Phifertex Sling Fabric FAQ's
Phifertex Sling Fabric FAQ
Phifertex® is one of the most trusted names in replacement sling chair fabric—and for good reason. Sling chairs rely on mesh fabric held under tension, so the material must be strong, dimensionally stable, quick-drying, and fade resistant. Phifertex sling fabrics are woven from durable PVC-coated polyester yarns, designed to stay supportive without sagging, while standing up to sun, moisture, and everyday outdoor life.
Below you’ll find a clear breakdown of Phifertex features, fabric types, cleaning instructions, warranty info, and the most common questions customers ask when choosing replacement sling fabric.
What is sling chair mesh?
Sling chair mesh is a strong outdoor fabric designed to be pulled tight across a sling chair frame. Because sling fabric is installed under tension, it needs dimensional stability—meaning it stays supportive and resists sagging over time.
What is Phifertex® sling fabric made from?
Phifertex sling fabrics are woven from durable PVC-coated polyester yarns. This construction is designed to be strong, flexible, and low-stretch, so it holds up under body weight and frame tension.
Why is low-stretch fabric important for sling chairs?
Sling chairs depend on tension for comfort and support. A fabric with too much stretch can “bag out,” sag, or lose its shape. Phifertex is built with very little stretch to help the sling stay supportive.
Is Phifertex water resistant?
Yes. Phifertex is designed for outdoor exposure and is water resistant, wicks water on contact, and dries quickly, making it a great choice for rain, pool areas, and humid climates.
Will Phifertex fade in the sun?
Phifertex is UV and fade resistant, which helps it stay vibrant and attractive through years of outdoor use.
What is Microban® and why does it matter?
Phifertex is infused with Microban antimicrobial protection that will not wash or wear away. It inhibits the growth of mold, mildew, and bacteria, helping your sling fabric stay fresher and cleaner in outdoor conditions.
Is Phifertex GREENGUARD Certified?
Yes. Phifertex outdoor sling fabrics are GREENGUARD Certified, meaning they meet strict standards for low VOC emissions.
Is Phifertex easy to cut and sew for DIY sling replacement?
Yes. Sling mesh like Phifertex is popular for DIY because it’s easy to cut with scissors and sew, even for beginners. It’s strong and rugged, but still flexible enough to work with on a typical home sewing setup.
Are there any downsides to traditional sling mesh?
Traditional sling mesh is a strong, stiffer fabric compared to softer cushion fabrics. If you want a softer hand for cushions or pillows, Phifer offers Phifertex PVC/Olefin blend options (often better suited to “soft seating” applications than classic sling mesh).
What’s the difference between Phifertex® Plus and regular Phifertex?
Phifertex Plus is engineered for more demanding applications that require extra strength and/or dimensional stability—great for heavier use situations where performance is the top priority.
What is Phifertex® Jacquard?
Phifertex Jacquard features intricate woven designs (tapestries, florals, geometrics) for customers who want the sling fabric to add a more sophisticated pattern and visual texture.
What are Phifertex® Wicker Weaves?
Wicker Weaves use dobby constructions that mimic natural textures like wood, rattan, and wicker—while still retaining the strength and stability needed for sling furniture.
Can Phifertex be used for cushions and pillows too?
Some Phifertex lines—especially PVC/Olefin blends—are used in indoor-outdoor applications and may be suitable for cushions and pillows when a softer touch is desired. (For sling chairs, always confirm you’re using a sling-weight option intended for tension installations.)
How do I clean Phifertex sling fabric?
Most spills clean up easily with mild soapy water. For heavier cleaning:
Mix 1 tbsp liquid dish detergent + 2 tbsp household bleach in 1 gallon of water
Clean with a sponge or soft cloth dipped in the solution
Rinse thoroughly with clean water and air dry
Avoid direct contact with oil-based products (clean promptly if contact occurs)
Does Phifertex fray when cut?
Phifertex is known for being user-friendly for projects like placemats and runners and may be cut cleanly. For sling replacements, proper finishing and installation method will depend on the chair style and how the sling attaches to the frame.
What warranty comes with Phifertex sling fabric?
Phifertex is backed by a 3-year limited warranty from the date of purchase. It covers the fabric becoming non-functional due to loss of dimensional stability from exposure conditions (sunlight, mildew, rot, normal atmospheric conditions) and covers abnormal/excessive discoloration and fading. The warranty provides replacement fabric but does not cover labor or removal/reinstallation costs.
Do you help customers choose the right Phifertex sling fabric?
Yes. If you’re unsure which weave, pattern, or performance level is best, contact us—we’ll help you match the right Phifertex sling fabric to your chair style and project needs.
| Feature | What It Means | Why It Matters for Sling Chairs |
|---|---|---|
| PVC-Coated Polyester Yarns | Woven vinyl mesh made from resilient PVC-coated polyester. | High strength + flexibility with very little stretch to help prevent sagging under tension. |
| Dimensional Stability | Fabric holds its shape under body weight and frame tension. | Helps sling seats stay supportive and prevents “bagging out” over time. |
| Water Resistant + Quick Dry | Wicks water on contact and dries fast. | Ideal for rain, pool splash, and humid climates—less downtime after weather. |
| UV + Fade Resistant | Designed to withstand sun exposure and maintain color. | Helps the mesh stay vibrant and attractive season after season. |
| Microban® Protection | Antimicrobial protection infused into the fabric that won’t wash or wear away. | Inhibits mold, mildew, and bacteria growth—helps fabric stay fresher in outdoor conditions. |
| GREENGUARD Certified | Meets standards for low VOC emissions. | Reassurance for customers who care about indoor air quality standards and material emissions. |
| Phifertex Line | Best For | Look & Feel | Notable Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Phifertex® Jacquard | Statement slings + design-forward furniture | Intricate patterns (tapestries, florals, geometrics) | Great when you want the sling to be the “wow” detail. |
| Phifertex® Plus | Most demanding projects needing extra strength/stability | Rugged performance with attractive solids/stripes | Built for heavy use and higher tension applications. |
| Phifertex® PVC / Olefin Blends | Indoor-outdoor feel for sling or cushion-style uses | Softer hand + strong structure | Combines vinyl-coated polyester strength with olefin softness. |
| Phifertex® Wicker Weaves | Natural-look outdoor settings | Dobby weaves mimic wood/rattan/wicker texture | “Nature texture” look with sling-grade strength and stability. |
| Task | What to Do | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Routine Cleaning | Wipe down with mild soapy water. | Most everyday messes come right off. |
| Deeper Cleaning Solution | Mix: 1 tbsp liquid dish detergent + 2 tbsp household bleach in 1 gallon of water. | Use a sponge or soft cloth; rinse thoroughly; air dry. |
| Rinse & Dry | Rinse well with clean water and let air dry. | Mesh dries quickly by design. |
| Avoid | Avoid direct contact with oil-based products. | Oil-based products may accelerate aging; clean promptly if contact occurs. |
| Warranty Item | What Phifer Covers | What’s Not Covered |
|---|---|---|
| Coverage | Fabric becoming non-functional due to loss of dimensional stability from exposure (sunlight, mildew, rot, normal atmospheric conditions). Abnormal/excessive discoloration and fading. | Discoloration from atmospheric pollution or debris. |
| Time Period | 3 years from date of purchase. | — |
| Remedy | Replacement fabric provided free of charge. | Labor and other incidental/consequential costs (removal, return, reinstallation) are not covered. |
| How to File | Contact the merchant you purchased from; the merchant contacts Phifer. | — |