Understand the fabric

Materials and testing, explained.

Learn what fabric labels mean: what it is made of, how much light gets through and how it was tested.

What to look for

Five things to know about a fabric.

Each fabric has its own tests. A result for one solar fabric does not apply to a blackout fabric.

Material

Composition

What the fabric is made of, like polyester or a coated screen.

Light

Opacity or openness

Whether the fabric softens light, blocks it or is a screen with a set openness, like 3%.

Durability

Lightfastness

How well the color holds up in the sun. A lab test gives it a grade.

Safety

Fire status

Whether the fabric passed a fire test, or is not fire-rated.

Traceability

Test report

The report or certificate number, the fabric it covers and a link to check it, if there is one.

Reading a test report

Four things to check

  1. 01
    Who issued it?

    Look for the lab or group named on the report.

  2. 02
    Match the fabric.

    Make sure the report names the same fabric you are buying.

  3. 03
    Check that it is current.

    Look at the dates, the report number, the test used and anything it leaves out.

  4. 04
    One fabric at a time.

    A result for one fabric does not cover every fabric from the same maker.

Common labels

Badges that look alike can mean different things.

OEKO-TEX Standard 100
A label for fabrics tested for harmful substances. The certificate must name the exact fabric.
UL GREENGUARD
A label for products with low chemical emissions. Check that the public listing names the product.
NFPA 701
A fire test for some fabrics and films. Blackout does not mean a fabric passed a fire test.
ISO 105 B02
A test for how well color holds up in light. The grade is for the tested fabric only, not a whole collection.

Straight answers

Materials and testing FAQ

Are all shade fabrics certified the same way?

No. Each fabric is made and tested in its own way. Check the details for the fabric you want.

Does blackout mean flame-retardant?

No. Blackout is about blocking light. Fire safety needs its own test for that fabric.

What does openness mean in a solar shade fabric?

Openness is about how much open space is in the weave. A lower number means less glare and less view. A higher number means more view. Each fabric is a little different.

What should I look for in a certification?

Look for the standard, certificate number and fabric covered. A link to the issuing body can help you check the details.