Sunbrella is a performance fabric made by Glen Raven, a family-owned textile company in North Carolina, and first sold as awning fabric in 1961. Most Sunbrella upholstery is 100% solution-dyed acrylic, which is why it keeps its color in full sun and cleans up with soap, water and, for tough stains, diluted bleach. This page explains how it works, where it does and does not belong, and how to care for it.
At a glanceSunbrella in four facts
Color is added to the fiber before it is spun, so it runs all the way through.
Standard upholstery sheds spills and rain. Sunbrella Rain and marine ranges are waterproof.
Mild soap and water for everyday dirt, a diluted bleach mix for stubborn stains.
On Sunbrella upholstery fabrics, from the mill.
Why Sunbrella does not fade like printed fabric
Most fabrics are woven first and dyed afterwards, so the color sits on the surface and fades as sunlight breaks it down. Sunbrella adds pigment to the liquid acrylic before it is spun into fiber. The color is part of the fiber itself, like a carrot is orange all the way through rather than painted orange. That is why Sunbrella holds its color in strong sun and why it can be cleaned with a diluted bleach solution without losing color.
WaterWater-repellent, waterproof and marine: which is which
How to clean Sunbrella cushions
Brush off loose dirt, then sponge with a mix of mild soap and lukewarm water. Rinse well and let the cushion air-dry.
For stubborn stains or mildew on dirt, use a mix of 1 cup bleach and ¼ cup mild soap per gallon of water. Let it soak for up to 15 minutes, then rinse thoroughly and air-dry.
Removable covers can be machine washed in cold water on a gentle cycle and air-dried. Never put them in a dryer.
Sunbrella cushions made to your size
Window seats, banquettes and family-room sofas that need to stand up to sun, kids and pets.
Shop indoorEvery Sunbrella cushion is cut to within ±0.5″ of your measurements and ships in 2–3 weeks. Not sure about a color? Order swatches first.
FAQFrequently asked questions about Sunbrella fabric
What is Sunbrella fabric made of?
Most Sunbrella upholstery fabric is 100% solution-dyed acrylic. Some ranges blend in other fibers, and Sunbrella Horizon is a marine vinyl.
Is Sunbrella waterproof?
Standard Sunbrella upholstery is water-repellent, not waterproof. Sunbrella Rain upholstery and Sunbrella Horizon marine vinyl are waterproof.
Does Sunbrella fade?
Sunbrella is made to resist fading because the color runs through the fiber. Like any fabric, it changes slowly over many years of direct sun, but far less than printed or piece-dyed fabrics.
Can Sunbrella cushions stay outside in the rain?
Yes. The fabric will not rot or support mildew on its own. To help cushions last longer, stand them on edge after heavy rain and store them during long wet or winter spells.
Can you use bleach on Sunbrella?
Yes. A diluted mix of bleach, mild soap and water is safe on solution-dyed Sunbrella acrylic. Rinse thoroughly afterwards.
Is Sunbrella good for indoor furniture?
Yes. It is soft enough for sofas and window seats and is a good choice for sunny rooms and homes with kids or pets.
Who makes Sunbrella?
Sunbrella is made by Glen Raven, Inc., a family-owned textile company based in North Carolina. Fabrica Kraft is an independent cushion maker that uses Sunbrella fabric.
Sunbrella® is a registered trademark of Glen Raven, Inc. Fabrica Kraft is an independent maker of custom cushions using Sunbrella fabrics.
