Marine canvas

Marine canvas refers to a varied array of materials and substrates used in the fabrication and production of awnings, covers, tarps, sunshades, signs and banners for the advertising, boating, trucking, tenting, structural and medical industries.

Marine canvas is a catch–all phrase that covers hundreds of materials, for instance: acrylics, PVC coated polyester vinyls, silicon treated substrates and many coated meshes suitable for outdoor use. Most ¨marine canvas¨ materials offer UV and UVB resistance, and, to some extent, water resistance or waterproofness. One of the most popular fabrics used today is solution dyed acrylic such as Sunbrella. Such synthetic fabrics last for many years before deteriorating due to harsh UV rays. UV damages varnish (causes degradation, loss of color and elasticity and finally cracking and peeling) and the materials of which sails are made (often Dacron today). To avoid constant boat repair, covers are fabricated for all sails that are left outside, and all brightwork, or highly varnished wood. Hatches are covered for interior sun protection and winches are covered to protect them from deterioration of airborne particles and rain.