Acrylic vs. Polyester Marine Grade: What You Need to Know

Two of the most popular marine grade fabric options are acrylic and polyester. Both are durable and water resistant, but they come with unique qualities that may make one a better fit for your specific project. In this blog, we’ll break down the key differences between acrylic and polyester marine fabrics, their ideal uses, and the pros and cons of each. By the end, you'll have all the information you need to choose the perfect fabric for your next DIY canvas project.

What Is Marine Grade Fabric?

Marine grade fabric is specifically designed to handle the demanding conditions of life on the water. Unlike standard outdoor fabrics, synthetic marine grade options are engineered to resist UV damage, saltwater exposure, mildew growth and constant moisture. The tight weave makes them inherently water resistant and incredibly durable. They’re built tough to withstand everything from blazing sun to heavy rain and high winds, all while maintaining their appearance and integrity over time.

Key Characteristics of Marine Grade Fabric:

• UV Resistance: Protects against fading and fabric degradation from prolonged sun exposure.
• Water Resistance: Helps repel water, keeping you and your property dry and protected.
• Abrasion Resistance: Withstands wear and tear from wind, friction and frequent use.
• Breathability: Allows air to circulate, reducing moisture buildup underneath covers and canvaswork.
• Mold & Mildew Resistance: The fabric’s water-resistant and breathable qualities help to prevent the growth of mold and mildew.

Using marine grade fabric isn’t just about aesthetics — it’s an investment in the longevity and performance of your canvaswork. Whether you’re sewing protective covers, crafting a new dodger or bimini top, or building a full boat enclosure, the right fabric ensures your project will withstand the elements and look great season after season.

Comparing Acrylic & Polyester Marine Grade Fabric

When it comes to marine grade fabrics, both acrylic and polyester offer excellent performance, but their distinct qualities can make one a better fit depending on your project needs. Let’s break down the key features, pros and cons of each fabric to help you make an informed choice.

Acrylic Marine Grade Fabric

Pros:

• Superior UV Resistance: Acrylic fabrics are highly resistant to sun damage, making them perfect for long-term, permanent outdoor use.
• Colorfast & Fade Resistant: Acrylic holds vibrant colors longer, even under intense sunlight.
• Mildew & Mold Resistant: Naturally resists moisture-related damage, especially in humid environments.
• Shape Retention: Resists stretching or sagging over time, maintaining a crisp appearance.

Cons:

• Higher Cost: Acrylic marine grade collections are more expensive than polyester options.
• Less Tear-Resistant: While durable, it doesn’t have the same tensile strength as polyester and may be more susceptible to rips in high-stress applications.
• Moderate Abrasion Resistance: Can wear down faster in areas of constant friction or heavy use.

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Polyester Marine Grade Fabric

Pros:

• High Abrasion Resistance: Polyester is known for its superior abrasion resistance and chafe protection.
• Water & Mildew Resistant: Naturally repels water, making it excellent for rainy or damp environments.
• Affordable: More budget-friendly than acrylic, an important consideration if project price is a concern.
• Shape Retention: Polyester resists shrinking, stretching and wrinkles. 

Cons:

• Lower UV Resistance: Polyester will lose strength over time with consistent exposure to sunlight.
• Color Fading: Doesn’t retain vibrant colors as long as acrylic, especially in high-sun environments.
• Loses Strength Over Time: Polyester is stronger than acrylic when it is new. However, it will lose a significant amount of its strength within the first five years.

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By comparing these two fabric types, you can see how acrylic excels in UV protection and colorfastness, while polyester shines in abrasion resistance and initial tensile strength. The best choice will depend on your specific project needs, environment and budget.

Uses for Marine Grade Fabric

Marine grade fabrics are incredibly versatile, offering protection and style for a wide range of boat and outdoor applications. Whether you're shielding your boat from rain and overspray or adding much-needed shade on board, choosing the right fabric type — acrylic or polyester — can enhance the performance and lifespan of your project. Below are some of the most popular uses for marine grade fabric.

General Applications for Marine Grade Fabrics:

• Bimini tops
• Boat covers
• Dodgers and T-tops 
• Sail covers and sail bags
• Enclosures and curtains
• Awnings and shade sails
• Sailboat cockpit cushions
• Weather cloths and windshield covers

Making the Right Fabric Choice for Your Location

Your geographic location and climate play a significant role in determining whether acrylic or polyester marine grade fabric is the better choice for your project. While both fabrics are designed to withstand the elements, their performance differs depending on how much UV exposure and temperature fluctuation they will face.

Acrylic: Best for High UV & Tropical Climates

If your boat or outdoor canvaswork will be exposed to constant sunlight, especially in tropical or coastal areas, acrylic fabric is the better option. With exceptional UV resistance and superior colorfastness, acrylic won’t fade or weaken even after years of sun exposure. 

Since acrylic is breathable and mildew-resistant, it also performs well in humid environments where moisture can be an issue.

Polyester: Best for Temperate Climates & Seasonal Use

For temperate climates with less intense sun exposure or areas where boats are stored, polyester marine grade fabric is a durable and economical choice. While it has UV resistance, it doesn’t hold color as long as acrylic, meaning it may fade faster in constant sunlight. The fabric will lose strength over time in constant sun exposure.

Both acrylic and polyester marine fabrics are high-quality options, but your climate and exposure to the elements should be part of your buying decision. If your project will be in direct sunlight year-round, acrylic is worth the investment for its superior longevity. If you’re in a milder climate or storing your canvas seasonally, polyester offers excellent durability at a more budget-friendly price.

By factoring in your location and climate, you can choose the fabric that will keep your marine canvaswork looking great and performing well for years to come.

Is Acrylic or Polyester Marine Grade Right for You?

Both acrylic and polyester fabrics are excellent choices for your DIY canvas projects, but the right fabric for your application will depend on a few key factors. Take a look below at our star ratings chart that compares the six key criteria you need to consider when choosing marine grade fabric:

As you can see, acrylic has higher UV resistance, colorfastness and cleanability ratings. Polyester, on the other hand, scores higher in abrasion resistance.

What does this tell us? Acrylic fabrics are a go-to choice for projects that demand long-term sun exposure and color retention. Thanks to their superior UV resistance and breathability, they excel in high-sun environments and provide lasting comfort and style.

Polyester fabrics are prized for their affordability, abrasion resistance and shape retention. They’re especially well-suited for projects that need superior tear and chafe resistance. Polyester is also great for DIYers looking for a budget-friendly option that doesn’t compromise on durability.

Best Overall Option: Combining Acrylic & Polyester

If you want the best of both words, combine acrylic and polyester in your project. Use acrylic as your base fabric for your boat cover, bimini, dodger or awning. Then add polyester patches to chafe points for added abrasion resistance and wear protection.

Ready to tackle your next marine canvas project? Shop Sailrite’s wide selection of premium marine grade fabrics today! We stock the top brands in the marine industry including Sattler®, Sunbrella®, Top Notch®, Top Gun®, Odyssey® and more. Whether you choose acrylic for its superior sun protection or polyester for its higher abrasion resistance, you’ll find the perfect fabric to keep your boat protected and looking great for years to come.

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