Close
Updated regularly, the Trivantage Market Corner Blog spotlights new products, industry updates, and growth opportunities for you and your business.
Subscribe Now:
We are all stewards of the Earth, and that responsibility is on full display this week as Earth Week is recognized around the world.
At Trivantage®, we joined our parent company, Glen Raven, in highlighting our commitment to sustainable best practices through the launch of our 2023 Sustainability Report. Trivantage proudly uses 100% renewable electricity for its facilities, and the report details the role hydroelectric, solar, and biomass plays in reaching 100%.
Additionally, a key goal is to help our customers recycle an additional 1 million pounds of Glen Raven products by 2025, and we are tracking well. In 2023, more than 41,000 pounds of product was recycled as part of the Recycle My Sunbrella program. In addition, we have helped our customers recycle nearly 222,000 pounds of Glen Raven products over the past four years.
We encourage you to check out Recycle My Sunbrella and learn how you can participate. The program provides you with a special take-back program for recycling of fabric waste from your operations—or from your customers—such as when replacing boat or awning covers. We accept old, remnant, or used Sunbrella®, FIRESIST®, Dickson®, Exceed™, and Hydrofend fabrics. (Please note, we are not able to recycle Sunbrella Horizon® or Sunbrella SeaMark®).
Click here for program details, and you also can drop off your fabric at your nearest Trivantage distribution center.
Please let us know how you recognized Earth Week and we may feature your efforts in the May Market Corner.
If there’s anything more predictable than spring, it’s the unpredictable weather regardless of location. In fact, the Weather Channel reports that once we hit March 1, the next three months are arguably the most active weather season of the year. Spring sees it all, and at the top of the list is precipitation.
So, are you ready?
At Trivantage®, we’ve got you covered with Hydrofend marine cover fabric. Made from solution-dyed polyester, Hydrofend is engineered for long-term resistance to moisture, mold, mildew, and fading while retaining high tensile and tear strength. Count on Hydrofend to protect any watercraft with a lightweight, breathable fabric that stores easily without cracking and contributes to a smoother towing experience.
To ensure lasting color and superior performance, Hydrofend was designed with a tear strength starting at almost 40 pounds warp and fill. The coating on the underside prevents abrasion while the matte, woven top gives an attractive, outward-facing look. Hydrofend boat fabric is armed with a high double rub count as well as excellent tear and break strength.
Monte Roller, owner of Custom Canvas in Bismark, North Dakota, relies on Hydrofend for his marine projects. His family owned canvas shop specializes in high-end marine covers and enclosures, and Hydrofend ensures he gets his projects just right.
“Hydrofend’s biggest advantage is its sewability,” he said. “The fabric is lighter and stronger than what I’ve previously used for similar projects, and its stretchability and elasticity result in zero wrinkles.”
Because Hydrofend fabrics are coated on the back of the product, the fabric gives you up to six times better water resistance than uncoated fabrics. It lets little water in and water vapor out, and the coating ensures the fabric does not fray – another benefit to Roller.
“I hate strings — it’s as simple as that,” he said. “Hydrofend sews great and does not fray, which means no strings. It’s a solid look for pontoon covers.”
This made in the USA marine cover fabric is available in 13 colors and perfect for use as a boat cover fabric and boat top fabric. It also works equally well for boat enclosures and storage covers. Do you have customers who are worried about how their furniture will hold up against pollen season? Hydrofend cover fabric keeps outdoor seating clean, while also resisting mold and mildew.
For powerful protection and lasting durability, shop Hydrofend today. Hydrofend fabric is covered by a 5-year limited warranty (3-year limited for Deep Maroon and Radiant Red). Be sure to match with Hydrofend binding .
For more information, contact your Trivantage sales representative or call us at 800-786-1876.
Spring into savings at Trivantage!
You won’t want to miss some incredible spring savings and specials from Trivantage. Our deals on awning fabrics are priced to move and therefore moving fast.
Trivantage Clearance Awning Fabric – From backyard to businesses, shop now to stock up and save on fabrics fit for many applications.
Dickson North American Collection – Spend less on luxury and longevity and save up to 55% on 50+ water-repellent awning fabric options in a variety of modern colorways, stripes, and solids.
These deals and others won’t last long! Click here to review even more products and specials on upholstery fabric, hardware, thread, and more.
Much like any other industry, marine textiles have greatly improved over the years due to new technology, research, and a lot of testing. From shade tops and covers to marine upholstery, these fabrics fight against the sun, salt corrosion, and even the occasional surprise storm.
These transformations have made an incredible impact for all mariners. Not only are today’s marine textiles more protective, but they’re also much more versatile. Below, we’ll explore the journey of marine fabrics throughout history.
When sailors, scientists, and governments get together, something magical is bound to happen. That said, we’ve sailed past the days of rough canvas and are now in an age of high-tech marine fabric.
Through a lot of testing and research, we now have a much better understanding of how mother nature affects marine fabric, and how we can combat it.
Sailors used to rely on canvas and linen for sails, awnings, and boat covers. While those natural fibers were great for enhancing sustainability, it led to various challenges, including a heavy weight, excessive water absorption, and being prone to rot and mildew. Plus, the longer they stayed in the sun, the more their appearance and functionality degraded.
When materials like nylon and polyester came along, it marked a significant advancement. Modern synthetic materials, like marine vinyl and solution-dyed acrylics, are:
These advancements, along with improvements to marine accessories, have helped make what used to be a grueling journey over the seas much more comfortable and feasible in the modern age.
Marine textile innovations have absolutely revolutionized the boating industry. A few of the most notable improvements include:
The modernization of marine upholstery fabrics hasn’t just enhanced overall performance, but it has also had a positive impact on environmental sustainability. That's because these long-lasting materials (ex. solution-dyed acrylics, marine-grade vinyl, etc.) greatly reduce how often you need to replace them. As a result, they create less material waste for the landfills.
Many leading brands are putting eco-friendly manufacturing processes first. They do this by focusing more on recycled materials while minimizing the amount of water and energy they consume during the production process. Additionally, the shift towards UV-resistant and mildew-resistant fabrics means there’s less of a need for chemical treatments, which reduces the eco-footprint.
At Trivantage, we offer a wide range of marine-grade fabrics, including Sunbrella® Horizon®, Stamoid® Marine Fabric, Hydrofend®, and other top brands. These brands, and many others, deploy cutting-edge science to improve the durability, UV resistance, and aesthetics of their marine fabrics.
From bimini tops to boat upholstery, our collection of high performance fabrics includes water-resistant and waterproof options, mildew-resistant materials, plus heavy-duty canvas fabrics. Explore our extensive selection of marine fabrics today to find the perfect fit for your next project.
There may not seem like there’s a big difference between water-resistant and waterproof materials. However, each has different applications and levels of effectiveness. Whether it's for outdoor seating, awnings, or boat covers, making the right selection for your next outdoor project can have a huge impact on the durability and overall functionality of your fabrics.
Below, we’ll explain what makes these fabrics different, and how to make the right choice for your next project.
Water-resistance: These fabrics are designed to repel water. While there are many ways to achieve this level of resistance, the most common methods usually include fabrics with a tight weave or special coating. Water-resistant materials can protect against splashes and spills, while also providing some protection against rain and water droplets.
Waterproof: If a fabric is waterproof, it means it offers a 100% protective barrier. These kinds of materials are usually enhanced with waterproof coatings or made from waterproof substances, which help them handle prolonged and heavy exposure to downpours, big splashes, waves, and more.
Manufacturers and third party testers can measure the level of protection offered using certain tests. For example, the hydrostatic head test gauges the amount of water pressure a fabric can withstand before it fails (i.e., leaks). Generally, the higher the water-protection rating, the better it is at resisting water damage.
If you’re in search of the fabrics with the highest resistance levels, one of the best materials includes solution-dyed acrylics, which are offered in the Sunbrella fabric line.
These materials can be great for certain applications, and not so great for others. Before buying a water-resistant fabric, you should keep the following benefits and drawbacks in mind:
There are many benefits to using waterproof fabric for your next project. However, there are also a few disadvantages you should also be aware of:
Your project may require use of waterproof, waterproof fabrics, or both. However, each has specific use-cases.
Water-resistant fabrics are ideal for shaded areas that aren’t likely to be exposed to direct water — for example, a light mist or occasional splashes of water. That can include your everyday upholstery, casual covers, etc. Some of the best fabrics that offer water-resistant properties include:
Waterproof fabrics are ideal for areas that are likely to face heavy water exposure. This may include bimini tops and other types of enclosures that require some form of all-weather protection. A few of the best waterproof products include:
If you want to keep your enclosures, drapery, fixtures, and furniture covers in pristine condition, you’ll need to clean them regularly. In most cases, this only requires you to use mild soap and a bit of water.
If it’s particularly dirty or hasn’t been cleaned in a while, you may want to use a more powerful solution like Sunbrella Clean, 303 Fabric Guard, or IMAR Stamoid Marine Vinyl Cleaner. Otherwise, we’d advise against using harsh chemicals that will destroy or at least diminish the effectiveness of your materials. Learn basic care for both fabrics below.
Deciding between water-resistant and waterproof fabrics requires you to consider the level of water exposure, desired breathability, and your budget. At Trivantage, we offer a wide variety of high-quality fabrics that cater to all needs.
Whether you’re looking for mildew-resistant marine canvas for your boat covers, awnings, or outdoor furniture, we’ve got you covered. Check out our extensive fabric collection today.
Spring has sprung, and with warmer temperatures in the forecast, keep your customers’ boats cooler with HarborTime Edge.
This Trivantage-exclusive hybrid-coated fabric features Perfecta Marine® technology for enhanced heat reduction and reflection. This means cooler surfaces and lower interior temperatures—the perfect combination for boating enthusiasts.
Made from coated polyester, HarborTime Edge has excellent abrasion resistance and defends against UV rays, mildew, and water. Count on the fabric to excel under harsh conditions, and it is stabilized to ensure a continuous fit.
Applications include splash curtains, T-tops, Bimini covers, mooring, travel covers, and other marine uses. It meets all marine grade demands with optimal strength and colorfastness, and its double-sided coating adds an extra layer of protection and additional style option.
Fourteen diverse color palettes are available for this high-performing marine fabric. HarborTime Edge is made in the USA and comes with an industry-leading 7-year warranty.
Contact your Trivantage® sales representative for more information. You can also call us at 800-786-1876.
As a luxury outdoor furniture manufacturer in Miami, Florida, Kannoa works with interior designers and architects to design beautiful spaces for residential and commercial use. Customer service manager Claudia Mejia spoke with us about her vision for her projects and how she makes them come to life with Trivantage®.
When it comes to the latest outdoor residential design trends, Mejia noted that her customers are becoming more experimental with design — adding personality to a space that was once an afterthought in home renovation plans. This shift has been especially rewarding for Mejia: “I love designing relaxing spaces where our customers can bring something positive into their lives.”
Then, it’s just a matter of fulfillment. For projects big and small, Mejia chooses Sunbrella® as her preferred outdoor upholstery fabric brand. According to Mejia, Sunbrella upholstery fabric offers the best of both worlds: style and functionality. “It’s easy to maintain, and we love the ease of getting it through our partner, Trivantage,” she said.
When asked what makes a good supplier, Mejia listed responsiveness and ability to problem solve — which is when she brought up Christie Lewis, decorative fabrics specialist at Trivantage.
“Christie always answers our phone calls right away, even if she is traveling, and she shares a wealth of knowledge about products we can use,” Mejia said. “She brings excitement to her work, and you can feel that. If she’s ever unavailable Scott Milroy (inside sales representative) and Debbie McKeown from my Customer Care Team jump right in.”
As a member of the sales team at Kannoa, Mejia works closely with customers and suppliers like Trivantage, through which the company sources Sunbrella and Phifertex fabrics. “Trivantage goes above and beyond what you would expect,” Mejia said.
Mejia also referenced a large-scale project her team worked on for a cruise ship where Trivantage went the extra mile. “We ran into an issue with discontinued fabrics, and Trivantage worked very hard to find yardage for us,” Mejia explained. “In the end, the designer got the fabric they wanted.”
Trivantage Plus — a one-of-a-kind customer membership program custom built for you — is loaded with benefits you can’t afford to miss. From flat-rate parcel shipping and select company offers to product discounts you won’t find anywhere else, the Trivantage Plus Membership Program includes exclusive advantages designed with you in mind.
Don’t take our word for it. Ricky Collins of Collins Custom Interiors contacted us after he renewed his membership, and he is quite bullish on the program:
“This is our 2nd year of being a member of the Trivantage Plus program,” he said. “What a great program to be a part of. With rising costs across the board, it has really made bidding jobs simple — no need to check on shipping costs to add to the customers’ bid. It also helps us to be more competitive through lower fixed rates on shipping. My sales rep called after I renewed and thanked me for renewing. The first thing I said was, ‘Why would I not renew?’ as Trivantage Plus has saved me at least $45 per order on average.”
Join or renew Trivantage Plus today!
Sunbrella Horizon brings to marine upholstery the legendary performance you have come to expect from Sunbrella. It’s the first Sunbrella marine upholstery fabric made from engineered synthetic leather, and we’ve been thrilled with the outstanding feedback on its performance since its introduction. If you visited the Sunbrella booth at this month’s Miami International Boat Show, you’ve heard the exciting news that Sunbrella Horizon has been refreshed with evolving customer trends in mind.
The refreshed Sunbrella Horizon collection includes Sorrento, a striking new embossed texture that makes every seat the best seat on the boat. Sorrento pairs well with Capriccio and Textile to give any boat design a fresh, modern feel and is available in four neutral colorways—Toast, Cadet Grey, Cloud, and White. Sunbrella Horizon now features 36 marine-grade upholstery styles meticulously designed to cater to diverse tastes and design preferences, allowing you to provide a broader range of choices to your customers.
Count on Sunbrella Horizon and the supremely comfortable Sorrento to serve a variety of marine applications, including passenger seating, captain’s chairs, sunpads, and headliners. All Sunbrella Horizon fabrics are backed by a 5-year product warranty and 3-year warranty against microbial pinking. Other hallmarks of the collection include exceptional durability, ease of cleaning, and unparalleled comfort.
In addition to the four new Sorrento colorways, Sunbrella has introduced three new neutrals to its Horizon collection in the lightly pebbled Capriccio texture. Like the entire Horizon collection, these new colorways are designed to coordinate seamlessly with common gel coats and other fixtures for a cohesive look onboard. Now available in Barley, Storm, and Dover White colorways, Capriccio is more versatile than ever before.
Your Trivantage® sales representative stands ready to assist in placing your order or to answer your questions. You can also call us at 800-786-1876.
Trivantage has launched the Seamstick Taper, a convenient tool that makes it easy to apply seam tape to zippers, webbing, and trim, and the marine industry has already taken notice. The product was a hit at the 2024 Marine Fabricators Conference where it received a Supplier Spotlight as a Best New Exhibitor Product.
Designed by a fabricator, this ingenious tool makes quick work of a seam tape application, providing placement on one or both edges with no bleed over. It’s no secret that applying seam tape can be a hassle, which is why we worked with a fabricator to design this efficient tool. The Seamstick Taper ensures consistent, precise tape placement, helping fabricators improve accuracy and save valuable production time.
The Seamstick Taper works by applying ¼” seam tape to the edges of many different sizes of zippers, webbing, and trim. It’s simple to use: To apply the tape, attach the quick-switch tool block to the application, insert the zipper or trim, and pull through the taper tool for effortless seam taping.
The Seamstick Taper comes with a #10 Tooth tool block, but other sizes are sold separately, including a #8 Tooth, #10 Coil, 1.5” Facing/Webbing, and 2.0” Facing/Webbing. We hope that the Seamstick Taper helps streamline the fabrication process so you can increase efficiency and continue to deliver exceptional work.
Buy yours today, and Trivantage Plus members receive a 5% discount! For more information, contact your Trivantage sales representative or call us at 800-786-1876.
