Vinyl and acrylic are the two fabrics you'll find on most RV awnings, and choosing between them is the biggest decision when selecting RV replacement fabric. Each is built differently and behaves differently in rain, sun and on the road. Here's a side-by-side look at how the two differ.
Acrylic is a woven, breathable cloth: air moves through it, it dries quickly, and it's water-resistant rather than waterproof. Because it's woven, it usually needs a metal wrap to protect it when rolled up for travel, and some manufacturers require one. Vinyl is a coated, solid sheet: waterproof, UV-resistant and wipe-clean, so it doesn't need a metal wrap on the road. The tradeoff is that vinyl doesn't breathe, so it can feel warmer underneath.
18 oz
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Vinyl vs. Acrylic at a Glance
| Feature | Tough Top 18 oz Vinyl | Woven Acrylic |
|---|---|---|
| What it is | Solid-color coated vinyl over a clear scrim, same color top and bottom | Solution-dyed acrylic fibers woven into a cloth, like boat canvas, then covered with a coating |
| Rain | Waterproof. Water can't soak through. | Water-resistant, not waterproof. Touching the underside when wet can start a drip, and heavy rain can seep through. |
| Heat & shade | Blocks virtually all sun and UV for deep shade; non-breathable, so it can trap heat underneath on hot days | Breathable, so air moves through and it stays cooler underneath |
| Sun & UV | UV-resistant vinyl built to hold up to long days of direct sun | Holds up in sun; color is dyed into the fiber, so it resists fading |
| Rolling up wet | Unroll and let it dry as soon as you can. Mildew can grow on dirt left on the surface, but it cleans easily. | Breathable fabric dries quickly and resists mildew better if rolled up damp, though you should still dry it out as soon as possible |
| Cleaning | Smooth surface wipes or brushes clean with soap and water | Woven surface; clean gently with a soft brush, since hard scrubbing can strip its water-repellent finish |
| Road protection | Travels rolled up without a metal wrap | Patio awnings typically need a metal wrap (weatherguard) to protect the fabric when closed |
| Weight | Heavier. Our 18 oz fabric isn't rated for some lightweight awning hardware. | Lighter weight |
| Colors | 8 solid colors | Wide range of solids and stripes; color is woven through the fiber and resists fading |
| Cost | Generally lower cost. Ours: slide toppers from $169.95, patio awnings from $309.95, shipped free.Example prices: 66" slide topper and 14'6" patio awning | Generally higher cost; patio awnings may also need a metal wrap if one isn't already installed |
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Where Each Fabric Fits
Vinyl is often chosen by RVers who...
- Want a fully waterproof cover over their outdoor space
- Want UV-resistant fabric that holds up to full sun
- Park under trees and want a surface that wipes clean of sap, leaves, and bird droppings
- Want a slide topper that sheds water and debris
- Don't have a metal wrap, so the rolled-up fabric stays exposed to the elements
Acrylic is often chosen by RVers who...
- Want a breathable fabric, and don't mind that it isn't fully waterproof
- Prefer the look of woven, canvas-style fabric
- Are after a specific color, and are willing to do more upkeep to keep it clean and mildew-free
Why Tough Top Awnings Uses Vinyl
Most RVs come with lightweight OEM vinyl or acrylic awnings. We focus on the best material we could find for long-term outdoor use: 18 oz waterproof, UV- and mildew-resistant solid vinyl, double-stitched with marine-grade thread. It fits most hardware and can be used on all slide-out toppers, over-the-door and window awnings. A few patio awnings aren't rated for its weight, and we note those on our buying pages.
We make every awning ourselves in Washington State, custom-cut to your exact measurements, and ship it straight from our shop to you. No middleman and no overseas factory, and when you call, you're talking to the people who make your awning.
Switching from acrylic or not sure your awning can take 18 oz vinyl? Call us at 360.953.3299 before ordering. We'd rather help you get the right fabric the first time.
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