Outdoor Fabric: Solution-Dyed Acrylic and How to Choose It
By the JOTEX Fabrics product team · Updated
Short answer
Outdoor fabric must survive strong UV, heat, rain and humidity. Solution-dyed acrylic is the benchmark: the colour is added to the fibre before it is spun, so it runs right through and resists fading far better than fabric dyed after weaving. It dries quickly and does not absorb much water, but woven outdoor fabric is water-resistant rather than waterproof.
What outdoor fabric has to cope with
- UV and heat. Tropical sun fades colour and weakens fibres. This is the main reason ordinary indoor fabrics fail outdoors.
- Rain and humidity. Fabric and cushions must dry quickly so they do not stay damp.
- Mildew. It grows on dirt, pollen and moisture sitting on the surface, so a fabric that dries fast and is easy to clean stays fresher.
- Wear. Outdoor seating is used in swimwear, with sunscreen and by children and pets.
How solution dyeing works
Most fabrics are dyed after the yarn is spun or after the cloth is woven, so the colour sits on and near the surface of each fibre, where sunlight breaks it down. In solution dyeing, the colour pigment is mixed into the liquid acrylic before it is extruded into fibre. Every fibre is coloured right through, like a carrot rather than a radish, so UV has far less colour to bleach, and even a worn or cut fibre shows the same colour.
That is why solution-dyed acrylic is the standard for awnings, outdoor cushions and sun-exposed furniture. It also resists most household stains, because there is no surface dye for them to lift.
Outdoor fabric fibres compared
| Fibre | Fade resistance | Feel | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Solution-dyed acrylic | Excellent | Soft, canvas-like | The benchmark for outdoor upholstery and shades |
| Acrylic (not solution-dyed) | Good | Soft | Resists moisture well; colour sits less deep than in solution-dyed acrylic |
| Solution-dyed olefin (polypropylene) | Very good | Firmer, slightly waxy | Lower cost; can feel less soft |
| Polyester (piece-dyed or printed) | Moderate | Varies | Cheaper; fades faster in strong sun |
| PVC-coated polyester mesh | Good | Firm, open mesh | For sling chairs and loungers rather than cushions |
Rain, water and mildew
Woven outdoor fabrics are water-resistant, not waterproof. Rain can pass through the weave and the seams, but acrylic absorbs very little water, so the fabric dries quickly. Some ranges add a water-repellent finish; ask whether a collection has one before relying on it. For cushions that live outside, the filling matters as much as the fabric: quick-dry foam lets water drain straight through.
Acrylic itself does not feed mildew, but dirt, pollen and sunscreen on the surface can. Brush cushions down regularly, let them dry fully after rain, and store them under cover during long spells of heavy monsoon rain.
The JOTEX Outdoor range
The JOTEX OUTDOOR range is 100% acrylic, and most of it is solution-dyed.
| Collection | Composition | Design | Width | Weight | Made for |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PATIO | 100% solution-dyed acrylic | Plain | 150 cm | About 340 gsm | Sofas and pillows |
| BREEZE | 100% solution-dyed acrylic | Plain | 150 cm | About 260 gsm | Sofas, pillows and shades |
| BRISA | 100% solution-dyed acrylic | Plain | 150 cm | About 260 gsm | Multi-purpose |
| SHORE | 100% solution-dyed acrylic | Plain | 150 cm | About 220 gsm | Multi-purpose |
| ISLES | 100% solution-dyed acrylic | Weave | 137 cm | About 400 gsm | Multi-purpose |
| SEASO | 100% acrylic | — | 150 cm | About 340 gsm | Multi-purpose |
| DUNES | 100% acrylic | Check | 138 cm | About 660 gsm | Multi-purpose |
The range also includes CALMA, a solution-dyed stripe, and SOLIS, a solution-dyed plain. See each collection page for full specifications and colours.
Choosing the right weight
- Seat and back cushions, outdoor sofas: a heavier cloth such as PATIO at about 340 gsm, ISLES at about 400 gsm or DUNES at about 660 gsm holds its shape and wears well.
- Scatter cushions and pillows: lighter qualities such as BREEZE and BRISA at about 260 gsm or SHORE at about 220 gsm are softer and easier to sew.
- Shades and simple canopies: lighter, plain qualities such as BREEZE, whose listed uses include shades.
For choosing indoor upholstery, see the sofa fabric guide.
Making outdoor cushions that last
- Use quick-dry (open-cell) foam, so water drains through instead of soaking in.
- Sew with UV-resistant thread. Ordinary polyester or cotton thread can rot in the sun long before the fabric fails, and the seams split.
- Add zips so covers can be removed for cleaning.
- Consider a breathable mesh panel on the underside of seat cushions to help them drain and dry.
- Round or pipe the edges neatly; corners and seams take the most wear.
Cleaning and care
- Brush off loose dirt and leaves regularly, and clean bird droppings and spills promptly.
- For general cleaning, sponge with mild soap and lukewarm water, rinse thoroughly and let the fabric air-dry.
- Avoid harsh cleaners and do not use a high-pressure jet close to the fabric.
- Dry cushions fully after rain, standing them on edge, and bring them under cover in long spells of heavy rain.
- Follow each collection's care instructions for removable covers.
JOTEX Outdoor collections
The full JOTEX OUTDOOR range, updated from the catalogue. See the outdoor fabric page for more.
- BREEZEJOTEX OUTDOOR · 100% SOLUTION DYED ACRYLIC · 37 colourways
- BRISAJOTEX OUTDOOR · 100% SOLUTION DYED ACRYLIC · 27 colourways
- CALMAJOTEX OUTDOOR · 100% SOLUTION DYED ACRYLIC · 33 colourways
- DUNES/HAVENJOTEX OUTDOOR · 100% SOLUTION DYED ACRYLIC · 16 colourways
- ISLESJOTEX OUTDOOR · 100% SOLUTION DYED ACRYLIC · 18 colourways
- PATIOJOTEX OUTDOOR · 100% SOLUTION DYED ACRYLIC · 64 colourways
- SEASOJOTEX OUTDOOR · 100% ACRYLIC · 32 colourways
- SHOREJOTEX OUTDOOR · 100% SOLUTION DYED ACRYLIC · 28 colourways
- SOLISJOTEX OUTDOOR · 100% SOLUTION DYED ACRYLIC · 36 colourways
Frequently asked questions
What is the best fabric for outdoor furniture in Malaysia?
Solution-dyed acrylic. It resists fading in strong tropical sun, dries quickly after rain and cleans easily. Pair it with quick-dry foam and UV-resistant thread.
Is solution-dyed acrylic waterproof?
No. It is water-resistant and quick-drying: rain can pass through the weave and seams, but the fibre absorbs very little water. Some ranges add a water-repellent finish, so ask about a specific collection.
Will outdoor fabric fade?
All fabrics fade eventually in strong sun, but solution-dyed acrylic fades far more slowly than piece-dyed or printed fabrics because the colour runs through every fibre.
Can outdoor fabric be used indoors?
Yes. Solution-dyed acrylic is a good choice for sunny window seats, conservatories, playrooms and anywhere that needs a tough, fade-resistant, easy-clean fabric.
How do I remove mildew from outdoor cushions?
Brush off what you can outdoors, sponge with mild soap and lukewarm water, rinse and dry fully in the air. Keep cushions clean and dry to prevent it returning.
What is the difference between acrylic and polyester outdoor fabric?
Solution-dyed acrylic keeps its colour much longer in sun and feels soft and canvas-like. Polyester outdoor fabric costs less but usually fades faster in strong UV.
Curtain maker, upholsterer or designer?
Specifications are public on every collection page. JOTEX dealers can log in for live stock and pricing. Contact the JOTEX team to request samples or open a dealer account.