“Marine” and “upholstery” describe different jobs, and they can overlap. A boat may use marine shade fabric for a Bimini or cover and marine upholstery fabric for seats and cushions. Choose the exact line by application.
| Fabric route | Typical application | What to verify |
|---|---|---|
| Marine shade or canvas | Bimini tops, dodgers, sail covers, cockpit covers, and exterior shade | Width, water repellency, breathability, UV exposure, seam plan, and any backing |
| Marine upholstery | Boat seating, cushions, berth covers, sunpads, and decorative upholstery | Hand, abrasion, cleanability, moisture exposure, and cushion construction |
| Interior or indoor/outdoor upholstery | Furniture, cushions, drapery, and mixed indoor/outdoor settings | Product-line care, hand, pattern repeat, and intended environment |
| Specialized marine barrier fabric | Projects requiring a specified barrier or backing | The exact product specification; do not infer waterproofing from the Sunbrella® name |
Marine canvas is not the same as seating fabric
Sunbrella describes marine canvas for shade and cover applications, while its marine upholstery lines emphasize comfort, cleanability, and performance on seating. Specialized lines such as Sunbrella Plus® or Seamark® address different barrier requirements. These names are specifications, not interchangeable color labels.
Start with the application
- Decide whether the fabric will carry tension as a cover, wrap a cushion, or finish an interior surface.
- Identify sun, salt, rain, abrasion, and cleaning exposure.
- Confirm the exact product code, width, finish, and care instructions.
- Plan seams, ventilation, backing, and hardware as part of the complete system.
Browse the Sunbrella® fabrics listed by NY Tarp, read Is Sunbrella® waterproof?, or use the boat-cover material guide.
Primary sources
Sunbrella marine fabric selection guide and Sunbrella Marine Upholstery overview.