Frequently Asked Questions:

How quickly can Umbrella Source deliver?
Orders placed September-March will typically ship within 2-3 weeks, while orders placed April-August may take up to 4-6 weeks. Large quantity jobs (100+) that require printing and/or graphic design take up to 4-6 weeks minimum during our peak season (April-July).

Rush delivery is available upon request for an additional fee.

Most of our outdoor umbrellas ship via FedEx Ground. Express Service is also available. We deliver to Hawaii, Canada, Mexico and the Caribbean.

Why acrylic fabric?
Umbrella Source primarily uses Sunbrella® solution-dyed acrylic fabrics because they are designed for easy maintenance and many years of use. Solution-dying is the process of adding color to acrylic fibers during manufacturing while they are in a liquid state. This characteristic of acrylic fabrics is the key to locking in color, easy cleaning and long life. For this reason, acrylic fabric offers incredible resistance to stains, weather and wear in any application.

Awning grade acrylic fabric carries a 10-year warranty against loss of color and strength.

Furniture grade acrylic fabric carries a 5-year warranty against loss of color and strength.

Is Sunbrella® fabric waterproof?
Sunbrella fabric is not waterproof, but it is water repellent. This means that during the finishing process, a water-repellent finish is applied to the fabric. Normal wear and usage will reduce the effectiveness of this finish, as will cleaning the fabric.

We suggest that after Sunbrella® fabrics are cleaned, and if they remain exposed to the elements constantly, that you re-treat your Sunbrella® fabrics with a water-repellent treatment such as 303 High Tech Fabric Guard™, which can be purchased online or at local awning and marine shops.

Will Sunbrella® fabric mildew?
Sunbrella® fabrics, if kept clean, will not mildew. An inherent characteristic of acrylic fiber is that it will not support the growth of mildew as a natural fiber will. Mildew will and can grow on any surface that is dirty, so to keep your Sunbrella® fabrics from mildewing, you must keep your fabrics clean.

Can I hose down Sunbrella® fabric?
One of the best ways to keep Sunbrella® fabrics looking good and delay the need for deep or vigorous cleaning is to hose fabrics off on a monthly basis with clear water. This practice will help prevent dirt from becoming deeply embedded in the fabrics and eliminate the need for more frequent vigorous cleanings. In most environments, a thorough cleaning will be needed every two to three years. Always remember to allow the fabrics to air dry after hosing it down.

Do your fabrics dry quickly?
Because Sunbrella fabrics are woven, they are also highly breathable, which is why they dry quickly with only air exposure. It's also important to know that Sunbrella fabrics are treated with a fluorocarbon finish, which enhances water repellency. This finish requires replenishment after vigorous cleaning.

How often do I need to thoroughly clean the fabric?
In most environments, a thorough cleaning will be needed every two to three years.

How can I clean bird droppings off my umbrella cover?
For those stains that are beyond our normal care and cleaning instructions, such as bird droppings, roof run-off, acid rain, pollution, rust, tree sap, insect stains, etc., we suggest the following products: An off-the-shelf product such as Goo Gone Grease Cutter (hand cleaner), Greased Lightning, Clean Rite Purple Power (available at most discount retailers) or Release (available through Awning Rejuvenation Systems International in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida 1.800.776.5664). Rub the product into the fabric to allow penetration. Brush the fabric with a soft brush, rinse THOROUGHLY and repeat if necessary.

In your cleaning instructions, you use the term "mild or natural soap." What is "mild or natural soap?"
By "natural soap" we mean Ivory Snow, Dreft or Woolite. These gentle soaps rinse out easily and will not diminish the water-repellent "finish" applied to the fabric.

Regular laundry detergent will not harm the fabric, but the water-repellent "finish" will wear off sooner. (Laundry detergent does not affect the stain and UV resistance.) Be SURE to use cold water and allow the fabric to air dry when using laundry detergent. In addition, after several cleanings you will need to re-treat the fabric with a water-repellent product, such as 303 High Tech Fabric Guard.

Do Sunbrella® fabrics provide UV protection?
Sunbrella fabrics have been tested and proven to provide up to 98 percent UV protection from the harmful effects of the sun. Whites and lighter colored fabrics provide less protection than darker fabrics, which have more depth of color. This protective factor is inherent to the product and will not be reduced by usage and/or fabric exposure to the sun.

How does Sunbrella lock in color?
Sunbrella fabrics are made from 100 percent solution-dyed acrylic yarns. Solution-dying is the process of adding color to acrylic fibers during manufacturing while they are in a liquid state. This characteristic of Sunbrella fabrics is the key to locking in color, easy cleaning and long life.

How can I order samples of Sunbrella® fabrics?
You can order samples of our fabric by viewing the Fabric Details while in the Fabric Selection Tool. From there you can add swatches to your cart as you view each fabric individually. Your samples will ship within two (2) business days via USPS First Class Mail.

While we try to stock all samples, we cannot guarantee that all fabrics will have samples available. We will notify you if there are any delays in your sample order.