Tips for coated fabrics

Tips for working with coated fabrics in DIY projects: Choosing the right fabric combinations, preventing fraying, protecting coatings, and creating waterproof seams. Practical tips for durable outdoor sewing projects.

In coated fabrics, a coating of polyurethane(PU), silicone, acrylic, TPU, PVC, or similar has been applied to one or both sides. There are various aspects to consider during processing:

• Where possible, coated fabrics should not be doubled with coated fabric over the entire surface, as water can accumulate between the two coatings and is difficult to remove. Partial reinforcement with coated fabrics is generally not a problem.
• The coating prevents the fabric from fraying. However, it should still be processed in such a way that this is not possible (see next point). Ways to prevent this are to hem the fabric, bind it with an edge tape, cut it with a hot cutter, or carefully weld the edges with a flame.
• Any coating can come off due to abrasion, creasing, or aging (therefore, this is not a reason for complaint). The mechanical stress can be reduced by incorporating a lining. Once the coating has come off, it can no longer prevent the fabric from fraying (see previous point).
• On waterproof fabrics, seams should not be fixed with needles if possible to avoid holes.
• If the finished product is to be waterproof, the seams must be sealed. The slightly more viscous Gear Aid Seam Grip + WP is suitable for this purpose, as is the liquid Gear Aid Seam Grip + FC (formerly Seamsure) or a iron-on seam tape work very well. For silicone-coated fabrics, the seams can only be sealed with silicone (e.g. Silnet or Gear Aid Seam Grip + SIL).
• To protect PU or acrylate coatings from abrasion and UV rays, they should generally be applied to the inside, i.e. the left side. The coated side can usually be recognized by its shiny, smoother surface.

Our coated fabrics: