Solution-Dyed Acrylic vs Solution-Dyed Polyester vs Printed Polyester: What’s Best for Outdoor Cushions?
If you want the longest-lasting color and the softest hand, choose solution-dyed acrylic. If you want great value with very good fade resistance, choose solution-dyed polyester. If you’re decorating on a short timeline or chasing trend prints at the lowest price, printed polyester is the budget pick—but expect the shortest life outdoors.
Why “solution-dyed” matters
“Solution-dyed” means the color is added inside the liquid polymer before the yarn is extruded. The pigment becomes part of the yarn—like a carrot that’s orange all the way through—so UV light has far less to fade. Printed fabrics add color after the fabric is woven—more like painting the outside of a radish—so UV, abrasion, and cleaning break down the design faster.
Key differences In Outdoor Fabrics at a glance
| Attribute | Solution-Dyed Acrylic (SDA) | Solution-Dyed Polyester (SDP) | Printed Polyester (PP) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Coloration method | Pigment added into acrylic polymer before extrusion | Pigment added into polyester polymer before extrusion | Design printed on fabric surface after weaving |
| UV fade resistance | Excellent (category leader) | Very good (above average) | Fair (lowest of the three) |
| Hand/feel | Soft, cotton-like; premium | Smooth; slightly crisper | Smooth; can feel film-like with some prints |
| Breathability | Good | Moderate | Moderate |
| Water & mildew | Fibers don’t hold water; resists mildew when kept clean & dry | Similar performance; resists mildew when kept clean & dry | Similar, but prints/finishes can degrade faster |
| Cleanability | Strong; tolerates deeper cleaning | Strong; avoid high heat; good day-to-day cleanability | More delicate; prints can abrade/fade with scrubbing |
| Pattern/Color range | Solids, textures, some jacquards | Solids, textures, some jacquards | Widest prints & trendy patterns |
| Typical outdoor warranty | Often 5+ years color-fade (brand dependent) | Often 3–5 years (brand dependent) | Often 1–3 years (brand/retailer dependent) |
| Price tier | $$$ Premium | $$ Mid-range value | $ Budget |
| Best use | Long-term outdoor living, full-sun | Value builds, mixed sun/shade | Seasonal refresh, covered areas, décor accents |
Deep dive: when to choose each outdoor fabric for patio furniture cushions
Solution-Dyed Acrylic (SDA)
Best for: Full-sun patios, poolside, boat docks, and customers who keep cushions outdoors most of the season.
Why it wins: Class-leading fade resistance and a soft, residential hand that still performs outside.
Care tips: Brush off debris, rinse, spot-clean with mild soap. For stubborn stains, follow brand guidance for diluted bleach solutions, then rinse thoroughly and air-dry.
Solution-Dyed Polyester (SDP)
Best for: Budget-savvy buyers who still want in-yarn color and solid UV performance. Great for mixed sun/shade and seasonal use.
Why it’s strong: Color is inside the fiber (like acrylic), often at a more approachable price, with good durability in day-to-day use.
Care tips: Similar to acrylic; avoid high heat. Follow brand instructions for oxidizers/bleach compatibility.
Printed Polyester (PP)
Best for: Quick décor refreshes, covered porches, seasonal rentals, or accent pillows where pattern variety matters most.
Why it’s chosen: Huge design library and the lowest upfront cost. Perfect for trend-driven looks.
Trade-offs: Shorter color life in sun; surface prints can wear with abrasion and aggressive cleaning.
Care tips: Gentle cleaning only; avoid harsh scrubbing and strong chemicals.
How to match fabric to your space
Sun exposure: All-day sun? Choose SDA first, SDP second. Mostly shade/covered? PP can work for accents.
Usage style: Heavy daily use → SDA/SDP. Occasional or seasonal → PP is fine for accents.
Design goals: Want timeless solids/textures? SDA/SDP. Crave trendy prints? PP offers the broadest assortment.
Budget & replacement cycle: If you upgrade every 1–2 years, PP can be cost-effective. If you want 4–7+ years of great color, invest in SDA (or SDP for value).
Care tolerance: If you need to deep-clean (kids, pets, sunscreen, red wine), SDA/SDP handle stronger cleaning protocols better than PP prints.
Care & cleaning basics (applies to all three)
Routine: Brush off dust/pollen; rinse occasionally to prevent soil from setting.
Spot clean: Mild soap + water; blot, don’t rub aggressively.
Deep clean: Follow brand directions—some SDA/SDP lines allow diluted bleach for mildew/stains; always rinse thoroughly and air-dry.
Storage: Let cushions dry completely before storing; airflow prevents mildew. Use breathable covers rather than plastic.
Budget planning: good, better, best
Good (Budget décor/covered spaces): Printed Polyester for accent pillows and seasonal looks.
Better (Value everyday): Solution-Dyed Polyester for seat/back cushions with solid UV performance.
Best (Long-term/premium): Solution-Dyed Acrylic for flagship seating areas and full-sun installations.
Cascadia recommendations
At Cascadia, we build to your space and sun pattern. If you want a set-and-forget solution for a sunny patio, we’ll guide you to solution-dyed acrylic. For value-driven cushion projects, solution-dyed polyester is a smart pick. If you’re layering seasonal color, printed polyester shines for pillows and protected spaces.
Sunbrella® (by Glen Raven)
Sunbrella is the category leader in solution-dyed acrylic for outdoor cushions, known for exceptional UV fade resistance, cleanability, and a soft, residential hand. It’s a top choice for full-sun patios and poolside seating where longevity really matters. Made in: primarily South Carolina, USA, with global facilities (brand owner Glen Raven operates in the U.S. and Europe).
CLICK HERE TO VIEW SUNBRELLA FABRICS AND ORDER SAMPLES
Outdura® (by Sattler)
Outdura fabrics are 100% solution-dyed acrylic with a premium hand and strong UV performance, backed by a robust warranty. If you want “made here” plus durability, Outdura is a standout for everyday seating. Made in: Hudson, North Carolina, USA (Sattler Corp. campus)
CLICK HERE TO VIEW AND ORDER OUTDURA FABRIC SAMPLES
Tempotest® (by Parà, Italy)
Tempotest delivers solution-dyed acrylic with Italian styling and excellent outdoor performance for cushions, awnings, and marine. It balances design, hand, and durability for long-term use in sun and weather. Made in: Italy.
CLICK HERE TO ORDER TEMPOTEST OUTDOOR FABRIC SAMPLES
Revolution® Performance Fabrics (by STI)
Revolution is woven from solution-dyed olefin (polypropylene)—naturally stain-resistant, bleach-cleanable, and PFAS-free by construction. It’s a great value/performance option for outdoor cushions and high-use family spaces. Made in: USA (Kings Mountain, North Carolina).
CLICK HERE TO ORDER REVOLUTION OUTDOOR FABRIC SAMPLES
Premier Prints® Outdoor
Premier Prints Outdoor offers printed polyester designs—bold patterns at approachable prices—ideal for accent pillows and covered spaces (best for trend color refreshes vs. longest life in direct sun). Made in: Designed & printed in the USA (brand HQ in Sherman, Mississippi).
Outdoor Fabric Brand Comparison Table
| Manufacturer | Parent Company | Parent HQ (City, Country) | Stocked In (State) | Distributor / Notes | Fiber Content |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sunbrella® | Glen Raven, Inc. | Burlington, USA | Mebane, NC | Many mill/DC locations; a large volume routes through Mebane, NC (and Anderson, SC for manufacturing). | SDA (Solution-Dyed Acrylic) |
| Outdura® | Sattler Corp. (Sattler Group) | Graz, Austria (US base: Hudson, USA) | Hudson, NC | Sailrite stocks cut yardage; also available via trade distributors. | SDA (Solution-Dyed Acrylic) |
| Tempotest® | Parà S.p.A. | Rho–Milan, Italy | Cincinatti, OH | Commonly stocked in the US by Miami Corporation (OH). | SDA (Solution-Dyed Acrylic) |
| Revolution® | STI (Specialty Textiles, Inc.) | Kings Mountain, USA | Kings Mountain, NC | Mill-direct and select distributors; noted for PFAS-free construction. | SDO (Solution-Dyed Olefin/Polypropylene) |
| Premier Prints® Outdoor | Premier Prints, Inc. | Sherman, USA | Sherman, MS | Printed and shipped domestically; broad pattern availability. | PP (Printed Polyester) |
Content key:
SDA = Solution-Dyed Acrylic
SDP = Solution-Dyed PolyesterReady to choose the right fabric for your outdoor cushions?
- PP = Printed Polyester
Start a design consult or order fabric swatches so you can see and feel the difference in your own light.
