100% Solution-Dyed Acrylic: Your Quick Q&A Guide to NZ’s Most Weatherproof Outdoor Fabric

Here’s your rapid download on the specifics as to why it’s the best long-lasting outdoor furniture fabric in New Zealand.

Q1. What Does “Solution-Dyed” Actually Mean?

A1. Think of it like a carrot vs. a radish:

• Cheap Fabric is like a radish: Colour on the outside and white on the inside. This means the fibre is dyed after the fibre is made. It fades fast because the thin layer of colour on the outside fades, leaving the original white/lighter colour on the inside showing.
• Solution-Dyed Fabric is like a carrot. Slice it and the colour goes all the way through, from core to surface. This is because the pigment was added before the fibre was made. It won’t fade, because the entire fibre is the same colour. Like a rubber band when it is cut, you can see the colour goes through the whole cross-section of the rubber band.

Bottom line: The colour is baked into the very DNA of the fibre, not just painted on the surface for unbeatable UV resistance.

Q2. I’ve heard that 100% solution-dyed acrylics are stain-resistant. Is that true? How?

A2. Yes!Very! In short, for 2 main reasons:

1. “Carrot” colouring: Because the colour is inside the fibre (remember the carrot!), there are no “empty” dye sites on the surface for a stain to grab onto and penetrate deeply.
2. The fabric naturally repels liquids: Fibres like solution-dyed acrylic are naturally hydrophobic, meaning they inherently repel water and other liquids. They don’t want to get wet!

This combination of these 2 factors means the stain sits on top, giving you crucial time to blot it away easily before it can bind with the fibre. It’s like having a built-in protective shield.  

Q3.Explain How 100% Solution-Dyed Acrylic is Mould & Mildew Resistant?

A3. In short, it is because the fabric itself doesn’t feed mould. 

Solution-dyed acrylic fibres are synthetic. Mould and mildew (which are fungi) need organic material (like cotton or dirt) to eat and grow. Our fibres don’t provide that food source. So, the mould isn’t actually eating your cushion fabric.

Q4. So Why Do My Cushions Still Get Green?

A4. Sorry, that’s on you! Mould feeds on the dirt that lands ON the fabric, NOT in the fabric itself. These fabrics are amazing but they are not  “self-cleaning”:)

Meet us halfway to maintain the beauty of the fabric. Regular cleaning/maintenance is still key to removing the organic matter that feeds mould. I keep a half-brush close by and brush off my squabs regularly. It is a 30-second job, carried out regularly, and prevents the need for a serious intervention later on.

That green tinge or ‘cracked pepper’look that appears on neglected outdoor cushions isn’t mould growing in the fabric. It is mould living on the surface of the fabric. It’s feeding on:

• Outdoor debris: Dust, pollen, bird droppings, tiny bits of leaves, even air pollution.
• Organic residues from us: Spills from food, drinks, or sunblock that weren’t fully cleaned.
• Then add moisture… Combined with these above “food” sources, creates the perfect breeding ground for mould

The good news: Because the mould isn’t ingraining itself into the fibres. You’ll find a good warm soap water wash  (or even a diluted bleach solution for stubborn cases) will refresh your cushions. (yes this fabric can handle diluted bleach solution as the colour won’t strip- remember the ‘radish/carrot’analogy from Q1) 

The result is your Outside Space NZ furniture looks stunning for years, not just a few summers

Q5. Why Does It Cost More?

A5. Simple: It’s a premium process.

• Complex Manufacturing: It takes advanced tech to mix pigments into liquid polymers before fibres are formed.
• High-Quality Materials: It costs more to add these pigments and base polymers into the ‘recipe’
• Research & Development: Brands like Sunbrella and Agora invest big in making these fabrics the best.

Result: You pay more upfront, but you save money and hassle in the long run by not replacing faded, ruined cushions. 

Q6. Are All “100% Solution-Dyed” Fabrics the Same? 

A6. Short Answer: No, not all are created equal.

While “solution-dyed” is always good, there’s a hierarchy, especially concerning UV resistance:

• Top Tier (Best UV Resistance & Feel): 100% Solution-Dyed Acrylic (e.g., Sunbrella, Agora). This is the gold standard, offering the highest fade warranties with a 5-year fade warranty in NZ  and the softest, most breathable feel. This is what Outside Space NZ uses for squabs.

• Good Value (Very Good UV Resistance): 100% Solution-Dyed Olefin (Polypropylene). This offers solid fade and stain resistance, is very durable, and is generally more affordable than acrylic. Its UV performance might be slightly less extreme than premium acrylic over time and the feel can be slightly firmer. These fabrics have a 3-year fade warranty in NZ

Key Takeaway for Buyers:

Always look for 100% solution-dyed acrylic. It’s the ultimate choice for uncompromising durability and weatherproof comfort in the intense NZ sun. 

Don’t settle for less! When you choose Outside Space NZ, you’re choosing furniture built with these superior fabrics, designed to withstand our unique Kiwi environment for years of enjoyment.

Kerry is the co-owner of Outside Space NZ, offering a range of contemporary outdoor furniture for coastal living kiwis seeking premium quality outdoor products and design at achievable prices.