Choosing Between Acrylic and PVC Awning Cloth
buyer choosing awning fabric type
The fabric stretched across an awning frame does most of the visible work, and acrylic and PVC-coated polyester are the two main materials you'll be offered. They behave quite differently in the rain, in strong sun and over years of folding and unfolding.
Woven acrylic fabric
Acrylic awning cloth is a woven fabric, usually solution-dyed so the colour runs through the fibre rather than sitting on the surface, which gives it strong resistance to UV fading over many seasons. It breathes slightly, which helps it dry and resist mildew, though it's typically water-repellent rather than fully waterproof under sustained heavy rain.
PVC-coated polyester
PVC-coated fabric is a polyester base coated with a waterproof PVC layer, making it genuinely waterproof rather than just water-repellent, and often a more budget-friendly option. It doesn't breathe the way acrylic does, and colours are typically printed onto the surface rather than woven through.
Weight and how it affects the mechanism
PVC-coated fabric tends to be heavier per square metre than acrylic, which matters for larger awnings since the motor, arms and cassette all need to be sized to cope comfortably with the fabric weight across the full extension.
- Acrylic
- solution-dyed colour, breathable, water-repellent
- PVC-coated
- fully waterproof, heavier, printed colour
- Acrylic
- favoured for colour retention over many seasons
- PVC-coated
- often chosen for budget or heavy-rain priority
Folding, creasing and storage
Fabric that's rolled away wet needs to dry out reasonably quickly to avoid mildew and staining, and acrylic's breathability generally helps here more than PVC's fully sealed surface. Either fabric benefits from being allowed to dry before extended retraction where practical.
Colour and pattern range
Both fabric types are available in a wide range of colours and stripe patterns, though acrylic's woven, solution-dyed construction typically holds its original vibrancy for longer under prolonged sun exposure compared with a surface-printed PVC finish.
Deciding between the two: common questions
Which fabric lasts longer?
Both can last many years with reasonable care, but acrylic generally holds its colour better under prolonged UV exposure while PVC-coated fabric is more robust against sustained wet weather.
Is PVC-coated fabric fully waterproof?
Yes, the PVC coating is designed to be fully waterproof, unlike woven acrylic which is water-repellent but can allow some moisture through in sustained heavy rain.
Can I replace the fabric later without replacing the whole awning?
On most cassette and folding-arm awning systems, yes — fabric can typically be re-covered on the existing frame, though this depends on the specific system and its age.
Does acrylic fabric need special cleaning?
A gentle brush and mild soapy water occasionally is generally sufficient for both fabric types; harsh chemicals or pressure washing are best avoided on either.
In short
Acrylic fabric holds colour better and breathes, while PVC-coated cloth is fully waterproof and often the more budget-friendly choice.
What to do next
Ask to feel and compare acrylic and PVC-coated samples before choosing your awning cloth.
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