Choose Quality Materials for Boat Canvas in NJ and PA
When investing in marine boat canvas and covers, it is important to ensure you’re working with a professional that not only knows their way around a sewing machine, but also understands and has experience with the intricacies of boats. At Elemental Enclosures, we use only the highest quality materials for all of our custom marine canvas and enclosure installations to ensure quality and longevity.
Materials
If you’ve reached out to more than one marine canvas company for a quote, you have likely already realized that prices will range. While there may be many factors, the materials the shop uses for their projects will be a large factor in the final price. When selecting who you plan to work with, it is imperative that you clarify the specific materials to be used on your boat. If a marine trimmer is not able to give specifics, take caution and consider another shop that can provide these important details.
Thread
Thread holds your canvas together. Eliminating degradation and ensuring a strong and capable thread is imperative to eliminate weak points where a seam can come undone and put undue pressure on the entire canvas cover.
Polyester thread is strong and cheap, but it is not well-suited for exposure to sunlight. After a few seasons, its strength begins to diminish resulting in loose seams and potential failure of canvas. If your product is being fabricated with polyester thread, consider how often it will be exposed to the sun and how long you plan to use it. If you’re only using it once in a while, or only need it short-term, it may be okay; however, for any long lasting product that has UV exposure, we suggest avoiding it.
PTFE thread, which can cost up to four times more than polyester, is 100% UV resistant and will maintain its tensile properties indefinitely. In addition to being able to stand up to the sun and its harsh rays, it is virtually chemical inert and non-flammable. These properties make it a safe, reliable, and long lasting option for boat canvas applications.
Canvas
Any time you’re considering updating your boat canvas, you should inquire which brand and grade of the canvas your marine trimmer plans to use. All canvas fabric is not created equal!
Any reliable shop should be installing only high quality brands of canvas that are warrantied by the manufacturer, but it is still important to check the grade of canvas that will be used for your project. Most brands still have grades or levels within the brand itself. For example, the popular brand Sunbrella® has three distinct grades that all offer something different in value vs. performance.
Sunbrella® Grade A
This is the introductory grade and lowest cost Sunbrella® fabric on the market. It is made from polyester or polyester blends and like all Sunbrella® fabrics, it resists water, mold, mildew and stains. On the flip side, it easily fades with exposure to sun and rain. It is recommended for covered areas or to be stored after each use. For most boaters, it is not a great choice in marine canvas.
Sunbrella® Grade B
This is the next step up from Grade A and a bit more expensive. It is made from a base of olefins which help resist fading and deterioration, but fading can still occur.
Sunbrella® Grade C
This Sunbrella® fabric, sometimes referred to as Marine Grade, is the premium-grade and most expensive version. It is made of acrylics which have been solution dyed for total color saturation. This process makes the canvas highly resistant to wear, tear, and fading. If you use your boat often or store it outdoors and in the elements, this is the canvas choice you want.
Clear Vinyl
The use of clear vinyl, sometimes referred to as isinglass, in marine canvas projects has come a long way from the hazy, wrinkled, and scratched vinyl of years past. If you are considering an enclosure that includes clear vinyl, ensuring that you will have clear views for the long term is worth the extra investment at time of installation.
Rolled vinyl is a budget friendly option that costs about three times less than press polished vinyl. Due to the manufacturing process, rolled vinyl is often more prone to visual distortion, scratching, brittleness, and discoloration over time.
Press polished, also called sheet vinyl, is a higher quality vinyl.. The high heat and pressure used during the manufacturing process results in a superior clear vinyl window material that is long lasting. Companies that produce press polished vinyl offer warranties and support for their products that they stand behind. Press polished vinyl can cost more than two times the amount of rolled vinyl, but it will last long-term, resist scratching and discoloration, and offer clear views of the water as you’re cruising.
Hardware
Hardware is what provides structure to your canvas and secures it to your boat when winds pick up. Installing the correct hardware during canvas installations is just as important as any other material.
Aluminum is an amazing lower cost metal with great qualities, but may not always be the best choice for marine hardware. It can corrode and become chalky. It can also leave ugly black streaking. Nylon hardware, while lightweight and often easy to manufacture, comes with other problems. Traditional threadlock applications are not compatible with plastic and can lead to brittleness and cracking. Other issues include chafe which can deform or wear the plastic down over time, leading to failure.
Stainless steel and nickel plated brass or bronze hardware is a much better choice for any frames, snaps, or hooks that may be installed on your boat. They will hold up long term to the elements, maintain their strength, and look good doing it.
There are many factors that should be considered when hiring a marine canvas company to fabricate and install your boat canvas. The type of materials being used is a major factor in both the price and the longevity and quality of the final product but it is not the only factor. Be sure to consider the shop’s experience and insurability when narrowing down your choices.
Explore Our NJ and PA Marine Canvas Today!
Here at Elemental Enclosures, we take pride in using only high quality products to ensure your marine canvas is built with style, comfort, and quality in mind. Discover the difference a premium canvas install can make for your boat in New Jersey or Pennsylvania! Reach out today for advice on your next project!