Questions & Answers about Crazing Marks on Sunbrella
What does crazing look like on Sunbrella fabric?
Crazing looks like narrow, light-colored lines, chalk marks, or wrinkles on dark fabrics, and dark or shadowed lines on light-colored fabrics.
(Answered by our BackyardCity.com Experts)
Does crazing mean my new shade sail or shade canopy is defective?
No. Crazing is not a manufacturing defect. It is a natural physical reaction of heavy-duty, marine-grade protective coatings when the stiff fabric is folded or handled during sewing, shipping and/or installation.
(Found & vetted by BackyardCity.com)
Will crazed fabric leak water when it rains?
No. Crazing only changes how light hits the surface of the fabric. The underlying waterproof or water-resistant barriers remain completely functional and effective.
(Found & vetted by BackyardCity.com)
How long does it take for crazing lines to disappear naturally?
It depends on the weather, but most lines fade within a few weeks to a couple of months of regular exposure to direct sunlight, warmth, and rain.
(Found & vetted by BackyardCity.com)
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Crazing Marks and Lines on Awning Shade Fabrics like Sunbrella
Crazing is common in most awning fabrics, like soluction dyed acrylic shade fabric by Sunbrella. It appears as white or light lines, cracks, or smudges on darker fabrics or dark marks on lighter fabrics. It is a temporary, harmless condition caused by folding or creasing the fabric during manufacturing, shipping and/or installation, which fractures the protective finish of the fabric.
Causes of Crazing
- Resin Coating: The manufacturer applies protective resins for stiffness and water repellency.
- Handling & Folding: Sewing, packaging, shipping, tensioning and bending around a frame causes the stiff coating fibers to crack and appears as markings on the fabric.
- Visual Impact: Shows up vividly on new installations, especially when back-lit or in bright sun usually at sharp angles.
Fabric Performance & Removal
- Not Damage: Crazing does not weaken the threads, compromise water resistance, or is covered by any warranties.
- Natural Weathering: Sun and rain exposure naturally relaxes the fibers, making the lines fade and should dissappear completely over time.
- Removal Tips: Many of our customers, over several decades, have reported that light steam misting the marks or careful wiping with hot water can speed up the removal of the marks
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Last Updated: 06/02/2026 02:17 PM - ID:6948