Marine Grade Vinyl Vs Leather

The material is very versatile and used in a variety of manners think vinyl records or vinyl flooring.

Marine grade vinyl vs leather.

Some vinyl material so closely resembles leather that sometimes it s difficult to tell them apart. Marine vinyl fabric is your best option for outdoor use since it s 100 waterproof uv protected and weatherproof. The word vinyl brings to mind the hard shiny materials right out of a 50 s diner but vinyl has come a long way. Posted on july 10 2017 june 6 2017 by all vinyl fabrics.

Its durability allows it to withstand high temperatures without cracking or fading. As the name suggests marine vinyl is perfect for boats but it s also great for motorcycles outdoor furniture and awnings. When the outer skin is made additional additives are used to make the material marine grade vinyl. It goes without saying leather is a highly superior product over vinyl material.

Why is leather better than vinyl. As a general rule there are commercial grade marine grade and lightweight materials. Vinyl on the other hand is a synthetic substance composed of resin or plastic. It is for this reason why all of the products that i have listed are made of vinyl fabric.

General which is better. Upholstery vinyl contract vinyl marine grade vinyl marine flooring sunbrella fabrics awning vinyl automotive vinyl specialty vinyl 877 618 4695. And it also has antibacterial and antifungal additives to make it mildew resistant. Part of the confusion is caused by orafol s website that lists 751c and 951 for use with marine applications.

Marine vinyl and standard vinyl are really the same thing except marine grade vinyl has two extra features. It also can be a bit difficult to sew as the stiffness keeps the fabric from folding over itself. You may also try other fabric but i personally suggest marine vinyl upholstery fabric. These additives provide uv protection prevent mold mildew bacteria growth prevent yellowing and help prevent staining.

It has additional uv protection to prevent the color from fading in sunlight. 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. The next thing to look out for is the grade of the material. 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.

Go commercial for heavy use furniture. Leather is created through the tanning of animal skin or hides.