifungal treatment. Not fully waterproof, but significantly better than standard Sunbrella in wet conditions.
Best applications: - Boat covers in high-precipitation areas - Awnings and weather protection - Applications needing enhanced water protection - Projects where some breathability is still beneficial
Warranty: 5-year limited warranty covering fabric performance, color retention, and coating integrity.
Sunbrella SeaMark
What it is: Sunbrella acrylic fabric laminated with a textured marine-grade vinyl backing, creating a completely waterproof barrier.
Water performance: 100% waterproof. The vinyl backing ensures zero water penetration, making it ideal for full enclosures and extreme weather applications. Less breathable due to the waterproof barrier.
Best applications: - Full cockpit enclosures - Boat covers requiring complete waterproofing - Spray dodgers and weather curtains - Any application where water penetration cannot be tolerated
Warranty: 5-year limited warranty on fabric fade resistance and waterproof backing integrity.
Making Your Decision
Choose Standard Sunbrella when: - You need excellent UV and fade protection - Breathability is important to prevent condensation - You’re in a moderate climate with occasional rain - Budget is a primary consideration - Suited for Enclosure Panels, Bimini Tops, and Covers
Choose Sunbrella Plus when: - You face frequent rain but not constant downpours - You want better water protection without sacrificing all breathability - You need enhanced mold and mildew resistance - You’re willing to invest 20-30% more for better performance - Suited for Bimini Tops for improved water resistance
Choose Sunbrella SeaMark when: - You need absolute waterproof protection - You’re creating full enclosures or weather barriers - You face extreme weather conditions regularly - Maximum water protection is worth the premium price - Suited for Bimini Tops for the ultimate waterproof protection
All Three Share These Benefits
· Exceptional UV and fade resistance
· Solution-dyed color won’t wash out
· Mold and mildew resistant
· Easy to clean with mild soap and water
· Backed by Sunbrella’s 10 and 5-year warranty
The Robie Canvas Approach
At Robie Canvas, we help you choose the right fabric for your specific needs and conditions. Every project includes:
· Custom patterns taken directly on your boat
· Only marine-grade Sunbrella fabrics
· SolarFix thread guaranteed to outlast the fabric
· Transparent pricing with no surprises
· Guaranteed custom fit and timeline
· Mark Hood-trained craftsmanship
We fabricate every piece as if it were for our own boat.
Ready to discuss your project? Contact Robie Canvas at www.robiecanvas.com
Serving Rhode Island, southern Massachusetts, and Cape Cod