Choosing resilient outdoor fabrics is one of the best ways to keep your patio furniture looking its best. And where do we usually see our patio furniture accessories start to wilt the fastest? Those sad, faded colors, am I right? There’s nothing like buying beautiful, bright red pillows one year, then strolling outside the next year to be confronted with some sad, dark pinkish things. The color fade is real, folks.

Luckily, there’s a science to this stuff. And I’ve been doing some resesarch. So let’s learn all about which colors fade and which don’t. How your choice of fabric affects the fade. And then a few more tips and tricks to keep whatever colors you choose looking their best for the longest.

A Few Quick Outdoor Fabrics Color-Fading Insights

• Dark colors like navy and red tend to fade faster in sunlight than lighter colors like white and pastels.
• Synthetic fabrics like polyester and acrylic are more fade-resistant than natural fibers like cotton.
• UV-resistant treatments and proper cleaning can help slow down fading of outdoor fabrics.

For Outdoor Fabrics, What Affects Color Fading?

Let’s get started with the big question. What makes some outdoor fabrics turn into sad, faded versions of their former selves? Honestly, there are many, many factors. But here are the biggest contributors.

• UV radiation: Ultraviolet rays are some powerful dudes. (Just ask my pale, pale skin after any amount of direct sunlight.) For outdoor fabrics, UV rays contribute the most to color fading. They break down the chemical bonds in your fabric’s dyes. Then those colors fade over time.
• Fiber type: Different fibers react differently to uv rays, weather, and the constant marching of time. Natural fibers like cotton and linen are more likely to fade than synthetic materials like polyester and acrylic.
• Dye type: Similarly, some dyes are more resilient to direct light than others. Solution-dyed fabrics (where the color is added during the manufacturing process) tend to hold up better. That’s because the dyes run all the way through the fibers.
• Environmental factors: Then you have your local weather factors. Humidity, heat, and pollution can all speed up the fading process. There’s less you can do about these… other than moving or choosing fabrics that are specifically created to resist your local weather patterns.

Understanding UV Radiation and its Impact on Color Fading

So, we know UV radiation is public enemy number one for your outdoor fabrics. The sun emits different types of UV rays. UVA and UVB are the most damaging to fabrics. They’re like two thuggish bouncers keeping you out of the brilliant-color club. Well, these rays cause a chemical reaction called photodegradation, which breaks down the molecular structure of dyes. Dye molecules breaking down leads directly to faded, sad fabric colors.

And here’s a fun fact. Did you know that UV rays can penetrate through clouds and windows? So those outdoor cushions you used to decorate in the shade or inside a sunroom? Yeah, they’re still at risk of fading over time. Womp womp!

Evaluating Different Outdoor Fabric Types

Outdoor furniture has been made using many, many different types of cushion or pillow fabric. You’ll often see more natural fibers as a less-expensive option. And if you just need your furniture to look good for a season, cotton and linen can do the trick. You can treat them with UV-resistant finishes to help them out. But they will DEFINITELY fade faster than modern outdoor fabric options, though.

I’d highly suggest you explore the wide, wide world of synthetic outdoor fabrics. And to get you started, here are my thoughts on three of the most common types.

Specifically-made outdoor fabrics like Sunbrella are just always going to be your safest bet. They withstand weather and outdoor use far better. And their treatment processes make their colors last FAR longer than other fabrics. Also, I recently read that Sunbrella earned the Skin Cancer’s Seal of Recommendation¹. That’s UV-protection for your colors and your health. I’m suddenly very proud that our Patio Production team features it on so many of our outdoor furniture!

Colors that Fade the Most: Dark and Vibrant Shades

I hate bearing bad news, but sometimes that’s the gig. Those bold, eye-catching colors you love? They’re more likely to fade faster than lighter colors. Navy, black, and deep red absorb more UV radiation. This causes that faster dye breakdown we’ve discussed. Vibrant shades like bright red, orange, and yellow are also prone to fading. Their pigments are often less stable. I’m not telling you not to explore darker and vibrant colors. With the right fabric type and maintenance, you can keep them looking great for longer. I just want you to know what you’re getting into.

Colors that Fade the Least: Earth Tones and Light Pastels

Your best option for longer-lasting, less-fading outdoor fabrics are definitely lighter, more muted colors. Earth tones like beige, tan, and light green are less likely to start looking faded over time. You can also go with pastels and white. They reflect more light and are less affected by UV radiation.

Sun Protection Measures for Outdoor Fabrics

Fading is inevitable. But you can still protect your outdoor fabrics to get as many seasons as possible. It takes some planning and maybe some elbow grease. But it’s worth it. Here’s what I’d suggest.

• Use UV-resistant fabrics: This is my strongest recommendation. Look for materials specifically designed to withstand sun exposure, like Sunbrella or other solution-dyed options. They’re specifically crafted with direct sun exposure in mind.
• Apply UV protectants: Sprays and treatments can help shield your fabrics from harmful UV rays. But here’s the thing, in my experience the quality of protection for these products can be really hit-or-miss. Plus, there are a lot of unpronounceable chemicals in many of these products. Do some homework if you’re wanting to use protectants.
• Limit direct sunlight exposure: You’re not always using those pillows or cushions. So limit the UV exposure when it makes sense. Put your outdoor furniture in shaded areas. Or make sure they’re under umbrellas or awnings. Bonus points for this option because it also protects the other non-fabric materials of your patio pieces. That just makes everything last longer.

Now’s Your Chance to Stand Out with Custom Cushions

Patio Productions has a great range of high-quality, weather-resistant outdoor fabrics. But here’s a little insider’s tip: Patio Productions also custom-makes outdoor cushions from these same outdoor fabrics! If you’re the type who likes to stand out from whatever current trend is dominating your feed (or your neighborhood backyards), you should definitely go check it out.

Tips for Prolonging the Lifespan of Outdoor Fabrics

Those beautiful outdoor fabrics end up look beat-up or trashed in any number of ways. Not just because of the sun. So, it’s always smart to know how to keep them looking fresh in general. Patio Productions has an entire article dedicated to keeping your outdoor furniture clean and tidy. But for the sake of brevity, here are some simple highlights.

• Clean regularly: Brush off dirt and debris, and spot-clean spills promptly to prevent staining.
• Avoid harsh chemicals: Stick to mild, fabric-safe cleaners to prevent damage to the fibers and dyes.
• Store or cover when not in use: If you can, bring cushions inside or use protective covers when your furniture isn’t being used for extended periods.

Innovative Technologies for Fade-Resistant Outdoor Fabrics

Outdoor fabric manufacturers are constantly developing new ways to fight the fade. I’ve touched on some of these above, but I think this short-list is worth reviewing.

• UV-stable pigments: These specially formulated pigments are more resistant to the effects of UV radiation, helping colors stay vibrant longer.
• Nano-technology coatings: Microscopic particles are applied to the fabric surface, creating a barrier against UV rays and other environmental stressors. This may sound like sci-fi, but it’s worth looking into.
• Solution-dyed acrylics: By adding the color during the fiber production process, the pigment becomes an integral part of the fabric, making it more fade-resistant.

Final Fade-Fighting Thoughts for Your Outdoor Fabrics

The outdoor fabrics on your patio furniture is like a cake’s icing. It’s important because it’s both functional AND decorative. So keeping it from becoming a stiff, uncomfortable, and faded mess prolongs the use of your furniture itself. So, do yourself a favor and apply what we’ve talked about today. Go find the best sun-resistant fabrics, put them on those beautiful patio pieces, and then just enjoy your outdoor experiences!

The Patio Productions team is on standby to help you fight the fade. Or you can stop on by the store if you’re looking for the best luxury outdoor furniture for your space. Either way, I hope you get to enjoy some sunshine soon.