Marine Grade Vinyl Vs Leather

The skin is made of pvc and it s how the skin is made that determines whether the material is considered marine grade vinyl.

Marine grade vinyl vs leather. General which is better. You may also try other fabric but i personally suggest marine vinyl upholstery fabric. Marine vinyl and standard vinyl are really the same thing except marine grade vinyl has two extra features. The material is very versatile and used in a variety of manners think vinyl records or vinyl flooring.

Oracal doesn t really make a marine grade vinyl although that is what people commonly call higher models because it s rated for a longer durability than lower models like 651. Posted on july 10 2017 june 6 2017 by all vinyl fabrics. Part of the confusion is caused by orafol s website that lists 751c and 951 for use with marine applications. Go commercial for heavy use furniture.

Manufactured for durability and heavy use commercial or contract grade vinyl upholstery is about 1 16 to 1 8 inch thick and is more of a foam like material. It also can be a bit difficult to sew as the stiffness keeps the fabric from folding over itself. And it also has antibacterial and antifungal additives to make it mildew resistant. It goes without saying leather is a highly superior product over vinyl material.

As a general rule there are commercial grade marine grade and lightweight materials. Some vinyl material so closely resembles leather that sometimes it s difficult to tell them apart. Its durability allows it to withstand high temperatures without cracking or fading. It has additional uv protection to prevent the color from fading in sunlight.

The next thing to look out for is the grade of the material. It is for this reason why all of the products that i have listed are made of vinyl fabric. The material is rich flexible and soft to the touch. Upholstery vinyl contract vinyl marine grade vinyl marine flooring sunbrella fabrics awning vinyl automotive vinyl specialty vinyl 877 618 4695.

Vinyl on the other hand is a synthetic substance composed of resin or plastic. As the name suggests marine vinyl is perfect for boats but it s also great for motorcycles outdoor furniture and awnings. Why is leather better than vinyl. When the outer skin is made additional additives are used to make the material marine grade vinyl.

The stiffness of the sunbrella marine grade doesn t lend itself well to upholstery projects as it doesn t easily flow around curves and is less desirable to sit on than something softer. Marine vinyl fabric is your best option for outdoor use since it s 100 waterproof uv protected and weatherproof.