Vinyl is a popular fabric because it is durable, weather-proof, and easy-to-clean. This is a top choice of fabric for making awnings for patios, or in boats. But did you know that vinyl comes in a variety of textures, types, and colors? You might be surprised that there is more than one type of vinyl. Your choice will determine the results you get, depending on what you intend to use the fabric for.

In particular, there are two most common types of vinyl sold in the market right now: standard vinyl and marine vinyl. There is a significant difference in the two so you need to know so you can make the right choice.

Standard Vinyl

Standard vinyl is the type of fabric that you would normally associate with vinyl as a fabric. It was first used as shock absorber seals and became widely known during the World War II era. This was a time when rubber was scarce and so an alternative has to be found. It did a great job on navy ships so it was only a matter of time until it was produced for commercial applications.

Today, about 60% of the total vinyl production is for construction purposes. Other applications for vinyl are in the textile, packaging, and transportation industry.

There are many reasons that had contributed to the immense growth in popularity for vinyl. Its great strength, durability, and stretchable quality contribute to that. Another reason is that it is easy to clean while being resistant to abrasion and harsh weather.

While it offers plenty of benefits, there are also a few drawbacks for using this type of fabric. One of them is that it has that plastic-like sensation that not all people like. On the other hand, it does not breathe well so it would not be a great choice for seating furniture, or other similar uses.

Marine Vinyl

Marine vinyl is one of several types of vinyl in the market in terms of grade and quality. Marine-grade vinyl is one of the most popular in the market. As the name implies, it is designed to be durable and resilient enough in a marine environment. For this reason, marine vinyl is commonly used in boats, awnings, and outdoor furniture. In particular, marine vinyl has two extra features that you won’t normally find in a standard vinyl.

One of those features is the UV protection that is a standard in marine-grade vinyls. This feature prevents the fabric from fading even when it is constantly exposed to sunlight. Another important feature that marine vinyl has is that it is made with antifungal and antibacterial additives. They combine to make the fabric mildew resistant.

If you are going to need a fabric for any outdoor application, marine vinyl would be a great choice. While they are suitable for outdoor use, there are also many indoor applications for this type of fabric. It is important to note that marine vinyl is not necessarily superior when it comes to quality (versus standard vinyl) but the additional features give them an edge in performance.