The Ultimate Guide to Vinyl Fabrics: Durable, Versatile & Stylish

The History of Vinyl Fabric

Vinyl, or polyvinyl chloride (PVC), was first discovered in 1872 by German chemist Eugen Baumann. While Baumann never patented his discovery, Friedrich Klatte patented a method for polymerizing vinyl in 1913 using sunlight. However, it wasn’t until 1926 that Waldo Semon, a researcher at BF Goodrich, made vinyl commercially viable. Semon invented plasticized PVC while attempting to create an adhesive to bond rubber to steel.

Vinyl initially found use in shock absorber seals and later gained prominence during World War II as a rubber alternative. It was particularly valued for its effectiveness as a wire covering on Navy ships. Post-war, vinyl expanded into commercial applications, and today, it is used in construction, packaging, transportation and textiles.  

Qualities & Features of Vinyl Fabric

Vinyl fabric stands out for its remarkable properties, including:

• Waterproof & Weatherproof: Ideal for marine and outdoor use.  
• UV & Fade Resistance: Maintains vibrant colors over time.  
• Durability & Strength: Handles wear and tear effectively.  
• Abrasion Resistance: Perfect for high-traffic areas. 
• Stretchability: Some vinyl fabrics have more stretch than others; stretch vinyl is vital for upholstery and sag-free cushions.  
• Ease of Cleaning: A low-maintenance option for busy environments.  

While vinyl is versatile, sewing it can be challenging for beginners due to its tendency to stick during machine feeding. Using a sewing machine with a walking foot, like the Sailrite® Ultrafeed®, can help. Additionally, consider investing in higher-quality vinyl to avoid a plastic-like feel.

Marine Vinyl Upholstery Fabrics

Marine vinyl fabrics are engineered to endure the harsh conditions of marine environments. They resist mildew, UV rays, extreme temperatures and wear, making them perfect for helm seats, pontoon and powerboat seats, jet ski seats, and even outdoor furniture. Because vinyl fabric is waterproof, it does not breathe; therefore, if you’re making a vinyl cushion, you’ll need to add vent grommets to let air escape.

Top Brands in Marine Upholstery Vinyl

• EverSoft™: Known for its soft touch, excellent durability and gorgeous matte finish.  
• Morbern™: Offers vibrant colors and strong UV resistance. 
• Naugahyde®: A trusted brand for decades, providing top-notch abrasion resistance and style.  

Marine vinyls are versatile and can also be used in commercial spaces, hospitals and homes due to their durability and easy maintenance. EverSoft and Naugahyde vinyls are ASTM E1428 certified to resist pink staining — a freshwater bacteria that leaves a pink tint on your vinyl. 

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Marine Topping Vinyl Fabrics

For boat covers, awnings and protective enclosures, marine topping vinyl is a popular option. These fabrics are designed to withstand heavy exposure to sun, rain and saltwater. If creating a full vinyl enclosure or marine cover, remember to add vents for airflow and to prevent condensation buildup.

Top Brands in Marine Topping Vinyl

• Shelter-Rite®: Designed for high performance and flexibility; ideal for chafe protection and tarps.  
• Stamoid® Top & Light: Waterproof and mildew resistant with excellent UV protection.  
• Weblon® Regatta: All-weather vinyl built to withstand the rigors of marine and outdoor environments.  

These options ensure long-lasting protection for various marine and outdoor applications.

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Automotive & RV Vinyl Upholstery Fabrics

Automotive-grade vinyls are crafted to meet stringent safety and durability standards. They often mimic leather and provide luxurious yet practical finishes for car interiors and RVs. These vinyls are resistant to fading, abrasion and temperature extremes, making them ideal for:  

• Car seats  
• Dashboards  
• RV upholstery  
• Headliner

The same great brands we recommend for marine upholstery are also perfect for your vehicle: EverSoft, Morbern and Naugahyde.

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Home & Commercial Vinyl Upholstery Fabrics  

Vinyl isn’t just for your boat or vehicle — it’s a fantastic choice for home and commercial applications. Vinyl has always been a durable and reliable fabric, but it has come a long way over the years in style and looks. Their durability, ease of cleaning, and stylish appearance make them a top choice for businesses looking to combine function with aesthetics. 

Home applications include:  

• Dining room chairs  
• Bar stools  
• Sofas and loveseats
• Headboards  
• Ottomans and footstools

Commercial applications include:

• Restaurants  
• Waiting rooms  
• Office furniture  

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Why Choose Vinyl?

Vinyl fabric is a versatile, low-maintenance and stylish option for countless applications. Whether you’re updating your boat, redecorating your dining room or furnishing a commercial space, vinyl offers a perfect balance of durability and design. Sailrite’s selection of high-quality vinyl upholstery and topping fabrics offer the performance and style you’re looking for. With hundreds of fabrics in a wide selection of colors, textures and finishes, you’ll find your perfect vinyl fabric in stock at Sailrite. 

What do you love most about working with vinyl fabric? Share your thoughts in the comments below!