How are your fabrics sold?
Our fabrics are sold by the linear yard (36 inches X width of fabric roll) with a minimum order of one yard. Fabric can be purchased in one yard increments.

How do you send out samples?
Fabric samples are sent out via USPS mail from California. Most sample orders are processed and sent within 48 hours of purchase.

Is your inventory updated on a regular basis?
Yes, our inventory is regularly updated. New fabrics added to our catalog and discontinued fabrics removed from our catalog.

Where do you ship the fabric from?
All fabric is shipped directly from our Los Angeles, California location.

How wide are Sunbrella fabrics?
Furniture grade Sunbrella fabrics are 54 inches wide. All patterns and prints in our furniture fabrics section are also 54” wide. Awning and Marine grade Sunbrella fabrics are 46 inches wide although many of the solid color Awning and Marine grade fabrics are also available in 60 inch widths. You can view the specifications for Sunbrella fabrics by navigating to the Specifications page of our web site.

Are Sunbrella fabrics waterproof?
Sunbrella fabrics are NOT waterproof, they are water repellant. A water repellant finish is applied to Sunbrella fabrics during the finishing process. Normal use, wear and cleaning will naturally reduce the effectiveness of the water repellant finish.

Are the printed fabrics also Sunbrella?
No, the printed fabrics in the “prints” sections of our website are screen printed with uv resistant, weather resistant and fade resistant dyes on Acrylic or Polyester base cloths. Printed fabrics carry a one year warranty against mildew and fade.

Are printed fabrics suitable for outdoor use?
Yes, all the printed fabrics on our website are suitable for outdoor use.

What is the difference between Awning/Marine fabrics and Furniture fabrics?
Awning and Marine grade fabrics are heavier (9.25 ounces per sq. yard) and have a tighter weave than furniture grade Sunbrella fabrics (8.0 ounces per sq. yard). Awning and Marine grade fabrics are much stiffer than Furniture grade fabric which makes them ideal for use on canopies, awnings and covers and carry a 5 year warranty against mildew and fade. By contrast, the furniture grade sunbrella fabrics are much softer which makes them ideal for use on cushions, drapes, umbrellas, and curtains. Furniture grade fabrics carry a 3 year warranty against mildew and fade.

Are Awning or Marine grade fabrics suitable for cushions?
While it is not recommended, Awning and Marine grade fabrics can be used to manufacture cushions. However, there are several issues that make the fabric undesirable for producing cushions with. These include "crazing" which is caused by folding or creasing the fabric and appears as thin white lines on the fabric. Another concern is scuffing which appears as white marks on the fabric and occurs when objects distort the fibers of the fabric when they scuff the surface. These issues are caused by a resin that is applied to Sunbrella fabrics during the final finishing in order to increase the stiffness of the fabrics. While this stiffness causes the fabric to be much easier to sew, it also increases the fabric's tendancy to be affected by scuffing and crazing when the surface is disturbed.

What fabrics can be used as slings on sling furniture?
The most suitable fabric for use in slinging applications is "mesh fabrics" which are ideal slinging materials due to their open weave.

What are mesh fabrics?
Mesh fabrics are vinly coated acrylics which are commonly used as slings on sling furniture as well shading applications such as umbrellas and sunshades. Mesh fabrics have a shade factor of approximately 80%.

Do you have a catalog?
ExpressFabrics.com doesn not have a mail-out catalog. Our website is our catalog and is updated on a regular basis with new fabrics while discontinued fabrics are removed.

Is your website secure?
Yes. Our web site is secured with a 128 bit SSL certificate issued by Network Solutions.