Wujiang Xinhu Textile co.,Ltd.
Sens Outdoor Upholstery Fabric: Performance, Specifications, and Care
11/13/20265 min read
Sens is a soft-touch acrylic upholstery fabric developed for furniture used indoors and outdoors. Its 100% solution-dyed acrylic composition gives it a practical profile for settings where comfortable handling and color retention are important. In solution dyeing, color is incorporated into the acrylic fiber during production rather than applied only to the finished fabric surface. This approach supports resistance to fading caused by sunlight and salt water, although actual performance depends on exposure, installation, and ongoing care.
The fabric can be considered for residential and commercial upholstery, including contract settings where furnishings are used regularly. Its applications also include marine upholstery, cushions, pillows, and umbrellas. These uses make Sens relevant for a range of projects, from home seating and outdoor lounge areas to hospitality or other shared spaces. Suitability should be assessed for the specific environment and construction: the fabric is not inherently waterproof, and its presence alone does not protect furniture from every form of moisture or exposure. Appropriate design, backing, seams, drainage, and maintenance remain important.
Two basic specifications help when planning a project or comparing upholstery fabrics. Sens has a nominal width of 55 inches, with a stated tolerance of ±1%. Its fabric weight is 7.9 ounces per square yard, with a tolerance of ±5%. Width can inform estimates of how much material is required for pattern pieces, cushions, or other upholstered components, while weight offers a reference point for comparison with alternative fabrics. These figures are useful starting points rather than a complete measure of suitability; pattern repeat, cutting layout, cushion dimensions, and construction details can all affect yardage. Confirming the requirements with an upholsterer or supplier before ordering can help reduce waste and ensure the selected fabric suits the intended indoor, outdoor, or marine application.
Sens outdoor upholstery fabric is treated with Infinity, a PFAS-free finish intended to help repel water and dirt while supporting stain resistance and breathability. The treatment can make routine spills and soiling easier to manage, but water repellency should not be mistaken for waterproofing. Published performance data lists a water-column result of 250 mm / 24.5 mbar and a spray-test result of 100 under AATCC 22. These figures describe specific tests; they do not mean the fabric will prevent water from passing through in every exposure or use condition.
The product’s reported characteristics also include resistance to mold and mildew and rot-proof performance. These properties can be useful in outdoor settings, but they do not remove the need for sensible care. Clean fabric as appropriate, address spills and accumulated dirt, and allow upholstery to dry when it becomes wet. Prolonged dampness, trapped moisture, or poor ventilation can still affect furnishings and their surrounding materials, so routine inspection and drying remain important parts of maintenance.
Published abrasion figures require careful comparison. The product page lists 50,000 abrasion cycles but does not identify a test method. By contrast, the June 2024 technical sheet for the Solids & Textured range reports 40,000 Wyzenbeek cycles under ASTM D4157. These are distinct published figures, and their equivalence has not been confirmed; they should not be treated as directly interchangeable or as results from the same test. The technical sheet also reports pilling resistance, along with tensile and tear strengths, providing additional indicators of durability under specified test conditions. Those detailed results apply to the Solids & Textured range, rather than necessarily to every Sens fabric. Unless otherwise stated, listed values generally carry a ±5% tolerance. When assessing suitability, consider the relevant range, test method, expected use, and care requirements together, rather than relying on a single performance number.
Sens outdoor upholstery fabric has reported colorfastness ratings of 4–5 for indoor light exposure under UNE-EN ISO 105 B02:2014 and 7–8 for outdoor exposure under UNE-EN ISO 105 B04:1998. These results indicate strong resistance to fading in the respective tests, with the higher outdoor score reflecting performance under the specified test method. Actual color retention can still vary with installation, climate, orientation, maintenance, and the duration and intensity of exposure. For projects where appearance is critical, review the manufacturer’s test reports and care guidance, and consider how the fabric will be used in its intended setting.
The fabric is reported to pass UV Standard 801 and California flammability test TB 117-2013, and to be classified as UFAC Class I. These designations relate to particular assessment procedures and should not be interpreted as a guarantee of performance in every installation or fire scenario. An AATCC 100-2012 laboratory test reports up to 99.99% reduction in bacterial growth under the laboratory conditions used. This is a test result, not a promise of real-world germ prevention, infection control, or health protection. The outcome does not replace regular cleaning or other appropriate hygiene practices, especially in shared or high-use spaces.
Product information also states compliance with OEKO-TEX Standard 100 and REACH requirements. Because certification coverage and regulatory scope may depend on the specific product, components, and current documentation, buyers should consult the manufacturer’s technical records to confirm what is covered. Sens is described as phthalate-free, recyclable, and made in Europe. It is also presented as pet-friendly, which may suit homes where animals use upholstered furniture. However, that description does not establish resistance to scratching, chewing, stains, or accidents. Pet behavior and cleaning needs vary, so owners should check the care instructions, remove spills promptly, and consider protective measures where appropriate. Taken together, the stated test results and material credentials can inform selection, but should be assessed alongside the intended application and verified product documentation.
Sens outdoor upholstery fabric is described as bleach-friendly, but that label should not be taken as permission to use any bleach concentration or cleaning technique. Cleaning products, dilution, contact time, and application methods can affect fabric appearance and performance. Before treating a stain, consult the manufacturer’s current care instructions and follow the directions for the specific fabric range. Check guidance for routine cleaning as well as stain removal, and use the recommended drying method. This is especially important for upholstery used on boats or in outdoor settings, where salt water, moisture, soil, and frequent exposure may create different care demands. When instructions are unclear, ask the seller or manufacturer before applying a cleaner.
The manufacturer provides a five-year warranty, subject to its terms, conditions, and exclusions. Review the warranty documentation before purchase so you understand what is covered, how a claim must be made, and which uses or forms of damage may be excluded. For project planning, the listed specifications are a 55-inch fabric width, a weight of 7.9 ounces per square yard, and a roll length of 65.6 yards. These details can help estimate material requirements, but usable yield may depend on pattern matching, seam allowances, cutting layout, and the dimensions of the upholstery project. Confirm current availability, pricing, and specifications with the seller, since product details or stock may change.
Before ordering, check that the fabric suits its intended indoor or outdoor use and the expected exposure to sunlight and salt water. Consider whether the available color and texture meet the design brief, and whether the cleaning requirements are practical for the setting. Verify any flammability standards that apply to the project, particularly for commercial, marine, or regulated environments. Finally, confirm that the technical data and care instructions you are relying on correspond to the specific fabric range and color being purchased. A brief review of these points can help prevent mismatches between the selected material, its care needs, and the demands of the finished upholstery.