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Updated regularly, the Trivantage Market Corner Blog spotlights new products, industry updates, and growth opportunities for you and your business.
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When it comes to protecting boats, the right tools and fasteners make all the difference. Boat covers endure constant wear and tear from harsh weather, UV exposure, and heavy use, making reliable snaps and fasteners essential for durability and performance. For businesses in the marine industry, understanding the tools and hardware that keep boat covers secure isn’t just a convenience—it’s a necessity to deliver quality and longevity to customers.
Whether you’re installing, repairing, or upgrading boat covers, having the right tools on hand provides efficient work and top-notch results. From heavy-duty snap fasteners to specialized installation tools, knowing what’s available helps streamline operations and provide products that stand up to the elements. In this guide, we’ll break down the key boat cover snap tools and fasteners every marine professional should know to keep their customers’ boats protected and looking their best.
The best fasteners for securing marine fabrics depend on the type of material, the conditions it’ll be subjected to, and how it’s being used. The ideal fastener for one project isn’t always the best for another. That’s why it’s good to know the different types of fasteners and when to use them.
Attaching fasteners without specialized tools is a recipe for disaster and may lead to insecure fitting. Marine professionals rely on durable tools that simplify installation, repair, and replacement while maintaining a high standard of quality.
Installing snaps is an important part of keeping your boat cover secure and well-maintained. Utilizing snap setters, like Pres-N-Snap®, makes it easier to attach snap fasteners and boat cover snaps.
A high-quality canvas snap kit typically comes with dies and punches for accurate placement. When it comes to repairs, snap removal tools help take off damaged snaps without damaging the marine canvas or boat fabric.
Grommets are a go-to solution for reinforcing holes in boat covers, helping them hold up against tough conditions and heavy use. For professional results, heavy-duty grommet presses are the best choice. They make it easy to securely fasten metal snaps, grommets, and eyelets onto marine canvas or tarps with precision and durability—exactly what’s needed for high-volume work or demanding environments.
For smaller jobs or quick fixes, handheld grommet punches are a great, budget-friendly option. They’re lightweight, easy to use, and perfect for repairs on the fly. Whether you’re working on a large-scale project or just tackling quick repairs, having the right tools makes the job faster, easier, and more reliable for your customers.
Fasteners are only as reliable as the tools and hardware you use to install them. Without the right equipment, you risk loose fittings, poor performance, and unhappy customers. To ensure every marine project holds up to the job, here are a few must-have tools to keep on hand:
There are several ways to secure a canvas or boat cover, but here are a few key factors to consider first:
From complete tool kits for beginners to pro-grade solutions, our selection of marine hardware is built for durability and performance. We offer an unmatched variety of fasteners and tools specifically designed for marine use, including corrosion-resistant options like stainless steel screws and nickel-plated brass hardware. Plus, our user-friendly tools make installing snaps, zippers, and other components a breeze—perfect for marine projects of any size.
If you can’t find the part or tool you’re looking for, we’re here to help. Visit our resource center or give us a call to connect with our dedicated care team for expert advice, solutions, and product recommendations.
Understanding the basic differences between the industry’s current variety of zipper types is important, not only for a high-quality product, but to stay on the cutting edge of fastener technology. Even the most seasoned professional can benefit from additional product knowledge and may find it especially useful for service expansion or new employee training.
Industrial-grade zippers are equipped to handle much more stress, frequent use, and harsh environmental conditions than regular zippers. These zippers are manufactured with specialized materials that resist typical wear and tear, ensuring long-lasting functionality.
Marine and industrial-grade zippers can be constructed with various materials, each offering various pros and cons. The main types of materials used to craft heavy-duty zippers include:
These materials are proven to be long-lasting and perform well under demanding outdoor, industrial, and heavy-duty use conditions.
When it comes to heavy-duty zippers, tooth material is an essential consideration for high-demand applications. Depending on the potential for exposure to salt water, chemicals, abrasion, or other high-demand conditions, consider the following:
The industry offers a vast selection of zipper types that feature your chosen zipper tooth material. Don’t forget, zipper chain can be purchased separately from zipper sliders for extra customization opportunities. Determine which type of zipper is best for your application based on the following pros and cons of popular options:
Heavy-duty zippers are designed for demanding environments where durability and strength are critical. Their ability to resist damage from elements and frequent use makes them a reliable choice for challenging tasks.
Marine-grade zippers are designed to withstand constant exposure to UV rays and water contact. They’re most often used in boat covers, bimini tops, and awnings to provide durable closures. Their corrosion resistant material makes them ideal for salty, humid conditions. Upholstery cushions, furniture covers, mattress covers, and other high-traffic upholstery applications benefit from zippers with the same performance features.
Industrial zippers are valued for their strength and durability under extreme conditions. They are commonly found on tarps, upholstery, protective clothing, and safety equipment, where reliable closures are crucial for equipment and personnel safety.
These zippers are built to withstand high-stress environments, offering longevity and smooth operation despite being frequently used and exposed to tough elements.
From sleeping bags to jacket zippers, there are plenty of uses for heavy-duty zippers in the outdoor gear world. Their strength and reliability make them ideal for products used in rugged conditions.
With the ability to resist the wear and tear from both outdoor elements and frequent use, they are an important feature in gear designed for adventurers who demand high performance from their equipment.
Proper maintenance of your heavy-duty zippers can significantly extend their lifespan. Following a regular care routine ensures that the zippers will glide smoothly and prevent unnecessary wear.
To keep zippers functioning properly, some simple cleaning procedures to perform include:
To keep the zipper pull running effortlessly, follow these lubrication tips:
Providing regular check-ups on zippers will increase their lifespan. Some tips to follow include:
Check out our Zipper Guide to learn more zipper care and maintenance tips.
When selecting heavy-duty zippers, there are several important factors to consider that can impact performance and durability, including:
We are dedicated to offering the most extensive inventory for the awning, marine, upholstery, shade sail, and related industries, ensuring a seamless process for obtaining the materials your customers need. From heavy-duty zippers to zipper lubricant and cleaners, we’re here to help you find the right solution.
Browse our collection of industrial and marine zippers today. If you have questions about selecting or installing your heavy-duty zipper, contact our expert customer support team for support.
We hope you are able to attend the Marine Fabricators Conference 2025 in Corpus Christi, Texas, in January for three days of education and networking designed to help you cultivate industry connections, improve your efficiency, and increase revenue.
The conference, part of the Marine Fabricators Association, takes place Jan. 9-11 at the Omni Corpus Christi. Trivantage® is a platinum sponsor and exhibitor of a conference considered a critical connection to the marine fabrics industry. We hope to see you there at Trivantage booth #305, and if you do attend the conference your registration is on us!
To register, go to textiles.org/marineconference. On the shopping cart page, enter code MFC25VIP for a FREE trade show-only registration or code MFC25TEN for 10% off a full registration. The discount you select will be applied at checkout.
We look forward to seeing you then. In the meantime, be sure to check out our marine fabric and marine hardware pages for the fabrics and supplies you need to deliver your customers’ projects. You also can contact your sales representative or call us at 800-786-1876.
We hope you enjoyed our recap of the Custom Workroom Conference in the October issue of Market Corner. For those who were able to attend the conference and visit the Trivantage® booth, we thank you for your conversations on our expanded workroom offerings. In this issue of Market Corner, Susan Woodcock, co-owner and producer of CWC, shares her perspective on the 2024 show experience and what’s in store for the conference in 2025.
What was the highlight of the 2024 Custom Workroom Conference?
This year we had such a friendly, welcoming, and enthusiastic group. Attendance was 20% greater than last year, and 40% were attending for the first time. That’s more than 80 first-time attendees. In a word, wow!
Inspiration is a hallmark of CWC. What inspired you the most at the conference?
Each year, I am overwhelmed by the fact that every person attending CWC makes custom products in their small businesses by hand with unique skills and talents. Sewing and upholstery skills are not handed down from generation-to-generation as in the past, although there are a small number of family-owned businesses who are keeping that tradition alive. The next generation of workroom professionals is taking advantage of every opportunity to learn and perfect their craft. I love their energy and fearlessness. The older and experienced workrooms are acting as mentors. It’s exciting and inspiring to see.
Describe the challenges of owning a custom business and how those challenges are addressed at CWC.
Owning a small business is hard work and can be lonely. Most people outside of the industry have no idea of the specialty skills and talents used to create custom furniture and window coverings, or the challenges of selling these products and services. CWC is a place where you can spend time with people who “get you.” That includes the team from Trivantage who spent time getting to know people at registration. They attended classes and lunch, and during the Exhibitor Marketplace showcased the tools, materials, and supplies that workrooms need to run their businesses efficiently and meet their client’s needs. This spirit of togetherness builds confidence, creates networks, and helps small businesses feel less isolated.
What’s in store for the 2025 conference?
We are off and running with plans for the 2025 Custom Workroom Conference which will be held Sept. 23-25 at the MeadowView Conference Resort & Convention Center in Kingsport, Tennessee, located in the northeast part of the state. This is a beautiful venue that we know attendees will enjoy. We will have more fun opportunities for socializing and a larger exhibit hall to meet the demand of companies who want to meet workroom owners in person. The call for speakers will go out next month (December 2024), and I can’t wait to see the class ideas and choose instructors.
As a reminder, Trivantage’s expanded workroom product offerings include high-quality fabrics and thread, notions, tools, and much more. At Trivantage, you can shop the essentials all in one place and count on us to help you get the job done right. Our Designers & Workrooms experience shortens the search for the perfect upholstery fabric to turn your vision into reality. Count on Trivantage to make finding the right fabrics a simple search, followed by responsive service and speedy shipping – ensuring you receive what you need when you need it.
For more information on our workroom offerings, contact your sales representative, call us at 800-786-1876, or visit Trivantage Designers & Workrooms.
New benefits await members of Trivantage Plus, the industry’s first customer membership program. So, what are you waiting for? Join or renew your Plus membership today!
At its core, Trivantage Plus is part of our commitment to our customers’ satisfaction and success. Think of Plus as a toolkit with benefits carefully curated to help you grow your business and your customers gain a competitive edge … plus peace of mind:
Additionally, as a Plus member, you can access exclusive discounts from industry partners Fabric Tattoo, TagTime USA, and Shade Sail University. We recently heard from Laura Frances, owner of L. Frances Custom Canvas in Newport Beach, California, and she can attest to how the program’s robust benefits help her business and, ultimately, her customers.
"The Trivantage Plus Membership Program has made me transfer all of my business to Trivantage,” she said. “The flat-rate shipping helps a lot and creates savings for my company. I’m sure I’ve saved hundreds of dollars, so it’s made a huge difference. This program has changed up my entire plan of where I get my fabric — and every time I order, everyone is really nice and helpful."
Join or renew Trivantage Plus today! You also can contact your sale representative or call us at 800-786-1876 with any questions.
Shop Sunbrella Exceed™ FR awning fabric at Trivantage® – designed to self-extinguish in case of fire, the cutting-edge fabric is made with built-in flame resistance, all while keeping the same quality and style customers expect from Sunbrella.
This inherently fire-retardant, flame-resistant shade fabric has passed and complies with a total of 12 FR tests and certifications, including NFPA 705, California Title 19, NFPA 701, and CPAI-84. As with all Sunbrella shade fabrics, Exceed FR is water- and oil-repellent while still being breathable to create a pleasant and comfortable space below.
Exceed FR is in response to more requests from fabricators, particularly for commercial projects, for a go-to FR fabric that stands up to the most up-to-date national and regional regulatory requirements. Sunbrella Exceed FR makes that ask easy, because the FR piece of the puzzle is woven into the fibers, versus applied to it later on. It doesn’t compromise the elevated look and feel, either.
Additionally, Exceed FR offers superior sun protection with a UPF 50+ rating, blocking 97% of UV rays. The fabric is bleach-cleanable and resistant to mold, mildew, dirt, stains, and fading and is backed by a comprehensive 5-year warranty from Sunbrella.
Exceed FR is available in four versatile colors: Black, Captain Navy, Forest Green, and Jockey Red.
For more information on Exceed FR or other Sunbrella fabrics, please contact your sales representative or call us at 800-786-1876.
In a word, wow! We showcased our expanded workroom offerings last month at the Custom Workroom Conference and the response from attendees was nothing short of spectacular. The energy and enthusiasm on display during the three-day show was surpassed only by the vision of the creators who attended.
But don’t take our word for it. Susan Woodcock, co-owner and producer of CWC, said it was the largest show in conference history, adding: “It was exciting to be with such a friendly, welcoming, and happy group. We hear that this is not common at other business events but we are proud to be different – CWC is unique and so are you! This spirit of togetherness builds confidence, creates networks, and supports small business growth.”
Indeed. Trivantage® was a silver sponsor of this year’s CWC and we had a fantastic time learning more about the workroom industry and fostering relationships with our customers. Special thanks to Woodcock, aka Home Dec Gal, for hosting another great show and for her leadership in the workroom industry.
As we shared at CWC, count on Trivantage as your one-stop shop for all the essentials you need for your next project, including high-quality fabrics and thread, notions, tools, and much more. Our workroom product offerings are designed to help you get the job done right, and our Designers & Workrooms experience shortens the search for the perfect upholstery fabric. Trivantage makes finding the right fabrics a simply search, meaning your vision becomes reality more quickly. Plus, our responsive service and speedy shipping ensure you receive what you need when you need it.
Watch this space in the months ahead for insights and learnings in the workroom industry from Woodcock, who is already planning next year’s conference in Kingsport, Tennessee. In case you missed it, we interviewed Woodcock in the August Market Corner for her perspective on the only annual educational event and trade show specifically for custom drapery, soft-furnishing, and upholstery businesses. We think you will agree that the workroom industry is synonymous with education and partnership.
For more information on Trivantage’s workroom offerings and how we can help move your vision to reality, contact your sales representative, call us at 800-786-1876, or visit Trivantage Designers & Workrooms.
It was another great year at Advanced Textiles Expo in Anaheim! Thank you to all of our customers who stopped by the Trivantage® booth and made this trade show a memorable experience. AT Expo is the largest event of Advanced Textiles Association, of which we are a proud member, and we always appreciate the opportunity the Expo provides in highlighting our latest products and services.
For those who couldn’t make it, be sure to check out our recap video, which includes a demonstration of our new Seamstick Taper Tool. As you will see, the tool makes it easy to apply seam tape to zippers, webbing, and trim. It makes quick work of a seam tape application, providing placement on one or both edges with no bleed over. It’s also easy and convenient to use, increasing you’re your efficiency while decreasing the hassle of oftentimes frustrating tape application.
But wait, there’s so much more to recap! We highlighted several marine, shade, and upholstery offerings at the Expo, and our team stands ready to assist you in specifying each in your next project, including:
For those who couldn’t make it to southern California, we hope to see you next year in Indianapolis! In the meantime, be sure to contact your Trivantage sales representative for all the details on these and other products designed with you in mind, or call us at 800-786-1876.
There’s nothing as uncomfortable as being in the middle of the water without an inch of shade in sight. Fortunately, there are plenty of high-quality marine shade solutions that can help to protect boaters and passengers from the harsh rays of the sun.
Below, we’ll dive into the ins and outs of marine shade options, including the different types, features to look for, and how to choose the best boat shade solutions.
There are a variety of shade options available for boats, each crafted to cater to specific types of vessels and individual preferences.
When you think of sunshade on a boat, the first thought that comes to mind is likely the iconic Bimini top. Not only are they classic, but they’re also incredibly durable. Forged with durable materials like stainless steel and aluminum, these tops are designed to provide shade and withstand harsh conditions for the long haul. One of the reasons why Bimini tops are preferred over other options is they’re so easy to install, remove, and customize.
T-tops are often installed near the center console of a boat. Sporting a shape resembling a “T” when viewed from the side, these tops are usually built with strong materials and offer great shade coverage while presenting an opportunity to mount accessories.
Both marine shade fly and canopies can be configured and customized to fit most boats. That includes pontoons, kayaks, and even inflatables. Further, they’re easy to install/remove, which makes them an excellent choice for dealing with different activities and conditions.
For a more permanent cover, hard tops are a comprehensive option. Since they’re integrated into the design of the boat, you don’t have to worry about the hassle of installation or removal. Further, they offer lasting sun protection and can even support additional boat accessories like mounted lights, speakers, and rod holders.
When selecting the perfect shade cover for a boat, consider the following key features to ensure optimal performance and longevity.
Sun protection and durability start with the UV-resistance of the marine fabric. It’s also essential to work with fabrics that are water and mildew-resistant. Lastly, consider low-maintenance frames that can handle tough conditions on the water — this can include stainless steel, aluminum, carbon fiber, and others.
Ease of installation and adjustability are important considerations when adding a top to your boat. Removable options (i.e., Bimini tops and shade extensions) allow boaters to quickly adapt to constantly changing weather conditions. Aesthetics also play a major role in the type of marine shade solution you choose.
Shade is important, but your safety is number one. As such, ensure your solution meets all industry standards and regulations. That can include high-quality support poles that are sturdy and reliable. Adhering to manufacturer guidelines and common safety standards not only keeps you safe, but it also guarantees peace of mind while you’re on the water.
Despite the importance of fabric in shade systems, boat shade poles play a pivotal role. They ensure the top remains in place and can handle harsh marine conditions like high winds, rain, constant sunlight exposure, and more. Some of the most common types of marine shade poles include:
Depending on the manufacturer, these poles are typically made with durable materials like steel, carbon fiber, and fiberglass, each of which is designed to withstand the rigorous demands of marine environments.
Help your customers avoid harsh UV rays while enjoying every second they’re on their boats with adjustable Marine Shade Fly hardware. These high-quality shade poles attach to installed mounts and are easily stowable, making them a must-have for many boaters. Screen, mesh, and shade fabric options for the Marine Shade Fly are wide-ranging, offering hundreds of colors, patterns, openness factors, and weights.
Not only is the Marine Shade Fly durable and UV-resistant, but they’re also specifically designed to endure tough marine conditions. This removable solution provides ample protection from the sun without obstructing visibility or accessibility.
The marine shade experts at Trivantage are here to help you find and select the best boat shade products for your next project — from bestsellers to new products, performance hardware to weather-resistant marine fabric. With Trivantage, you're choosing quality, reliability, and superior sun protection for all your marine adventures. Explore our range of shade solutions and marine fabrics today.
If you’re in Anaheim, California, today for Advanced Textiles Expo 2024, we invite you to visit Trivantage® at Booth #1426 and see for yourself how our marine, shade, and upholstery offerings can help you get the job done.
You certainly won’t want to miss demonstrations of our new Seamstick Taper Tool that makes it easy to apply seam tape to zippers, webbing, and trim. Designed by a fabricator, the tool makes quick work of a seam tape application, providing placement on one or both edges with no bleed over. Demonstrations on the ease and convenience of using this ingenious tool will continue at our booth today, and you will also be able to apply the tape.
The Seamstick Taper Tool works by applying ¼” seam tape to the edges of many different sizes of zippers, webbing, and trim. 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 tool comes with a #10 Tooth tool block, but other sizes are sold separately, including a #8 Tooth, #10 Coil, #5 Zipper, 1.5” Facing/Webbing, and 2.0” Facing/Webbing. Come try it out today!
At Booth #1426, Trivantage will also highlight innovative products and trusted solutions for all project needs in two categories:
We hope to see you today, the final day of AT Expo, at Booth #1426!
